Celebrate Kwanzaa: Ujamaa

     Today we embrace the Principle of Ujamaa: Cooperative Economics- "To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together." This is a very important principle to me. Many of our Black owned businesses are very active in the community; however, this can become a struggle for them if they aren't making a profit to support their own family. When these same business are forced to closed their doors, then they are replaced with fast food chains and liquor stores. Folks, we have to do better about our community. 

     There are Black owned bookstores, restaurants, clothing stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, Dentists, Doctors, and of course Lawyers in many of our communities; however, most people complain that they are charged more in our community. Yes, this may be true for some establishments; however, you have to realize that they are trying to run a business, a household, and invest in more ventures. Sometimes they are charged more by vendors, because they do not order in bulk. I believe that if they have more people buying from them, then they can eventually lower their prices, and offer more product. Please remember that our ancestors built this country, and I believe that they did not do it in vain! They did it so that one day we can have something to put OUR name on!

     Here is a website that supports Black owned Businesses in the Middle Georgia area: http://www.maconblackpages.com/   Please take out the time to visit this website.