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Do you have a dream?

We stand in the shadows of Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday and the many memorial services and celebrations that will take place 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 American believe that they can stop dreaming now because as a group 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 American must confront 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 wouldn’t 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 even get invited to the house only to have the door slammed in your face.

Entrepreneurship and small-businesses are the foundation of the American economy. Contrary to popular belief, entrepreneurship is responsible for creating more millionaires in America than the lottery, lawsuits, or inheritances.

As we begin 2008 it is imperative that we revive, evaluate, and make measureable 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 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

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