First and foremost, let’s get something perfectly clear before we go another further with this editorial. The names and claims referred to in the following text aren’t about a particular Black leader or their deeds per se. Instead, it’s African American News & Issues’ attempt to objectively present a real life example of how Black and proud people can come together to benefit their community. Need we also explain where African Americans are coming from when “WE” say, “We have to stop blaming the White man for keeping us down and start doing things for ourselves?”
We Must Understand, that there’s always two sides to every story. Yet, “WE” all too often forget the flip side and/or ignore the story behind the story. Therefore we do ourselves a disservice when we generalize that, “We’re our own worse enemy,” without bothering to look at the flip side of the coin (considering the descendent of African slave’s plight in a racist nation that controls the toss), insofar as America has historically scammed us with double-headed coins that are guaranteed to always fall on the side that benefits the system. Translation: African Americans appear to be their own problem only because the system has a problem with African Americans. Consequently, until we realize that historical fact, we’re always be divided confused.
Black perspectives aside, we must dispel the notion that our ‘hoods are underserved due to lack of effective leadership, or a failure to grasp the true concept of community empowerment. Unfortunately, far too many African Americans (consciously, or unconsciously) believe that White is always right. And that fact is validated when one drives through Black neighborhoods filled with elaborate churches that were built by White contractors, with Black people’s tithes and offerings. The pastors usually testify, “We would’ve liked to financed it at a Black bank, but…. We would’ve like to use a Black general contractor, but…. We would have like to have hired more people from our own community (That have the highest unemployment rate in the city), but…. But… but is a misconception at best and a lie in the worse cases.
But don’t take our word for it. Instead drive pass Malonson Company Inc.’s business complex (6100 Wheatley @ DeSota) and you’ll see the newly erected Acres Home Center for Business & Economic Development Beulah Ann Shepard Building. It not only stands as a monument for a great community leader, but as an example of what Black and proud people can do when they are dedicated to practicing what they preach. The building was built on Black owned land, by mostly Black hands. In addition, the project was conceived in Black people’s minds. As a result, 80% of the $1.2 project went to minority contractors. Even better, 67% of the sub contractors were Black and 40% of the money never left the community. It wasn’t easy but it can be done.
We Must Understand, that you have to prime the pump to get the water, therefore we must confess that the Acres Home Citizens Chamber of Commerce had a unique situation. Its chairman (& wife, Shirley Ann Malonson) got the ball rolling by donating the land for the structure. Even more important, Malonson Company Inc. removed any hint of impropriety and empowered another general contractor (JM & P Contractors) and volunteered its 40 years of expertise as an unpaid consultant. Jim Ganious, of JM & P Construction, then proceeded to take bids for sub-contractors. Stop! Here’s where projects in the Black community usual meets the litmus test that often leads to allowing White contractors to get fat off of Black projects. At this point Black on Black distrust becomes disrespect.
No, not every Black sub-contractor worked out. Even so, instead of summarily replacing them with White contractors, the Chamber was committed to using qualified minority contractors. Malonson Company Inc.’s forty years of experience was crucial, insofar as they knew how to fix whatever was broken and salvage minority contractors. In short, Black contractors were given the same opportunity to make and correct their mistakes (as Black people have historically given White businesses, although they flatly refuse to deal with another Black company after one bad experience), at the behest of Malonson Company, Inc. Race card aside, when given a level playing field, Black businesses usually can hold their own in most areas, therefore only Binswanger Glass and Universal Sheetmetal were the only White contractors contributing to the project.
Meanwhile, Robert Gadison (Tel Pro Communication); Pat Austin (Aus-Tex Electric); Joe Henderson (Henderson’s Construction); James Galvin, III (JG Plumbing); Eugene Kimble (S & S Construction); Victor Washington (Washington & Sons); Paul York (York & York); Alfred Savoy (Dirt Works Unlimited); Rudy Jasso (Stakeout) and Joel Reyna (Impact Stone Design) made the minority cut. In summary, the Chamber parlayed land from Malonson Company, Inc, and a grant from Houston Endowment to qualify for community development block grants (from the City of Houston Housing & Community Development and Harris County Community & Economic Development Department), to empower their community. Ideally, that’s the kind of information you’ll be able to find at the Acres Home Center for Business & Economic Development.
Black power side, there is two very important elements of this story behind the story that anyone wishing to follow the Chamber’s example should understand. Above all, if Black people really want to keep it Black, they must have Black philanthropist who’re dedicated to making their community better. They must also realize that our tax dollars belong to us. Nonetheless, we can’t demand it unless we do our part to provide viable vehicles that governments can use to return our tax dollars back to our community. Secondly, we must become political astute enough to grasp the universal concept that nothing from nothing is nothing.