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...

PUBLISHER'S PEACE

McDonald's Must Step Up!

This is an open letter to my man Mr. Don Thompson, CEO of McDonald's, the leading fast food franchise in the nation. This company is one that's 'too big to fail.' And that's not a bad thing. What that means is that McDonald's has gotten it right for so long; satisfying tens of billions of customers around the globe since their start decades ago. So they will always have a place in America's heart and history. But things are changing and they most also change. The world is getting bigger and the options for simple, quick and good eats are expanding.

Mr. Thompson, I want to advise you on what I think your celebrated franchise should do, immediately, to save face and hopefully get the Golden Arches back on its game. Take these Works of Words to your stockholders and convince them to act, NOW!

First, before I go any further, let me openly and honestly say that I love McDonald's. I've been eating Big Macs all my life, since I can remember. When my family went on road trips to Mississippi multiple times per year, it was the only thing I wanted to eat. When we made rest stops, there had better be a McDonald's, because I would not eat anything else - and complain until we found that shiny M.

Secondly, Black McDonald's Owner Association (BMOA) is a great client of mine. It was the first company I reached out to support me when I started my business over 12 years ago. Why? Because as I mentioned above, I love McDonald's, and figured since I spent lots of money with them over my life span, thus far, why not try to get some of it back.

Not to mention that it took five years to get them to partner with me. And when the late Cirilo McSween, who was the biggest McDonald's operator in Chicago, expressed an interest in me before his untimely death, it was the start of a great relationship with him and the brand. He's a man I'll never forget.

OK, now back to business. Again, my man Don: you have to take the lead on this issue of raising the minimum wage. Here is why I'm saying that at this time my brother. For three consecutive days this week on Bloomberg News TV, McDonald's has been the running joke of some commentators and guests. They each, for the most part expressed their personal interest in the brand; either they're investors, or like me, long time satisfied consumers of the menu choices. And these were renowned analysis, so their view points count, especially on such a major media outlet.

So after hearing them discuss some of the errors or faults of not only McDonald's, but most of the fast food players in today's market place, who's seeing a decline in walk-ins - it hit me what you and the decision makers must do to stop the bleeding.

Since McDonald's is the number one fast food company, it's imperative that you and the brand take the lead on this very sensitive matter. And with McDonald's as the leader in the game, it's only natural that when this debate about wages comes up, McD and its business practices leads the discussion. So since McDonald's leads the discussion, as well as the target for protesters, why not change the narrative and take the lead like leaders do? Make the change and keep the attention on the brand, but for the right reason.

Don, I want to see you win. You are one of a few black CEOs running a major company in America. Plus you from the Chi. You good people. So STEP out front, raise McDonald's minimum wage. It don't have to be what's suggested, but raise it. Meet in the middle or give the workers 75% of what they've requested. Make headlines. Don't wait. Make a call that shocks the world. Show people what leadership really means. Make history!

And bro., when the smoke clears, you and McDonald's will be champions of the common laborer and your customers will applaud you. And guess what? I bet the majority of your current and future customers will welcome in a (slight) increase to their favorite numbered choice meal. I know I will. Plus, I get mine back anyway. Peace and One Love..... I Write to Differ

PUBLISHER'S PEACE

Preserving Our Liberties

The defeat of Eric Cantor this week proves that big money politics means nothing once the people have decided to change course. This is being called one of the, if not the biggest upset in recent political history. The leader of the Republican Party was dethroned by a relativity unknown Tea Party member. How could it happen when big business supported Cantor, and the party loyalist gave him the thumbs up?

Well, it's simple. And it should be a lesson for all elected officials. But from talks in Congress, locally and nationally, most politicians don't think it can happen to them. I beg to differ... And I hope that voters get excited about the possibilities of unseating an elected official that does not conform to the ways of community building through economic development. How to build corporations and employ thousands of adult men and women who are mentally ready and skillfully competent should be issue NUMBER ONE!

And now after seeing this historic denouncement of Cantor, Chicago's Mayor Rahm Emanuel had better watch out as this fresh and smart young woman, Amara Enyia is creeping up his mayoral coattail. And since Canter's lost after spending more dollars than his opponent, 10 - 1; Bruce Rauner's money will mean nothing if the people really see his loot as a distraction. And Governor Pat Quinn had also better step up his game and start delivering on his promises to Blacks and Latinos. Also, other elected operatives had better be very careful how they vote their political positions while ignoring their constituents.

VOTERS everywhere, this is the time to preserve and protect our civil liberties, and voting is the way to assure that each of us have a voice on who leads our communities towards progress.

TBTNews will present a column called SPEAK THE TRUTH, appearing Tuesdays and Thursdays each week giving community leaders an opportunity to express themselves through a question & answer segment discussing national and local politics and business. The column will consist of questions like 'who will win the Illinois Governorship and Mayoral election? And 'what's wrong with local politics that continue to ignore black business building?' And Mr. Robert Dale, founder of RJ Dale Advertising will be the premiere business leader giving his two cents.

Who wants to lead this movement to take back cities across this country from mayors who continue to ignore and disrespect minority communities? This is the time! The people can win! So get upset and get even. Show your power and leverage; vote your interest for progress, prosperity and freedom to control and build your communities. Peace and One Love.

I Write to Differ...