King had a Dream. Do you?

We stand in the shadows of Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday and the many memorial services and celebrations that will take place in his honor throughout the country. However, in the midst of our remembrance of Dr. King’s legacy I wonder how many of us “still have a dream”. Moreover, I ponder the poignant question posed to each of us by the great poet Langston Hughes when he asked, “What happens to a dream deferred?” Many would consider the current economic, social, and political benchmarks obtained by African- Americans as the fulfillment of Dr. King’s dream. In fact, many political pundits and social commentators would have African Americans believe that they can stop dreaming now because they have arrived. I beg to differ. The foundation of Dr. King’s dream was based upon the social and political equality of African-Americans. I would advance the argument that the “new dream” that African Americans must aggressively move to obtain is premised upon the foundation of economic empowerment and wealth accumulation. Today’s global economy does not respect individuals as much as it respects money. The Internet has allowed each of us the ability to conduct business transactions anywhere in the world with a few keystrokes. Moreover, the person on the other end of that transaction never has to know if you are Black, White, orange, or purple. The only thing that matters is that you have the economic power to make the deal happen. I would not be so blind or ignorant as to suggest that race does not play a part in some business transactions. We need only look to Bill Cosby’s continued failed attempts to purchase a major television medium to see the forces of the “old boys club” at work. However, without economic power and capital you never get invited to the house if only to have the door slammed in your face. Entrepreneurship and small-businesses are the foundation of the American economy. The President's Economic Growth Stimulus Package is only a band-aid on a gushing gunshot wound. Economist agree that small businesses employ the vast majority of Americans and entrepreneurship has created more millionaires in America than the lottery, lawsuits, or inheritances. Just think, a young entrepreneur and college drop-out starting a small company you may have heard of called Microsoft. As we begin 2008 it is imperative that we revive, evaluate, and make measurable steps toward making our economic and entrepreneurial dreams a reality. At Contract Specialist Group (csgeast.com) we often tell our clients that if they bring us their dreams and ideas we will help them create and operate professionally structured businesses. Dr. King endured being jailed, beaten, spit upon, and ultimately killed for people of all races to be able to become entrepreneurs and business owners. The best way that you can honor Dr. King’s dream is not to defer your own dream any longer. Start building economic power and wealth for yourself, your family, and your community today. Now you have the rights. What are you going to do with them? Ponder that. By: srvp@csgeast.com ©2007 Contract Specialist Group™, LLC. All Rights Reserved. For more information visit us at www.csgeast.com.

Thanks for speaking on such a topic,

I believe that faith without works is dead. I left corporate america 6 yrs ago with the dream to start my own Interior Design company and as a plan b, to become a realtor, and despite the challenges in passing my real estate exam I finally passed a yr later, despite the challenges of securing funds and clients I still took classes at the Art institute , worked at a local furniture company and had a mentor for a yr efore starting my own company. I also started doing small things from buying businenss cards and attending networking events. I stood solely on the word of GOD and didn't waiver from what he told me to do, I thought about giving up, it was the hardest thing I ever experienced by my soul would'nt allow me to give up. I knew that for me to expect GOD to do something amazing in my life I had to do things that I never done before.

Now I own a few properties and have been a successful realtor and Interior Designer, all through moving and having faith. that's where many of us get stuck at, "the doing part" we just don't make things happen, we look at our "now" and say well, I can't because,? or not now because ? well, when ? how else can you know unless you do it, anyone can get a job , I could've easily got another management job, tht's nothing, the ? was, can I really go for it, can GOD really take me where my heart and soul wanted to go? It can happen for anyone, they must believe and do the research and
work.

Now my family stepped out on faith and we are in the process of opening another business, all in faith & works.
It's up to us, despite our race, finances, credit and any other issue we face. Let me say this, Interior Design is a very "white" trade, they've looked at me crazy, I've been told they're not used to seeing us in the trade, that didn't stop me, it motivated me more:) and the fact that I'm educated, professional, fine & fabulous, tht made it sweeter for me and when they realized tht I knew my business and I had credintials, they couldn't stop me.

Let's just do it, we have nothing to loose.

Replies

- SRVP, CSGEAST.COM > Blackard Dancer January 27, 2008 at 8:25pm
  
  Maria. Thoughtful words. I agree with your assertion that Black people must "create [their] own again." However, I believe that the question that must be pondered is how do we change the prevailing paradigm of consumerism that dominates the African-American community to a dedication and goal of becoming entrepreneurs and producers.
  
  We can't let any outside influences dictate who we are or what are dreams should encompass. However, to live in an ideological bubble in a capitalistic society would be a fatal mistake.
  
  Jesus rewarded the servants who wisely invested their talents and created economic growth with what they had been given. I believe that we should follow the Spirit. I also believe that God has not given us the Spirit of fear but one of power which we should employ in all areas of our lives… including doing business.
  
  Best regards,
  csgeast.com
  - Joan E. Gosier > SRVP, CSGEAST.COM January 28, 2008 at 2:32pm
    
    I am so inspired to read these affirmative words. We can and we should reconnect, create our own agenda and get from underneath this psychological bondage that keeps us from working harmoniously together to fulfill God's will in our lives!
    
    Joan
    www.HBCUkidz.com
Teresa Perkins, Design Xtraordinaire February 5, 2008 at 9:47pm

Thanks for speaking on such a topic,

I believe that faith without works is dead. I left corporate america 6 yrs ago with the dream to start my own Interior Design company and as a plan b, to become a realtor, and despite the challenges in passing my real estate exam I finally passed a yr later, despite the challenges of securing funds and clients I still took classes at the Art institute , worked at a local furniture company and had a mentor for a yr efore starting my own company. I also started doing small things from buying businenss cards and attending networking events. I stood solely on the word of GOD and didn't waiver from what he told me to do, I thought about giving up, it was the hardest thing I ever experienced by my soul would'nt allow me to give up. I knew that for me to expect GOD to do something amazing in my life I had to do things that I never done before.

Now I own a few properties and have been a successful realtor and Interior Designer, all through moving and having faith. that's where many of us get stuck at, "the doing part" we just don't make things happen, we look at our "now" and say well, I can't because,? or not now because ? well, when ? how else can you know unless you do it, anyone can get a job , I could've easily got another management job, tht's nothing, the ? was, can I really go for it, can GOD really take me where my heart and soul wanted to go? It can happen for anyone, they must believe and do the research and
work.

Now my family stepped out on faith and we are in the process of opening another business, all in faith & works.
It's up to us, despite our race, finances, credit and any other issue we face. Let me say this, Interior Design is a very "white" trade, they've looked at me crazy, I've been told they're not used to seeing us in the trade, that didn't stop me, it motivated me more:) and the fact that I'm educated, professional, fine & fabulous, tht made it sweeter for me and when they realized tht I knew my business and I had credintials, they couldn't stop me.

Let's just do it, we have nothing to loose.

This reply was deleted.