Soul Food with a twist

Happy Black Friday…where every Friday is an opportunity to support a Black Owned Business (BOB).  Have you taken your opportunity?  Have you supported BOB and demonstrated your buying power?  Remember you can make a change by making your voice known by choosing where you spend your dollars.  Spend with Purpose.

Have you ever planned on going somewhere and when you finally go you were immensely surprised.  I mean what you saw and experienced was completely different than you expected.  I realize the internet can provide information in advance and take away the element of surprise.  However, I don’t usually reference the internet in advance when visiting a restaurant and I had not visited the internet regarding Detroit Vegan Soul.  What I knew in advance was one of my friends ate there frequently stating the food was good.  Additionally I recently read a blog article where the author had nothing but positive things to say regarding how the food tasted.

Based on my friend and the blogger I was intrigued to try the food for myself.  I expected it to be good.  What I did not expect was to find a quaint restaurant nestled in a neighborhood giving me the feel of a downtown Royal Oak and/or Ferndale.  This was exactly what I have been looking for within our communities.  Can you say joy, joy, it existed.

Upon entering Detroit Vegan Soul I was greeted by friendly staff.  I asked the young lady what she recommended since it was my first visit.  She walked me through the menu and told me some of her favorite dishes.  We chatted about the health advantages of being Vegan and while she wasn’t, she did state that since working there she has seen an improvement in her health and that she has become more conscience regarding what she eats.

I decided to try the “Catfish” Tofu meal which came with potatoes and onions and corn and peppers.  While I waited I sat back and people watched.  The people patronizing the restaurant were not just our own race rather there were multiple nationalities there.  It was wonderful to see the appreciation by people of various ages and ethnicity enjoying the food and the environment.

Now to the best part…the food.  When I received my meal (which I ordered to go) I actually did not know what to expect.  I opened the container and I was not put off by something that looked questionable and/or not quite edible.  The “Catfish” Tofu reminded me of Catfish Nuggets.  When I took my first bite I was pleasantly surprised at how flavorful the “Catfish” Tofu was.  It actually had a taste that was similar to Catfish.  With the exception of the texture, I might have mistaken it for the “real thing”.  The potatoes and vegetables were both seasoned well making them tasteful.  I really enjoyed my meal and I am already planning on what I will try next time I visit the restaurant.

Some benefits from a Vegan diet are based on studies where eating animal fats and proteins has been shown to raise a person’s risk of developing cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, and a number of other illnesses and conditions.  When I visited the Detroit Vegan Soul website this is one of the reasons why they began their mission.  According to the website: Our mission is to help people live healthier lives by providing great-tasting, high-quality, nutritious vegan food that appeals to everyone, while at the same time doing our part to support a sustainable earth.

While becoming a Vegan may not be your intention, Detroit Vegan Soul offers an option for eating healthier and enjoying your meal.  I don’t intend on becoming a Vegan, but I do however intend to eat better, to be more conscientious about what I’m eating and to do what I can do to improve my overall health.  With options like Detroit Vegan Soul, my personal quest for eating healthier and making an overall lifestyle change has become a little easier.

It’s only Hair

Happy Black Friday…where every Friday is an opportunity to support a Black Owned Business (BOB).  Have you taken your opportunity?  Have you supported BOB and demonstrated your buying power?  Remember you can make a change by making your voice known by choosing where you spend your dollars.  Spend with Purpose.

When I attended the Embrace the Natural You Expo I came across some wonderful BOB’s with some wonderful products.  One of the BOB’s at the expo was Bryant and Kummbareh Owens of EverButter.  EverButter specializes in 100% natural handmade hair care products.  There were several BOB’s there with hair care products but what drew me to EverButter was the spirit and personality of Kummbareh.  She provided a thorough explanation of the products in the EverButter hair care line.  Additionally she answered all my questions and concerns regarding the ingredients and the consistency of the products.

When I left the expo I had every intention of contacting Kummbareh to order some products.  But I didn’t because concerns began creeping into my mind.  Let me give you a little history on my hair.  I have not used relaxers but I was a press and curl, flat iron girl.  And when my hair needed a break I would give myself a sew in weave or wear braids or extensions.  In October 2012 I decided to attempt styling my hair without heat and the journey began.  I became a You Tube watching junkie, trying to learn all the ways I could possibly style my hair without heat.  I was an addict of natural hair sites looking at hairstyles and developing hair envy.  My bathroom began looking like a beauty supply storage room with products and more products.

I began understanding why it’s called a hair journey.  I had days with hair successes and I had days with major hair fails.  Through it all, I learned more about my hair.  What products worked for me and what products didn’t work.  How to handle my hair to avoid breakage and what to do to increase retention.  I finally found the best products that worked for me and the best way to use them for my hair.  So as previously stated concerns began creeping in my mind when I thought about switching products and using something new.  But I couldn’t stop thinking about Kummbareh and EverButter.

I decided to contact Kummbareh and arrange an appointment.  When I met with Kummbareh for my hair consultation, she was just as gracious as she was when I met her at the expo.  Because of my concerns, I brought some of my favorite products to the consultation and she presented me with comparable products from her line that appeared to have the same consistency as the products I had grown to love.  Additionally, she listened to how I handle my hair with my products and she assured me that the EverButter products she was recommending could be used the same way.

As a result of our consultation I am excited to try the EverButter products.  I look forward to sharing my experiences with you and providing you with updates on how the products work for me.  Most of all I am grateful to the dedication of Bryant and Kummbareh Owens.  If you are still looking for gift ideas this holiday season, you should add EverButter products to your list.  Spend with Purpose.

Loving the Skin you are in

Happy Black Friday…where every Friday is an opportunity to support a Black Owned Business (BOB).  Have you taken your opportunity?  Have you supported BOB and demonstrated your buying power?  Remember you can make a change by making your voice known by choosing where you spend your dollars.  Spend with Purpose.

My skin is very dry and extremely sensitive.  As a result I have become particularly cautious with the products I use on my skin.  Finding a product that does not cause my skin to itch, is sometimes challenging.  Anything could potentially create irritation to my skin and when my skin is not happy, I’m not happy.  I sometimes even hate the skin I’m in.  When looking for products to assist with adding moisture to my skin, I unfortunately have had some bad experiences with products that created extreme skin irritations. Usually fragrance products cause irritation to my skin.

This is why I was hesitant to try the Mango Body Butter from Kiss My Lipz 4 U when I was at the 2016 Embrace the Natural You Expo.  One of the Vendors there was Tamecka Johnson Founder of Kiss My Lipz 4 U.  When I saw her table, it was something in her smile that drew me to her and her products.

 

Tamecka began telling me about her products.  Kiss My Lipz 4 U offers all natural and organic products like lip balm, body butter, sugar scrubs, bath salts and bath bombs, some made with 100% Shea Butter, 100% Coco Butter and  100% pure essential oils .  I explained my hesitation with trying new products on my skin especially scented products.  Tamecka understood and offered me a linen/room spray sample for stopping by her table.

I still was captured by the scent of the Mango Body Butter and didn’t walk away from Tamecka’s table.  Tamecka was gracious enough to offer a sample of the Mango scented Body Butter.  I agreed to rub the body butter on a section of my hand and see how my skin reacted.  After attending some additional vendor tables, I noticed the section on my hand was still moisturized and I did not notice any irritation.  I went back to Tamecka’s table and purchased my Mango scented Body Butter.

With the change in weather, I’m so glad I made that purchase.  Winter is very drying on my skin which causes me to increase my usage of moisturizers.  I have been pleasantly surprised with the Mango scented Body Butter from Kiss My Lipz 4 U.  I have been using the Mango scented Body Butter for the last few weeks and my skin has not experienced any negative reactions.  Instead my skin has been extremely moisturized and the mango scent smells wonderful.  I am now loving the skin I’m in.  I should also mention the linen/room spray that was given to me as a sample, smells amazing.

 

Let’s continue our holiday support.  Kiss My Lipz 4 U has a variety of holiday gift ideas that are very reasonably priced making them the perfect stocking stuffers.  Please visit Kiss My Lipz 4 U on Facebook.  Remember this holiday season…Spend with Purpose.

 

Get “Dolled” up this Holiday

Happy Black Friday…where every Friday is an opportunity to support a Black Owned Business (BOB).  Have you taken your opportunity?  Have you supported BOB and demonstrated your buying power?  Remember you can make a change by making your voice known by choosing where you spend your dollars.  Spend with Purpose.

With this week’s past political events I was left wondering about the future of our country, our state, our cities and our communities.  I will admit that I had multiple emotions over the last several days, some were negative some were positive, it has been surreal.  Never the less, the ones I’m choosing to hold on to are the positive ones such as optimism, determination, motivation, encouragement and perseverance.  My mission is more imperative now than it was prior to November 8.  Becoming unified and supporting our own is extremely important and I for one am excited about our future.

Can you recall a time in our history when we as a people united and together overcame great challenges?  Do you remember hearing the spirituals like “We Shall Overcome”?  I for one have not forgotten what we can do, what we can accomplish when we come together, united, focused and determined.  With that in mind Deals With BOB is moving forward with building the bridge to connect the community to BOB and BOB to the community.  Our future depends on supporting one another.

Let’s begin our support with the holiday season and make it “the most wonderful time of the year” for ourselves and our communities.  I have already made my first holiday purchase.  It is a baby doll for my little cousin.  Instead of going to Toys R Us or Meijer or the like, I decided to spend with purpose.  I ordered “Laila” a beautiful African American baby doll that represents Pretty Brown Girl.

Pretty Brown Girl was founded by Sheri Crawley as a result of her concern about the effects on African American girls who rarely see images of their own likeness depicted in a positive manner.  Closer to home Sheri noticed her own young daughters were being impacted by the lack of positive images and it saddened her.  Taking the phrase of endearment “Pretty Brown Girl” used by her husband Corey when referring to their daughters, they decided to share it with all girls and encourage them to be happy in their beautiful brown skin.

If any of you do not realize how early and how deeply images can and do impact our children and their self-image and self-esteem, please click on the following link for the “doll test” https://youtu.be/tkpUyB2xgTM.  This test shows that children have bias against skin tones even when they identify themselves having the same skin tones.  Sheri and her Pretty Brown Girl movement are tearing down these negative biases and replacing them with positive affirmations.

When “Laila” arrived I felt like a little girl on Christmas morning opening my gift.  I was excited to take her out the box and see her up close and personal.  In that moment I felt connected to the Pretty Brown Girl movement.  More importantly, I am excited for the opportunity to give “Laila” to my little cousin.  I am looking forward to the conversations we are going to have about what “Laila” represents and I am thrilled to ensure my little cousin understands and realizes that she is a “Pretty Brown Girl”.

I thank you Sheri Crawley and the amazing things you are doing for our girls and our communities.  You are truly a “Pretty Brown Girl”.  Please visit www.prettybrowngirl.com.  Remember this holiday season…Spend with Purpose.

 

It’s just a little poke

Happy Black Friday…where every Friday is an opportunity to support a Black Owned Business (BOB).  Have you taken your opportunity?  Have you supported BOB and demonstrated your buying power?  Remember you can make a change by making your voice known by choosing where you spend your dollars.  Spend with Purpose.

This week I’m going to hold off on my holiday kick off.  I am so excited about two awesome women I recently met that I have to talk about what awesome contributions they are making to the community.  Kimberly Harrington and Nancy Pickett are the Co-founders of Phlebotomy Express Training Center.  Yes these ladies have opened a school of phlebotomy training and education right in the Detroit community.  It is the only school in Detroit that exclusively teaches Phlebotomy.

What is Phlebotomy?  According the Phlebotomy Express pamphlet “it is the act of drawing or removing blood in order to obtain a sample for analysis and diagnosis”.  A Phlebotomist is an important member of the healthcare professionals because it is imperative to collect a quality specimen for testing to ensure the ordering physician is provided accurate results.  As a result the demand for phlebotomist will grow 25% by 2024 according to Phlebotomy Express Training Center.

Beyond learning the necessary skills and theories required to function as a competent phlebotomist, you are getting Kim and Nancy.  Both ladies are invested in providing the community with opportunity.  They are rooting for their students success.  They are looking to help those that are looking for that opportunity to help themselves.  Having Kim and Nancy is like having your favorite teacher with you cheering and encouraging you towards success.

Additionally Kim and Nancy understand the importance of making lasting impressions.  They have established a curriculum that goes beyond the technical training.  In addition to receiving superior phlebotomy training you will also learn Professional Presence, Resume Building and Interview Preparation.  As I said before these two women are dedicated towards your success towards making a difference in the community.

In three easy steps you can be on your way to a new and rewarding career.

• Step 1. Contact Phlebotomy Express
• Step 2. Enroll
• Step 3. Succeed

The passion these two ladies have is amazing to witness.  Deals With BOB became encouraged with their commitment and their passion for the community was contagious.  Deals with BOB is in total support of the efforts of Phlebotomy Express Training Center and Kim Harrington and Nancy Pickett .  If you would like to help a student fulfill their desire to become a Phlebotomist donations are accepted and no amount is too great or too small.

For additional information please visit Phlebotomy Express website at https://phlebotomyexpress101.com/.  Thank you Kim and Nancy for your dedication towards our community.  Your future matters…Spend with Purpose.

 

 

 

 

Do You Love Yourself?…

Happy Black Friday…where every Friday is an opportunity to support a Black Owned Business (BOB).  Have you taken your opportunity?  Have you supported BOB and demonstrated your buying power?  Remember you can make a change by making your voice known by choosing where you spend your dollars.  Spend with Purpose.

October is coming to an end and in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness I have patronized BOB’s who gave me the opportunity to recognize the women I know that are currently struggling or have survived Breast Cancer and to honor those who have unfortunately loss their battle to Breast Cancer.

To close out breast cancer awareness month I decided to provide some important information regarding it’s detection.  According to breastcancer.org about 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. In 2016, an estimated 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 61,000 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer.  Therefore it is important to continue to raise awareness and knowledge regarding breast cancer.

I want to give a shout out to my cousin Joi who helped raise awareness and donations for the fight against Breast Cancer when she supported this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign. She along with family and friends  walked along Hart Plaza on October 8th to “sock it” to breast cancer.

The monthly Breast Self Examination is an important step that all women over the age of 20 should start conducting. BSEs should be performed once a month after your menstrual period, when breasts aren’t tender or swollen. If you’re not always regular, do it on the same day every month.  You can find The Five Steps of a Breast Self-Exam in the following link

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam/bse_steps

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast.  A mammogram can often find or detect breast cancer early, when it’s small and even before a lump can be felt. This is when it’s easiest to treat.  For many years, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommended annual mammograms starting at age 40, but in October 2015, they issued new recommendations that moved in the direction of those of the medical experts. They now recommend that women at average risk of breast cancer start mammography at 45, that they undergo annual mammograms from 45-54, and continue to undergo mammography every other year after that.

Please listen to my dear friend Dr. Stephanie Burrage encourage women to begin Queendom Living and in this video encourage them to have a mammogram.  More information about mammograms can be found in the link below.

http://www.cancer.org/treatment/understandingyourdiagnosis/examsandtestdescriptions/mammogramsandotherbreastimagingprocedures/mammograms-and-other-breast-imaging-procedures-what-is-mammogram

 

 

Additionally there are some blood tests that are important for breast cancer detection and monitoring.  A Complete blood count (CBC) will be done to measure your red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and platelets. A liver function test might be needed to see how well your liver is working. CEA blood test is used for a variety of reasons like to test for possible cancer, measure the effectiveness of cancer treatment, catch an early recurrence and determine possible metastasis.  The BRCA gene test is a blood test that uses DNA analysis to identify harmful changes (mutations) in either one of the two breast cancer susceptibility genes — BRCA1 and BRCA2.  Women who have inherited mutations in these genes are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer compared with the general population.

Having a degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences I understand the importance of laboratory testing and the benefits it has by providing your medical physician important information for detection and treatment of this disease.  So don’t be afraid of a little poke, it could save your life.

Like Stephanie questioned, “Do you love yourself?”  If you do take the time to do a monthly Breast Self Examination, schedule your mammogram and schedule an annual physical examination with blood tests.  Ladies let’s take care of ourselves, let’s “sock it” to breast cancer and more than anything else let’s love ourselves.

 

 

 

Think Pink

Happy Black Friday…where every Friday is an opportunity to support a Black Owned Business (BOB).  Have you taken your opportunity?  Have you supported BOB and demonstrated your buying power?  Remember you can make a change by making your voice known by choosing where you spend your dollars.  Spend with Purpose.

During the month of October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness I am patronizing BOB’s who give me the opportunity to recognize the women I know that are currently struggling or have survived Breast Cancer and to honor those who have unfortunately loss their battle to Breast Cancer.

This week I am honoring the many women that are fighting this disease and recognizing one company that contributes towards the fight against this disease.  As soon as you see one of those “Pink Cadillacs” on the road you know the company is Mary Kay Cosmetics.  But while seeing those signature automobiles is amazing, Mary Kay Cosmetics is more than pink Cadillacs.  They are a company with women at the heart of what they do.  From offering women amazing opportunities like having their own business, to creating awareness and donating toward domestic violence Mary Kay always supports women.

It is Mary Kay Cosmetics contribution towards Breast Cancer Awareness that I am taking a moment to recognize this week.  Over the years Mary Kay has had special champagnes and product lines exclusively to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer awareness.  Dance to Life perfume was one of my favorite among the many breast cancer awareness champagnes.

Access to the world of Mary Kay products is made possible for me through my personal direct sales BOB Jeniellsa Hill, skin care consultant Mary Kay Cosmentics http://www.facebook.com/jhillMKconsultant/.  Jeniellas is a beautiful young lady with a growing business.  Her beliefs are inline with the Mary Kay way, God first, family second and career third.  She understands and practices this principle and as a result has seen success in her business.  She is knowledgeable about the products she offers and provides excellent customer services.  She makes me feel like she will always be available to assist me.  There is nothing like having your own personal skin care consultant.  With the change in seasons I have ordered products necessary to keep my skin hydrated and moisturized during the winter season.  Jeniellsa made this process easy and quickly serviced and met my needs.  Jeniellsa  I know with your dedication and commitment you will be successful with your business.

Women that are fighting the battle against breast cancer should keep Jeniellsa in mind.  When you undergo radiation and chemotherapy your skin can go through many changes.  Having a knowledgeable caring skin care consultant like Jeniellsa can help make this difficult time easier to handle.  If you are thinking pink and looking for a Mary Kay consultant or if you are in need of a skin care consultation, I highly recommend you contact this awesome direct sales BOB Jeniellsa Hill.

 

 

 

A Sweet Contribution to Breast Cancer Awareness

Happy Black Friday…where every Friday is an opportunity to support a Black Owned Business (BOB).  Have you taken your opportunity?  Have you supported BOB and demonstrated your buying power?  Remember you can make a change by making your voice known by choosing where you spend your dollars.

If you recall during the month of October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness I am patronizing BOB’s who give me the opportunity to recognize the women I know that are currently struggling or have survived Breast Cancer and to honor those who have unfortunately loss their battle to Breast Cancer.

This week I am recognizing a Breast Cancer Survivor.  God places people in your life for a variety of reasons and I have come to appreciate all the people with whom I have had the pleasure of knowing.  My friend “Sands” is one of them.  From the very first day we met we instantly connected.  Our first conversation was about our love and commitment for working in the Women’s Ministry at our churches.  A conversation that lasted for several hours.  Once I changed my membership, I watched Sands give herself freely for the ministry.  Sands would constantly contemplate over what needed to be done in the ministry to attract more women to participate.  Sands has genuine love for all women and she wants to help every woman in any way she possibly can.  So you can imagine the hurt I felt when she told me she had Breast Cancer.

My first reaction was that of disbelief.  Why would this selfless woman have to endure this disease?  As I began processing this information, I began thinking now it is my time to help her in any way I possibly can and “we” began “our” journey.  I’m thankful to say this month Sands celebrated her first year cancer free.  In celebration of her fight and survival of Breast Cancer I decided to give her some sweet treats.

I contacted Jazmin Johnson owner of Pritzy Pastries by JoseOna.  Pritzy Pastries was offering a special Breast Cancer Awareness gift box filled with sweet treats (2 chocolate covered cookies, 2 chocolate covered pretzels and 1 cupcake) where half of the proceeds would be donated to the Breast Cancer Society of Michigan.  When I picked up the gift box everything was decorated beautifully, it actually looked better than the photo.  I was more than satisfied with my purchase.  Sands was equally impressed with the gift box and loved the chocolate covered cookies.

Jazmin Johnson owner of Pritzy Pastries by JoseOna is a pleasant young lady with a drive to succeed and a passion for baking.  She is ecstatic to bring perfection to all of her pastries to keep her customers loyal and impressed.  She states, “It’s about being a part of memorable moments with special people”.  Based on her reviews and my experience she is succeeding at her mission.  For any occasion she offers a wide selection of sweet treats from cupcakes and cookies to chocolate covered and infused fruit skillfully decorated .

I loved the opportunity to support a young business owner who is passionate about what she does and exhibits professionalism during every interaction.  When planning your next event, I encourage you to support this BOB offering sweet treats for all occasions.  By patronizing Jazmin and Pritzy Pastries by JoseOna I had the opportunity to contribute towards Breast Cancer Awareness and give something sweet to my sweet  friend and celebrate her 1 year anniversary as a breast cancer survivor.

 

Always Sparkle…

Happy Black Friday…where every Friday is an opportunity to support a Black Owned Business (BOB).  Have you taken your opportunity?  Have you supported BOB and demonstrated your buying power?  Remember you can make a change by making your voice known by choosing where you spend your dollars.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I decided to patronize BOB’s that provide me the opportunity to recognize the women I know that are currently struggling or have survive Breast Cancer and to honor those who have unfortunately loss their battle to Breast Cancer.  During this month I will be supporting BOB’s that offer services or merchandise that women love and enjoy.

With that in mind, what woman does not like jewelry?  A beautiful piece of jewelry, especially unexpected can improve a bad day and quickly turn it around.  There’s a quote “Jewelry has the power to be this one little thing that can make you feel unique” and I prefer to have pieces that are unique. Basically I believe that quote is saying jewelry has the power to make you feel special.

Since I was looking for unique pieces of jewelry that would make a woman feel special, I reached out to Lisa Bradham, Independent Sales Consultant with Traci Lynn Jewelry.  Lisa has a warming personality and was informative about the various pieces she offered.  She showed me previous seasonal items that were being discontinued to current items that were newly released.  There were so many beautiful pieces that I found it hard to narrow down my selection.  Basically I wanted them all.  Since I couldn’t have them all I decided on a piece that reminded me of my aunt who unfortunately loss her battle with Breast Cancer.  It is a chunky iridescent choker that reflects shades of pink, the color for breast cancer awareness.  I am immensely satisfied with my purchase.  I completely understand and agree with the quote “For me jewelry is a way of keeping memories alive”.  Every time I wear my choker, I will think of my wonderful aunt.

I loved having the opportunity to support Lisa who is a direct sales BOB.  The beauty about supporting a direct sales consultant is you know her personally and have a relationship with her.  It’s kind of like having your own personal fashion accessory assistant.  You can let her know about an upcoming event, the colors you are wearing and she shows up with options for you to choose from.  What’s better than patronizing a BOB who brings her merchandise directly to you?

Traci Lynn Jewelry has unique pieces with high quality at affordable pricing.  No matter what your budget might be, you will be able to find something you love.  The Traci Lynn Collection combines the quality, the style and the electricity that has a memorable experience.  Every piece has a significant story.  The unique jewelry names add refinement and delicacy of workmanship to each piece making them unforgettable.

Thank you Lisa Bradham for introducing me to the Traci Lynn Jewelry experience.  Wearing jewels is a way to express the woman you are without saying a “word” so choose your “words” wisely.  By supporting Lisa and her direct sales BOB, I now have the opportunity to leave a little sparkle wherever I go.

Enough is Enough

Happy Black Friday…where every Friday is an opportunity to support a Black Owned Business (BOB).  I have been using that phrase as my opening sentence since writing Black Friday…breaking the one day limitation.  My intention with that article was to show how simple it can be to take at least one day each week and dedicate it to buying black.  “Black Friday” is our day to demonstrate our buying power and show our unity and commitment to supporting one another and keeping our dollars circulating in our communities.

Recently, several Fridays have passed and I have not posted any articles.  It is not because I have not supported BOB, but with all the recent events occurring across our nation, I haven’t felt compelled to write.  I have been angered by the mistreatment and senseless killings of black women and men as a result of police brutality.  So much so that I began questioning whether my mission and whether my vision mattered, whether it would make a difference. 

But of course making an impact to the economic dynamic in this country would make a difference.  Creating a unified economic stance would get more attention and better results than angry posts and comments that don’t result in change and riots that destroy our own neighborhoods.  Supporting BOB, demonstrating our buying power and creating a movement would create change.

Let’s look to our past where we had a unified economic stance, like The Montgomery Bus Boycott.    In protest, a boycott of the buses by black Americans in Montgomery began. It was probably the first example of the economic clout that the community had because eventually, the bus company had to desegregate their buses or face serious financial difficulties as very many black Americans used the buses. Without their economic input via fares, the bus company of Montgomery faced probable bankruptcy.   Additionally,the boycott impacted shops in Montgomery as far as fewer blacks were coming into the city. While shop keepers were opposed to integration, they faced losing their livelihood if the boycott continued.

When I read about Isaiah Washington’s proposal of the black out after the deaths of Terence Crutcher and Keith Lamont Scott where he stated that on September 26  all Black people should boycott school, work and shopping for a single day, and stay at home, I believe he was on the right track.  However I was concerned whether it would be effective because there was no common hardship impacting all of black America such as segregation.  Without the common hardship you would have some that would boycott and others that would not or may not be in a position to boycott.  Without the support of the people collectively, you loose the impact you are attempting to achieve.  This particular suggestion may not have resulted in the outcome Mr. Washington desired, but I’m glad he made it because something must be done by the people demonstrating a unified stance.

I’m asking, what are you doing to take a stance?  You may feel that you are helpless and that you are not in any position to make a difference, but that’s where you are wrong.  In America it is simple…money talks.  If you have something to say, say it with your dollars.  The black consumer currently has buying power of $1 trillion dollars and you have complete control where you choose to spend your money.  I realize that it may not be possible to spend only with BOB, but you must consciously do so wherever possible.  Imagine the impact you can make by simply choosing where you spend your dollars.

While I’m still angered by what is happening in this country I cannot sit back idle not doing anything to help change the situation.  My mission: to build a bridge to the community.  Your mission: to cross the bridge, and together we will support one another we will support BOB and we will create an economic shift in this country!

These are my thoughts and I look forward to hearing yours.