PUBLISHER'S PEACE

Where Are Black Donors?

I'm so tired of expressing this issue of where are the black investors, or the term used in politics, donors? I read periodical after periodical, and within the pages of industry printed materials or be it online, the discussion of who are the major donors to political campaigns and investors in businesses or even educational institutions; there seems to be nothing but white faces, names and organizations. There's never a black presence, at least for others to see. Maybe they are hiding behind doors, afraid to be recognized for giving to everyone but their own. All I know is that they're absent in communities where I live, work and play.

Let me be open and real, I know a few who stand tall amongst the low cut grass. And these few colored men of wealth and influence have supported many political candidates and have infused capital in several community groups, activists and businesses. So to them, the hood thanks you. But they're the few who've committed their resources to the community. The chosen ones who love their hood.

There are so many who continue to ignore where they've come from. They stand silent. The only time I see them is at events, like recently when Chicago's Mayor paraded them out for the world to see during one of his many press junkets to highlight his few accomplishments; as he prepares for re-election. Yep, go to Youtube and you can see who I'm referring too. They are front and center, standing silent and zombie like, but they're there - giving the mayor their endorsements and donations. (Politics as usual)

These publications I subscribe to highlight the new and old faces of respected white and (others) businessmen and women who continue to give. They're sitting around chatting about who they're going to give money too, for what reasons, and what political races and parties. They also discuss their business interests and which start-up companies they're going to invest in. Rather they like the product, goods or services, or they like the position and or personality and style of the up-start hustler. One thing's for sure - they give.

And once they've decided on not one, but multiple selections to invest in or donate to, they then decide how much. The one thing that is clear when they come up with a dollar amount - that there is always more where that came from. So be diligent, patient, and make it work.

I find this amazing. And I must admit, I'm always either jealous or envious each time I read stories like this. Since I'm a serial reader, and observer of TV programs like Bloomberg News, I stay either jealous or envious. Because it's the norm in their communities! I wonder why my community don't function at this high-level capacity. Even if the loot is not as richly flowing through my hood, they're still individuals who quietly have cash on hand. They just decide not to share with their communities.

People, this is why I continue to push the issue of building wealth in the black community. If we have an abundance of riches and a lot of people living wealthy lifestyles, it greater our options of who to tap for cash in times of need. And it doesn't mean that you are begging for hand-outs. This means that you want to utilize hood money to generate more money for the hood.

The other side have people lining up asking or negotiating disbursement of cash to invest or donate to causes or products that will only help their community flourish and progress. So therefore, we can't be afraid to beg or ask. Furthermore, the people with loot can't be scared of giving.

I use the model of the old dude in front of the post office on 77th and Cottage; he constantly begs for spare change each day, with no remorse. But he will ask and ask. And sometimes he even gets me to place some spare change into his rustic hands. I become a black donor. Peace and One Love.

I Write to Differ...