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| African-Americans must re-learn to do more with less |
| On June 15, 2002 you will be afforded an
opportunity to experience the virtual reality of time travel, insofar as the Acres Home
Chamber of Commerce and Center for Business & Economic Development will present
it’s 10th Annual Juneteenth Zydeco & Blues Festival 2002 on the grounds of
Malonson Company, Inc., 6130 Wheatley, from 2-8 p.m. As usual, the annual celebration that
has become a mainstay in the northwest Houston community will mix entertainment with
economic networking. But, ultimately, the huge crowd that shows up to enjoy the merriment creates the same surreal atmosphere that surely prevailed on June 19, 1865 when ex-slaves shouted, “Free at last, free at last. Great God Almighty, we’re free at last.” And every effort has been made to make sure that revelers enjoy themselves to the fullest, when they gather under the big tent to dance to the music of J. Paul Jr. & The Zydeco Nu-Breedz; Joe “Guitar” Hughes & The Blues Band; Nooney & The Zydeco Floaters and enjoy great food that will go well along with the fun and games designed to gratify people of all ages. “Laissez bon temps roulez” notwithstanding, there will be a whole lot of business going on as well. The host organizations have worked hard to attract a record number of vendors that definitely add to the festival’s bustling atmosphere. In the past, it hasn’t been widely noted, but the Juneteenth Festival has become somewhat of reunion event, inasmuch as old classmates, teachers and people who haven’t seen each other for years are likely to bump into each other during the day-long event, that also affords politicians and public servants a chance to meet and greet people in a very casual sitting. Visiting law enforcement agencies and fire departments have become a regular part of the festival’s activities, that ideally affords business-networking opportunities. Surely, one should quickly realize that networking is especially advantageous to new entrepreneurs establishing themselves in or near the community. However, amidst the fun and games, or even the business networking, the annual Juneteenth Festival has become an ideal barometer to determine the “State of Black America,” insofar as a survey of corporate sponsorship and small business exhibitors speaks volumes about the wealth and/or health of our economy. Needless to say, much has changed since our first annual Juneteenth Festival that attracted many corporate sponsors who no longer exist. Corporate mergers and downsizing has had a tremendous impact on organizations that serve the community, mainly because many of the people that the Chamber had developed very amiable and mutually beneficial relationships with, are now gone. In essence, the state of our festival is a perfect message to Black America, due to the fact that we realize that in the face of an economic downturn, which is being called a recession—that was exacerbated by 9/11—we simply had to find clever ways to allow us to do more with less. History certainly records that we did it before, now we must re-learn to do it again. It shouldn’t take rocket science intelligence to figure out that when there are double-digit unemployment rates among African-Americans throughout the nation, we have a major problem. If we don’t work, our community can’t work. And our major problem is that we are no longer considered the super consumers we once were. Need we remind you that when you’ve got money, you’ve got lots of friends? Unfortunately, far too many of our national leaders are out of touch with grassroots Black America and continue to threaten business with economic boycotts. For instance, we recall Rev. Jesse Jackson’s “Rainbow Imperative,” that was published in a 1994 edition of the Advertising Age Magazine. Jackson said, “The next civil rights frontier demands respect for minorities as consumers.” In 1994, when Black America was flush (on high paying jobs and flourishing business opportunities), we could say “Right on Jesse!” Nevertheless, in less than a decade, affirmative action demands and threats of economic boycotts have become a political albatross around Black Americans’ economic necks. It seems that angry White males, who openly declared that they’re dedicated to keeping Black folks in their place, have made a concerted effort to disarm us economically. Double digit unemployment among Black consumers, lessens our value to corporate America. Voter apathy and political immaturity among our people, who failed to heed African-American News&Issues’ persistent warning to fight any and all efforts to privatize public services—is at the root of our present dilemma. Historically, public jobs were African-Americans’ savior. Ironically, African-Americans’ leadership virtually ignored the privatizing of public services (our bread and butter jobs), corporate mergers and just plain displacement of African-Americans in the job market and today, “the Chickens have come home to roost.” Ergo, that’s the State of Black America as we approach 2003, bemoaning the fact that we’re still the last hired and the first fired. Then again, there is light at the end of the tunnel. There are many people of good consciences in corporate America who believe in reciprocity and fair share economics. Thus, it’s incumbent upon Black America to identify them and embrace them as allies who deserve our support. Conversely, friends of the Black community aren’t hard to find. In fact, you only have to check the Chamber’s list of corporate sponsors to determine which businesses respect the Black community and appreciate Blacks’ support support. At the top of the list is H.E.B. Pantry Foods, which has forged a sincere relationship with the Black community. So much so, until Quannel X, the fiery leader of the New Black Panthers Party took it upon himself to visit with--- and personally thank the company for what they have already done and are planning to do in our community. Praise of H.E.B. certainly doesn’t suggest that they aren’t just as appreciative of their other sponsors that include: TXU Energy, North Harris College, Compass Bank, Bank One, Houston Distributors, Continental Airlines, Union Planters Bank, Vociestream Wireless, Triumph Hospital, Reliant Energy, Malonson Company, Inc. and Houston Coca Cola. Minister X stated, “We are always getting on White people for what they are doing wrong; we want to commend H.E.B. for what they are doing right in the community, especially over at the store on O.S.T.” Finally, as we conclude the State of Black America report on Juneteenth 2002, it is incumbent upon us to rededicate ourselves to supporting those who respect and support us. Meanwhile, please accept the AHCCC & AHCBED’s invitation to its 10th Annual Juneteenth Zydeco & Blues Festival 2002 and have a great time. For more information and directions call Sharon Johnson 713/692-7003. |
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