Business

To Grow Black Businesses, Think Big

Jacksonville Free Press — Our national economy is barreling ahead, but at the same time millions of people are being left behind.

Published

6 years ago

March 19, 2019

Staff

By Charles Griggs

“Systems are perfectly designed to achieve the results they are achieving right now. At first glance, when we look at how dysfunctional existing systems can be, this premise seems absurd.” – David Peter Stroh

Our national economy is barreling ahead, but at the same time millions of people are being left behind. Poverty and unemployment rates are down, but these indicators mask the financial tightrope that many working families walk every day. Because of a strong and steady stock market and relatively low unemployment rates, people tend to lose focus on the fact that there are pockets of the economy that are still struggling.

Charles Griggs

Locally, Jacksonville has paid little attention to the indicators that tell the real story of economic opportunity and the damage caused by neglect. The lack of progress can be traced back decades, but we can also look back to the late 90s when minority set asides were targeted for destruction. Once dismantled, the floodgates were open for the “good ole boy” system to reestablish itself without the burden of those “unnecessary” minority business programs.

In fact, when quotas went away they said it would be better for Black-owned businesses.
Has it been? It’s hard to tell.

Some might say the ambiguity is on purpose. There is no real data that explains the success or failure of Jacksonville’s Black-owned businesses. The last attempt at trying to understand the true landscape of these economic drivers was in 2013 when the City of Jacksonville commissioned its Multi-Jurisdictional Disparity Study. The result was recommendations that concluded the City of Jacksonville should do more to level the playing field for small and minority businesses (surprise, surprise).

While the intent maybe there, doing “more” to assist Black-owned businesses can be subjective. It seems that setting goals as a standard for the inclusion of minority businesses is, as they say, “a no-no,” which makes it easier for Blacks to be left behind. Thereby creating barriers for those who dwell on the outer edges of economic opportunity. And when that happens, we miss the chance to improve conditions for people to provide for their families and build better communities.

Given that African Americans make up 30 percent of Jacksonville’s population, it is imperative that the city addresses the harsh economic realities facing its most vulnerable taxpayers. In order to break the cycle, we must address the system that created it with a sense of urgency and purpose. Policy is one way to provide opportunities and level the playing field, but course correction should come with a bigger want and higher motivation.

If we are going to guide Black-owned businesses to a real place at the table, those benefiting from the current system must be willing to risk engaging at a higher level. For example, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo sent a clear message that 30 percent of all State contracting would go to minorities and women owned businesses. One of the high profile outcomes of this effort includes an $8 billion award to McKissack & McKissack, a black-owned construction management company, to oversee the John F. Kennedy Airport Terminal One Expansion Project. Not only is this a tremendous opportunity for a Black-owned business, but it speaks volumes about New York’s commitment to addressing diversity and inclusion.

And while McKissack & McKissack is a more than capable firm, the stakes are high for those betting on their success.

Currently, according to the most recent City of Jacksonville disparities study, there are no Black-owned businesses in the area capable of shouldering a prime position on a major project such as an airport expansion. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Successful business owners who have benefited at the trough of local contracting should see the bigger picture for the community and work to create ways to help grow Black-owned businesses. And while policy can be a way forward, it is not the complete answer.

Civil rights icon Andrew Young believed that the growth of Atlanta’s African American upper and middle class came as result of convincing the powerful elite (banks, government procurement executives and policy-makers) that they would make more money by being inclusive of Blacks. And so it went.

Thinking big to grow Black-owned businesses will take more than policy commitments and set-asides. It will take the will of those who have the ability to be audacious with their attempts to close Jacksonville’s economic gaps.

Think big on behalf of Black-owned businesses, and bigger outcomes will happen for the entire community.
Visit blackoffee.com, email speaktous@8wgroup.com, and follow me on twitter @CharlesLGriggs.

This article originally appeared in the Jacksonville Free Press.

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Oakland Post: Week of January 1 – 7, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of January 1 – 7, 2025

Published

16 hours ago

January 2, 2025

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

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2024 In Review: 7 Questions for the California Association of Black School Educators 

CABSE members represent governmental agencies, charter schools and charter school organizations, public school districts, traditional public schools, and community colleges. The organization’s primary goal is to expand PK-14 educational opportunities for all students in California, with an emphasis on under-represented and under-served Black students.

Published

4 days ago

December 30, 2024

Oakland Post

CABSE members represent governmental agencies, charter schools and charter school organizations, public school districts, traditional public schools, and community colleges. The organization’s primary goal is to expand PK-14 educational opportunities for all students in California, with an emphasis on under-represented and under-served Black students.

CABSE President Satra Zurita and Conference Chair Micah Ali.

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

The California Association of Black School Educators (CABSE) is an organization consisting of elected and appointed school officials, administrators and instructors from across California who are committed to advancing equity for Black students.

CABSE members represent governmental agencies, charter schools and charter school organizations, public school districts, traditional public schools, and community colleges.

The organization’s primary goal is to expand PK-14 educational opportunities for all students in California, with an emphasis on under-represented and under-served Black students.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with CABSE President Satra Zurita and Conference Chair Micah Ali about this year’s successes, disappointments, and plans for the organization coming into the new year.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why?

Ali: I would have to say that two highlights have been the ongoing support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Engie, and other sponsors that have enabled us to bring together like-minded education leaders twice a year to collectively advance innovative and meaningful strategies to achieve change on behalf of Black students across our state.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

Zurita: CABSE’s leadership and investment in improving the education system for Black students in our great state has resulted in a long-standing focus on transforming public education and its response to Black students. By pulling from the very wisdom of those educators and leaders who care deeply about Black students and who are showing great promise through their efforts.

What frustrated you the most over the last year? 

Zurita: Continuing to see the deep impact of COVID-19 Pandemic school site closures on students academically and emotionally — especially Black students. This makes our work and our advocacy more vital than ever.

CBM: What inspired you the most over the last year?

Zurita: Seeing our CABSE convenings grow in depth and breadth — our strategies, powerful content and reach.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

Ali: Our Blueprint for Education Equity is a crowd-sourced framework of strategies that have shown great promise for improving the education experiences and opportunities for Black students. In 2024, we developed an equity self-assessment tool for districts to use in evaluating their own efforts on behalf of Black students. Strategies are helping Black students.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Zurita: Many Black students across our state are dealing with a host of challenges: homelessness, food insecurity, exposure to violence, not to mention bias remains a pervasive problem. To add to the challenge, educators are worn out, tired, and frustrated. We now need to think about how we can simultaneously inspire and empower students and educators alike. The system needs an overhaul.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

Zurita: In 2025, we hope to stand CABSE up as a fully functioning non-profit organization engaged in research and policy design.

Ali: We also aim to deepen the content of our convenings, including adding a Math Track and what we are calling Social Determinants of Education Track to our annual conference and institute, which will address those social contexts that prevent Black students from realizing their potential as students.

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Let’s Talk Health: Empowering Our Community with Health Literacy

At Covered California, we recognize that understanding health insurance is more than just choosing a plan –it’s about having the knowledge to make informed decisions that lead to healthier lives. That’s why this year’s open enrollment campaign, “Let’s Talk Health,” focuses on breaking down barriers and simplifying the complex language of health care.

Published

4 days ago

December 29, 2024

Oakland Post

Dr. Monica Soni. Courtesy of Covered California.

By Dr. Monica Soni

Navigating health insurance can often feel overwhelming, especially for individuals and families who are new to the system or unsure about their options.

Health literacy is critical for achieving better outcomes, reducing disparities, and ensuring every African American and Black Californian — regardless of their income, ethnicity, or background — has access to quality care. By making health insurance simpler to understand, we empower individuals to access preventive services, manage chronic conditions, and avoid costly medical bills.

Breaking Barriers in African American and Black Communities
This year, “Let’s Talk Health” places a special focus on supporting African American and Black communities, where systemic inequities in health outcomes persist. These communities often face higher rates of chronic conditions and challenges in navigating the health care system. To address these disparities, Covered California partnered with trusted organizations to provide information, tips and resources.

In San Francisco, Andre Atkins, Director of Programs at Rafiki Coalition, led a dialogue with Dr. Kim Rhoads, Community Engagement Director at UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center; Destiny Williams, Health and Wellness Program Manager at Rafiki Coalition; and myself.

These conversations play a vital role in the pursuit of health equity by sharing power and creating spaces where our community can learn, share experiences, ask questions and connect with advocates who work daily to understand their unique needs. Through these efforts, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering equity and inclusion in health care, ensuring that every voice is heard and supported.

Why Health Literacy Matters
Health literacy goes beyond understanding health care terms. It’s about empowerment. It equips individuals to make informed decisions, from choosing the right health plan to finding a provider to deliver preventive care and seeking mental health services. At Covered California, we provide tools and resources, such as side-by-side plan comparisons and financial assistance details, to ensure everyone can navigate their options confidently and access the care they need.

Taking the First Step
Whether you’re a student, part-time worker, family of four, open enrollment is your opportunity to prioritize your health and your future. This year’s open enrollment period runs from Nov. 1, 2024, to Jan. 31, 2025, and we’re here to assist you every step of the way.

Consumers must select a health plan by the Dec. 31 to receive coverage for the entire year, starting Jan. 1, 2025.

To find the plan that’s right for you, and take the first step toward a healthier tomorrow, visit CoveredCA.com and fill out the application yourself or put in your ZIP code and connect with a certified agent in your neighborhood who can guide you through your options. Together, we can break down barriers and ensure that all Californians have the tools to thrive.

Dr. Monica Soni, MD, is the Chief Medical Officer for Covered California, where she leads efforts in health equity, quality transformation, and clinical innovation. As a practicing board-certified internal medicine physician and health care leader with over a decade of experience, Dr. Soni is committed to improving affordability, access, and outcomes for all Californians.