Not a Moment but a Movement

The recently mass shootings in the historical Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Charleston, SC are a vivid reminder to all of us that the struggle for racial equality, equal rights, human rights, justice and religious freedom continues.  This shooting also opened up a number of old wounds that have long been issues of contention and debate in that state as well as across the nation.  These wounds have been a part of the American journey for most ethnic groups, especially African American.   From all of what has happen over the past decade or so, this struggle is as real as it can get.     

As African Americans we are not alone in our struggles with the rising number of mass shootings in recent years at places of worship, schools, and public spaces and on our shores.  How do we protect ourselves and the institutions we hold so dear will continue to be up for debate.  But we as a nation, unlike so many other industrialized countries are out of balance in terms to the number of guns and weapons available on our streets, homes and communities.   The easy access to guns of all types is center to the ongoing argument and how do we keep those weapons out of the hands of the criminals, youth and the mentality ill?   

For many in this 21^st century it seems odd that we continue to find ourselves in this place in history.  This new upcoming generation is trying to come to grip and understand the legacy of racism from America’s past.   And what they are finding out is shocking.   Many believe that there are a number of underlining issues unresolved from the past and that these violence episodes and more will continue to be a part of America’s future, if not addressed.  Without resolving few, if any, of the underlining root causes that lead to gun violence, we are just taking a brief pause in this ongoing narrative.  Some of the underlining issues that continue to fester include growing poverty, unemployment, poor health, mental illness, and lack of education, crime, poor housing and a breakdown in the family. 

What is missing from in all of this are the people, faith community, civil leaders and major businesses willing to step forward to support a "movement" to make change happen.   It is just not enough to have a “moment” in which to offer some prayers, personal reflections, cite scriptures, identify a number of issues to address and hold a press conference.  But a “moment” needs to turn into a "movement" and that requires more effort.   The question is than... what more can we do to get things started?    What do you think?           

Helping The Little Guy

Each day it is an ongoing struggle for a small business or startups to find their place in a complex and completive world.  This is especially true, when there are too many “giants” in the land of opportunity and from the world’s largest economy.   It is so clear on all levels and sectors of our modern society, when all you can see are “giants” seemly “hogging” up all the space.  We see them in health care, housing, insurance, retail shopping, grocery stores, legal services, education, manufacturing and transportation.  They fill the ad space, media outlets and it appears that they are sucking all the “air” out and at the same time squeezing out the “little guy.”    

Sure these “giants” have the right to be there and to get what they believe is their fair share.  In their defense, they can recite a long company history of providing a great service to customers, residents and the community.  They would point out the number of meaningful jobs created, taxes paid, and contributions to special events, sponsoring countless youth activities and the like. No doubt, the impact and footprints of many so called “giants” are truly noteworthy.  This is what they should do and be expected to do as a way to demonstrate their commitment and citizenship through active engagement.  Since they made or are making their fortunes from the community and are located in that community, it is only right that they should continue to “invest” or “reinvest” in that community.   

What really is at issue here is that so many of the “giants,” find it quite difficult to share their success from a particular job or contract with many smaller vendors, companies and startups.   Some top managers often do not see the overarching value of helping the small guy” get a share of a major project.  Some see these subcontractors as being in the way, a waste of time, lack the capacity and will hold up the project.  So many “giants” overlook the fact of what it takes to keep the “small guy” in business.  It is not that they lack the capacity to help, but more or less, they lack the vision to see the needs and the role that the “small guy” plays in making the community stronger.        
On the other hand, some “giants” have awakened to the reality that these “small players” are becoming essential to landing the next big public or private contract.  This will be how business will be done in the future and collaboration will be the key. Even with a growing understanding of the place and need for small businesses in our modern society, there is still more work that needs to be done to support the “small guy” and to keep them in the mix.  It does not take much for the “little guy” to exist, all they are asking for is a chance.  Some businesses have been called too “big to fail,” but without some meaningful work the “little guy” is all but gone.  What do you think?           
 

 

Where Do You Stand?

It is helpful to know where people stand on various issues, policies and programs before suggesting any new ideas.  It is also helpful to know what someone else thinks or feels about you or your ideas before trying to put your plans into action.  This and more really comes into play, especially when you are looking for support on a unique project, creating a new organization or writing an awarding winning proposal.  There is an old adage that says “if you want to get things done, it’s who you know.” Yet an updated modern version of this adage says “it’s not who you know, but who knows you.” 
It takes a lot to get things done in our current social climate and it is critical to show that you have what it takes; the energy, the connections and the focus to get things done on time and on budget.  This is a time to really see things through, dotting every “i” and crossing every “t” along the way.  It is also a time when nearly all initiatives of any size require collaborative partnerships, obtainable goals and measurable outcomes.  In addition, a lot of people are already intimated by the fresh ideas and the talents that you may bring to the table.  In this brave new world order, business as usual is not going to be acceptable or work in the new normal.  

Over the past decade or so, we have seen a changing of the guard, so of speak, in terms of leadership, focus, communications and global connections.  This is a new wave of young entrepreneurs, startups, brands, new product lines, game changing technologies and new marketing tools.  This is exciting news, but these modern advances can only take us so far.  Don’t get me wrong, any good news is better than some of the ongoing bad news that is occurring these days.   But the real test is weather this new direction is sustainable, without double standards and self-interests.  

Knowing what you stand for helps to define one’s personal mission and vision.  Although it is a start, it does not tell the whole story or picture of what you or your organization is about.  We have to always work on defining or redefining our values, ethics, expectations, limits and setting boundaries. This is an ongoing process that leads to continual improvement and not to perfection.  All of us can always do more by getting better in what we are good at.  So, what are your priorities and views about fair housing, affordable health care, poverty, minimum wage, crime, and incarceration and education reform?  What do you think?           
 

          
 

Lost In This Masquerade

I don’t know if you got the memo, email or phone call recently to come to the next series of community meetings dressed in a disguise and ready to play the next round of games?  You betcha!  How about a little hide in seek with the economic recovery and the jobs that seemly never appear available for those living in the inner city; what about some charades where a player acts out a word or phrase without using any verbal language to convey the meaning to others on fair housing, quality health care and black on black crime.  And what about my favorite, Pictionary of quick sketches and crazy guesses whereby teams are trying to identify specific words from their teammates drawing of educational reform.  Hey, what about adding some others games into mix including truth and dare, taboo, clue and scattergories... now this party is all set. 

It is pretty hard not to notice that so many people come to meetings with hidden agendas of personal self-interest or representing the interest of an agency or business partnership.  It soon becomes clear that things were already in motion regardless of what is said or believed to be accomplished during the meeting.  It also appears that there were other meetings held before the meeting in which you came to and in which you gave your opinion, spoke your convictions or shared your vision.  Then it all hits you, why did I come to this meeting in the first place in which the decision has already been made?  They are going to do what they want to do. 

But that is where the irony lies... to know this is happening; to know this is the game; to know what is going to be said; to know what is going to be the outcomes and yet to not be able to do anything about it, but to sit back, become angry and frustrated about how things were done.  To quickly learn that you were not at the table to provide meaningful input or to share in a productive dialog, but simply were brought along to justify something already planned.  And to see this firsthand, the schemes and the process... and to be told by others to just go with the flow.  It is enough to make you give up, say what’s the use and to move on.           

Well you are not alone in what you are seeing, feeling and experiencing.  Some say...you have to go along to get along... others would say you have to pay... in order to play... and yet others would suggest that you have to learn how to mingle or learn the art of negotiations.  But really, there is so much at state; families in crisis, a growing gun culture, high dropout rates, poor health care outcomes, expanding roles of people living in poverty... are you kidding me!  In the words of the singer and musician, George Benson...“Are we really happy... with this lonely game we play?  Looking for the right words to say... searching but not finding understanding anywhere... we’re lost in this masquerade” So, I say at the next meeting make sure your mask is on straight and blend in.  What do you think?