Veni, vidi, vici.
(“I came, I saw, I conquered.”)
By Doni Glover, Publisher
(BALTIMORE – November 15, 2023) – If I could impart one crucial message to our youth, it would be the importance of ownership. Let’s own our homes, recognizing them as the key to wealth in America. Let’s also strive to own numerous businesses, equipped with the expertise to thrive in diverse industries. This requires education and possibly technical training; the essential point is that we must improve our financial acumen as a community.
Living in the land of capitalism necessitates a more business-oriented mindset. Too often, our talents, gifts, and treasures are expended in empowering others. While I appreciate the finer things, in the business realm, we’re renowned as super-users, out-shopping anyone on the planet.
In straightforward terms: Support Black-Owned Businesses! It’s imperative to utilize our resources, exemplified by the efforts of Renny Bass and the KIOBA real estate collective in Baltimore, echoing the sentiments of the Honorable Marcus Garvey to “do for self.” Garvey, who led the Universal Negro Improvement Association, demonstrated the power of unity among Black people.
With the rapidly changing landscape due to digitalization, touching every facet of our lives, the call to focus on our future becomes even more urgent. Despite having $1.6 trillion in annual disposable income nationally, equivalent to a top 15 world economy, there’s a gap in manufacturing compared to consumption.
Supporting entities that actively make a financial impact is crucial. Consider individuals like Rasheed Aziz and the inspiring young people at the EMAGE Center in Baltimore, situated in the heart of West Baltimore, challenging its negative reputation. This gem deserves immediate support, especially as they expand into an adjacent space with a $2 million cost.
The reality is that West Baltimore, despite its stereotypes, has produced school teachers, doctors, lawyers, judges, and engineers. The potential for more success stories, exemplified by the EMAGE Center, exists in this community, emphasizing the need to rally behind positive initiatives and reshape the narrative.