2010 Black Hour Community Form Series "History of Black Economic Empowerment"
By Terez McCall
Oakland has long been a mecca for black enterprise, a place where African American businesses and communities have flourished. This tradition is still celebrated and carried on in the heart of Oakland's Black business districts. "The History of Black Economic Empowerment" was this year's theme for Black History Month, and five community members were invited to Laney College for a panel discussion on the subject.
The event was facilitated by Professor Tamika Brown, Chair of the Ethnic Studies Department and an entrepreneur herself. It was moderated by Laney student Reginald James, Tower staff reporter and host of the Black Hour Radio show. The theme was expanded to address details of our economic past, analysis of the present and projections for our future.
Participants included Michael Carter (Chairman of Black Wall Street Merchant's Association), Marcel Diallo (Black Dot Café owner), James Moore (executive producer of the Kwanzaa/ Christmas Gift Show), Retha Robinson (San Francisco Foundation director), and Geoffrey Pete (owner of Geoffrey's Inner Circle).
After panelists introduced themselves briefly, they responded to several prompts and opened it up for questions from the audience. A constant refrain of collectivity, responsibility, and cooperation was repeated throughout the discussion, while positive comparisons were made to Oakland's golden days in the 60's and 70's when Black businesses were thriving and communities were stronger despite many challenges.
One question brought to the table early on was the economic impact of slavery and its relevance to the present. What might have been had the economic development of Africa not been derailed? Moore shared the idea that the already impressive progress would have continued, contributing greatly to the world in stark contrast to the present situation.
There was also discussion of the illusion of class as being a barrier to working together in the Black community. As Diallo put it, many of us are essentially a paycheck or two away from disaster, and should not look down on others with suspicion. Unifying for common purpose is much more important than petty differences, and is necessary.
A point that stood out about black economic development was the inclusion of spiritual values. It is a more holistic approach than the typical market model, not simply looking toward profits but understanding the interdependent nature of things. Ultimately it's in our best interest to work collectively toward the greater good if our success is to be meaningful.
A significant difference about economic empowerment in the black community is the emphasis on the future generation. Instead of looking to strike it rich with no regard for fellow man woman and child, there is a strong sense of responsibility and leaving a legacy worth following. As Carter stated, "We don't do anything just for ourselves, but for those who come after us and their children and so on." Robinson echoed this sentiment, sharing the Shirley Chisholm quote that "service is our rent" and finding ways to give back is essential.
A message of encouragement was imparted as the conversation drew to a close. The panelists applauded the pursuit of higher education, emphasizing the influence and opportunity young people have to truly make a difference. In the end, as Pete stressed, no matter the challenges, the only one who can stop us is-ourselves.
Photos by Reginald James for The Black Hour.
By Terez McCall
Oakland has long been a mecca for black enterprise, a place where African American businesses and communities have flourished. This tradition is still celebrated and carried on in the heart of Oakland's Black business districts. "The History of Black Economic Empowerment" was this year's theme for Black History Month, and five community members were invited to Laney College for a panel discussion on the subject.
The event was facilitated by Professor Tamika Brown, Chair of the Ethnic Studies Department and an entrepreneur herself. It was moderated by Laney student Reginald James, Tower staff reporter and host of the Black Hour Radio show. The theme was expanded to address details of our economic past, analysis of the present and projections for our future.
Participants included Michael Carter (Chairman of Black Wall Street Merchant's Association), Marcel Diallo (Black Dot Café owner), James Moore (executive producer of the Kwanzaa/ Christmas Gift Show), Retha Robinson (San Francisco Foundation director), and Geoffrey Pete (owner of Geoffrey's Inner Circle).
After panelists introduced themselves briefly, they responded to several prompts and opened it up for questions from the audience. A constant refrain of collectivity, responsibility, and cooperation was repeated throughout the discussion, while positive comparisons were made to Oakland's golden days in the 60's and 70's when Black businesses were thriving and communities were stronger despite many challenges.
One question brought to the table early on was the economic impact of slavery and its relevance to the present. What might have been had the economic development of Africa not been derailed? Moore shared the idea that the already impressive progress would have continued, contributing greatly to the world in stark contrast to the present situation.
There was also discussion of the illusion of class as being a barrier to working together in the Black community. As Diallo put it, many of us are essentially a paycheck or two away from disaster, and should not look down on others with suspicion. Unifying for common purpose is much more important than petty differences, and is necessary.
A point that stood out about black economic development was the inclusion of spiritual values. It is a more holistic approach than the typical market model, not simply looking toward profits but understanding the interdependent nature of things. Ultimately it's in our best interest to work collectively toward the greater good if our success is to be meaningful.
A significant difference about economic empowerment in the black community is the emphasis on the future generation. Instead of looking to strike it rich with no regard for fellow man woman and child, there is a strong sense of responsibility and leaving a legacy worth following. As Carter stated, "We don't do anything just for ourselves, but for those who come after us and their children and so on." Robinson echoed this sentiment, sharing the Shirley Chisholm quote that "service is our rent" and finding ways to give back is essential.
A message of encouragement was imparted as the conversation drew to a close. The panelists applauded the pursuit of higher education, emphasizing the influence and opportunity young people have to truly make a difference. In the end, as Pete stressed, no matter the challenges, the only one who can stop us is-ourselves.
Photos by Reginald James for The Black Hour.
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