December 22, 2014

Upcoming Events 
There are several events coming up on our calendar that are designed specifically for MBEs to learn about corporate opportunities.  We know how busy everyone's schedule is, but these are events often hosted by our corporate members with the expressed purpose of finding out more about you and your business with the ultimate aim, to make you a valuable supplier to their companies.  Here are some events you should consider:  
  • January 6, 2015 - GNEMSDC MBE Pre-Certification Webinar
  • January 15, 2015 - Northeastern University "Grow Your Own Business"
  • January 23, 2015 - MBE Orientation at 9:00 am, GNEMSDC Bridgeport Office, 333 State Street, Bridgeport CT. Click here to RSVP.
  • January 28, 2015 - GNEMSDC 1st Quarterly Meeting hosted by Boston Scientific 
  • March 5, 2015 - Business Beyond Gaming, Foxwoods
  • March 25, 2015 - Capital Summit at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
  • April 10, 2015 - Eds, Meds, and Pharma Supplier Diversity Conference at Boston Convention and Exposition Center
  • April 11, 2015 - GNEMSDC 40th Anniversary Awards Gala, Boston Convention and Exhibition Center
  • July 13, 2015 - GNEMSDC Supplier Diversity Golf Classic, Lake of Isles at Foxwoods
  • September 24-25, 2015 - GNEMSDC Trade Expo at Foxwoods
  • November 18, 2015- GNEMSDC - MBDA - CWE Supplier Diversity Best Practices Forum at Fenway Park, Boston, MA
GNEMSDC 40th Anniversary  Annual Sponsorship
We are excited to announce that in 2015, the GNEMSDC will be celebrating 40 years of Minority Business Development and Supplier Diversity.  We hope that all of our certified MBEs and Corporate members will consider being an Annual Sponsor this very special year.  Attached is the Sponsorship Package for 2015.  Your support is greatly needed and appreciated. 
                               Annual Sponsorship Package 2015
December 2014 MBE Orientation 
Pictured above are the newly Certified MBEs who attended the Massachusetts Orientation.  Special thanks our corporate member Bernard Grant, Senior Buyer of Northeastern University for presenting at the orientation.
Corporate Member of the Week:   Cigna 

Cigna is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services  are  p rovided  exclusively  through operating  subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America and Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, and other related products including group disability, life, and accident coverage. Cigna has sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, with approximately 80 million customer relationships throughout the world.

Cigna's deepest commitment is to the people we serve. That's the secret of our successes. We share our stories, achievements and news with you each day.

Supplier Diversity Program
Cigna has made a strong commitment to leveraging diversity in all aspects of our business, including the multi-cultural marketing of our products and engagement of a diverse supplier base. A diverse supplier base helps Cigna achieve our mission to improve the health, well-being and security of the people we serve.
Cigna believes the success of minority- and women-owned businesses and other under-represented suppliers adds to our success and to that of the communities we serve. Minority - and women-owned businesses are often in neighborhoods that benefit greatly from the commerce and employment opportunities the businesses provide. By partnering with these suppliers, we can foster the growth of these businesses while ensuring the long-term growth of Cigna.

Every Friday Cigna will give any potential supplier a phone call to learn about their business proposal. The supplier is required to complete a short Supplier Resume, in order to identify potential buyers. 
For more information about Open Call Friday, contact Tonya Marksteiner attonya.marksteiner@cigna.com
For more information about Cigna Supplier Diversity Program and how to become a member of the program please visit http://www.cigna.com/suppliercommunity/supplier-diversity-program

MBE of the Week:    XpertTech, Inc.
 
 XpertTech is a growing minority and women owned technology staffing firm specializing in professional resourcing around consulting, contract-to-hire, and permanent direct-hire based needs. Some of our specialties are Security, Mobile Solutions, DLP, Application Development, ERP, Storage/Virtualization, Database Administration/Development and Project Management just to name a few (all the way down to the "Purple Squirrel"). We also operate a Training Academy. Learn more about our Areas of Expertise.
  • National Reach
  • Experienced Team
  • Training Academy
  • Diversity Values
  • Social Responsibility
XpertTech offers a Training Academy with a specialized curriculum in mobile and big data technologies to help our clients excel.  This same curriculum is available for corporate technical teams. To learn more our training program and services email us at info@xperttech.com or contact us (781)0281-0556.

XpertTech is headquarters is located at 400 West Cummings Park, Suite 2850, Woburn MA 01801
Penn National Exceeds MBE Goals   

 Congratulations to Penn National and Turner Construction for blowing their MBE and WBE goals out of the water on the construction project in Plainville MA.

For more story on the news click here. 
Can your business survive a disaster?
According to the Red Cross 40% of businesses do not reopen after a disaster. A Disaster Recovery Plan can increase your chances of survival. Please go to www.PrepareCT.com for more information or email Andres Lopez alopez@gnemsdc.org for one on one consultation. Get ready today to develop a Disaster Recovery Plan.
Please RSVP: 1/21/15 Boston MBDA CEO Roundtable Event 
On Wednesday, January 21 the Boston MBDA Business Center will hold its first Roundtable Event of 2015. This event will be held from 10am - 12pm in the Palladium Room at the Towers in the Copley Place Mall (2 Copley Place, 4th Floor, Boston). For more information or to RSVP, please contact Joanne Wang at jwang@bostonmbdacenter.com

Speakers: 
Jonathan DePina, the City of Boston's Assistant Director, Capital Construction in the Property & Construction Management Department will be speaking about opportunities with the city of Boston.

Jennie Peterson, Manager of Development at Wynn Resorts, will discuss the procurement opportunities at Wynn's newest location in Everett.

Michael Randazzo, Vice President of Corporate Purchasing for Penn National Gaming, Inc. will discuss procurement opportunities at Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, MA 
Bridgeport MBDA Business Center
SAVE THE DATE!

Business Beyond Gaming is a groundbreaking one day conference aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth in indian Country and increasing opportunities for Minority- owned businesses everywhere.
 
Attendees will gain in- depth exposure to business expert's, innovated ideas, new tools, techniques and resources for establishing successful enterprises.

Official Invite and Event Website for registration will launch January 5, 2015.

We look forward to seeing you On March 5, 2015 at Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center. For more information contact Jade Melvin: Jmelvin@bridgeportmbdacenter.com
 
CVS Health - State Of Readiness Training Module

 CVS Health has long recognized the value of supplier diversity.  They set goals for utilization of diverse suppliers in business operations and in procurement, and they maintain management accountability for achieving these goals.  In addition, CVS Health supports customer requirements for inclusion of diverse suppliers.
Supplier development is a strong aspect in growing their program. As part of this effort, CVS Health in collaboration with Light Speed, is proud to present to you "Creating the State of Readiness".

Complete "Creating the State of Readiness" training today visiting
Invitations for Bid and Opportunities
FYI
 And Finally...
On behalf of  the GNEMSDC staff, the Boston MBDA staff and the Bridgeport MBDA staff, I wish all in our network of corporate members, certified MBEs and others a Happy Holiday season.  May you be safe and kind to others, especially those that you do not know.  Even better than this, how about giving to someone who does not deserve it. These random acts not so random acts of kindness change peoples perspectives on the world and  humanity in general.  Just a quick look at the front page of any paper clearly demonstrates that we need to spread love.  We are too often trapped in the history of fear and retaliatory justice.  Why not use this tine to re-learn the power of forgiveness and giving with no expectation of return.  I know it is hard given the prescribed roles we play, but for once, let us park our egos, our titles, our privileges, our pains and offer to one another a gift that cannot be purchased - our love.
In your service,

Dr. Fred
 

December 15, 2014

Upcoming Events 
There are several events coming up on our calendar that are designed specifically for MBEs to learn about corporate opportunities.  We know how busy everyone's schedule is, but these are events often hosted by our corporate members with the expressed purpose of finding out more about you and your business with the ultimate aim, to make you a valuable supplier to their companies.  Here are some events you should consider:  
  • December 18, 2014 - MBE Orientation, GNEMSDC Boston Office at 9:00 am RSVP.
2015 Events - Save the Dates Please!
  • January 28, 2015 - GNEMSDC 1st Quarterly Meeting hosted by Boston Scientific 
  • March 5, 2015 - Business Beyond Gaming, Foxwoods
  • March 25, 2015 - Capital Summit at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
  • April 10, 2015 - Eds, Meds, and Pharma Supplier Diversity Conference at Boston Convention and Exposition Center
  • April 11, 2015 - GNEMSDC 40th Anniversary Awards Gala, Boston Convention and Exhibition Center
  • July 13, 2015 - GNEMSDC Supplier Diversity Golf Classic, Lake of Isles at Foxwoods
  • September 24-25, 2015 - GNEMSDC Trade Expo at Foxwoods
  • November 18, 2015- GNEMSDC - MBDA - CWE Supplier Diversity Best Practices Forum at Fenway Park, Boston, MA
GNEMSDC 40th Anniversary  Annual Sponsorship
We are excited to announce that in 2015, the GNEMSDC will be celebrating 40 years of Minority Business Development and Supplier Diversity.  We hope that all of our certified MBEs and Corporate members will consider being an Annual Sponsor this very special year.  Attached is the Sponsorship Package for 2015.  Your support is greatly needed and appreciated. 
                               Annual Sponsorship Package 2015
Corporate Member of the Week:   Northeastern University

The Procurement Supplier Diversity and Local Program encourages business opportunities for minority business enterprises, women owned business enterprises,  and local small businesses. The Program's goal is to contribute to the economic growth of a diverse business community by contracting with businesses to provide high-quality and cost-effective goods and services to Northeastern University. Procurement Buyers participate in outreach activities throughout the year as a means to meet new, diverse and local suppliers.
Procurement will work with suppliers to ensure that the University's business requirements are mutually beneficial to both parties. 

For more information about Procurement Services at Northeastern University please visitwww.northeastern.edu/purchasing
MBE of the Week:   GrayMatters Marketing, LLC

GrayMatters Marketing, LLC is a strategic marketing organization that is prided on core research and branding values to identify and implement new program opportunities. This firm is jointly owned by O.B. Gray and Sheri Wilson-Gray and is located in Stamford, CT. GrayMatters has thrived in the industry with a team of marketing and research professionals who have amassed experience in project management and business planning knowledge that have effectively launched a number of growth strategies.
 
They have serviced a variety of leading companies including but not limited to Saks Fifth Avenue, McDonald's, HBO, AT&T and many more. Gray Matters is introductory marketing program. When receiving services from GrayMatters, no marketing efforts will go unnoticed.

For more information on GrayMatters Marketing, LLC services visit www.graymattersmarketing.com 
or call (203)968-2601.
  
Penn National Exceeds MBE Goals   

 Congratulations to Penn National and Turner Construction for blowing their MBE and WBE goals out of the water on the construction project in Plainville MA.

For more story on the news click here. 
Can your business survive a disaster?
According to the Red Cross 40% of businesses do not reopen after a disaster. A Disaster Recovery Plan can increase your chances of survival. Please go to www.PrepareCT.com for more information or email Andres Lopez alopez@gnemsdc.org for one on one consultation. Get ready today to develop a Disaster Recovery Plan.
Boston MBDA Client Highlight 
Environmental Integrity Achieves e-Stewards and R2 Recycling Certifications

Environmental Integrity Company, LLC (EIC) is pleased to announce the certification of our Holyoke, Massachusetts based recycling operation to the e-Stewards and R2:2013 Certifications.  The dual certification distinguishes Environmental Integrity as a leader in the electronics recycling industry and demonstrates our due diligence as a responsible recycling partner. The e-Stewards and R2:2013 certifications serve as recognition to the highest standards of environmental, health, safety and data protection policies. Securing such certifications sets Environmental Integrity apart from others in the industry.  "We are very excited about our recent achievements," stated Stephen Czepiel, Business Partner at EIC. "By obtaining the R2 and e-Stewards certifications we are providing our customers with assurance that their end of life electronics will be handled in a secure and responsible manner."


Additionally, Environmental Integrity is now certified to the OSHAS 18001 - Occupational Health and Safety Management Standard and ISO 14001- Environmental Management System Standard. 

About Environmental Integrity:
Environmental Integrity Company, LLC (EIC) is a full service electronic recycling and data destruction company, located in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Environmental Integrity's mission is to provide environmentally friendly electronic recycling services that support our customers' green initiatives, while ensuring data privacy though absolute documented destruction of electronic data and maximizing product re-utilization through repair, re-marketing and recycled material. EIC provides customers with the most comprehensive plan for maximizing value and mitigating risks for their end of life electronics. EIC's current certifications include e-Stewards, R2:2013, OSHAS18001 and ISO 14001.
Please RSVP: 1/21/15 Boston MBDA CEO Roundtable Event 
On Wednesday, January 21 the Boston MBDA Business Center will hold its first Roundtable Event of 2015. This event will be held from 10am - 12pm in the Palladium Room at the Towers in the Copley Place Mall (2 Copley Place, 4th Floor, Boston). For more information or to RSVP, please contact Joanne Wang at jwang@bostonmbdacenter.com

Speakers: 
Jonathan DePina, the City of Boston's Assistant Director, Capital Construction in the Property & Construction Management Department will be speaking about opportunities with the city of Boston.

Michael Randazzo, Vice President of Corporate Purchasing for Penn National Gaming, Inc. will discuss procurement opportunities at Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, MA 
CVS Health - State Of Readiness Training Module

 CVS Health has long recognized the value of supplier diversity.  They set goals for utilization of diverse suppliers in business operations and in procurement, and they maintain management accountability for achieving these goals.  In addition, CVS Health supports customer requirements for inclusion of diverse suppliers.
Supplier development is a strong aspect in growing their program. As part of this effort, CVS Health in collaboration with Light Speed, is proud to present to you "Creating the State of Readiness".

Complete "Creating the State of Readiness" training today visiting
GNEMSDC / Prince Lobel Business Holiday Cheer
On behalf of GNEMSDC & MBDA Business Center we would like to sincerely thank Prince Lobel Tye for hosting the Business Holiday Cheer event last Tuesday! Despite the weather, it was a great evening filled with networking and fun. We have received a great feedback regarding the legal seminar topics. Prince Lobel will send out the invitations for complimentary seminars exclusively for MBEs throughout the upcoming year. Keep an eye out for the first seminar invitation in January!
GNEMSDC 2014  Business Holiday Cheer Photos   
Invitations for Bid and Opportunities
  • Fannie Mae is conducting a RFP for General Contractors / Repair Contractors in Maine - for more information visit Fannie Mae Contracting Opportunities .
  • Greater Hartford Transit District - Contracting Opportunities.
  • Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston is seeking a Recruiting Specialist / Contract Recruiter
  • Suffolk Construction  is currently accepting applications for a  Compliance Officer
  • Columbia University is seeking MWBE Vendors. See details Click here.
  • Mass Dept of Revenue has several job openings: MassDOR.
  • Harvard University is committed to increasing their efforts in hiring a more diverse population at Harvard Medical School.  Please visit their career website for employment opportunities.
  • The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's vision revolves around the core notion of excellence in serving the public. They have highly skilled and proud employees and provide meaningful and challenging development opportunities to a diverse workforce. Please visit their career page for additional information and a listing of open positions.http://www.bostonfed.org/about/employment/index.htm
FYI
 And Finally...

 Gone Fishin!
In your service,

Dr. Fred
 

December 8, 2014

Upcoming Events 
There are several events coming up on our calendar that are designed specifically for MBEs to learn about corporate opportunities.  We know how busy everyone's schedule is, but these are events often hosted by our corporate members with the expressed purpose of finding out more about you and your business with the ultimate aim, to make you a valuable supplier to their companies.  Here are some events you should consider: 
  • December 9, 2014 - GNEMSDC Business Holiday Cheer, accompanied by business card exchange and more exciting news from Prince Lobel, 6:00 pm, Prince Lobel Tye, Boston, MA.  For more information and to RSVP click here
  • December 9, 2014 - The Massachusetts Export Center's Export Expo, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM,
    State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA, Click hereto find out more and RSVP
  • December 10, 2014 -GNEMSDC Business Holiday Card Exchange -5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 333 State Street, Bridgeport, CT
  • December 11, 2014 - MGM Springfield Design/Construction Vendor Information Session 
    8:00 AM, MassMutual Center, 1277 Main Street, Springfield, MA. To RSVP click here. 
  • December 18, 2014 - MBE Orientation, GNEMSDC Boston Office at 9:00 am RSVP.
Corporate Member of the Week:  Connecticut Health Foundation 

 At CT Health, we are passionately committed to creating more access to better quality health care for populations of color and underserved communities across Connecticut. Not only that, but we are dedicated to doing it by fundamentally changing the health care system to make quantifiable, sustainable change with tangible impact.
Through our grant making, leadership development and public policy work, we are leveraging our resources and relationships to change how society views health and health care so that everyone-regardless of race, background, income level or age-can achieve optimal health. 
 We see health equity not just an aspiration, but as a framework for understanding problems and generating solutions that will help more people, especially populations of color, gain access to better health care.
To learn more about how Connecticut Health Foundation improves lives through health equity, please visit www.cthealth.org. 

MBE of the Week:  US Asset Realty, LLC
 
U.S. Asset Realty, LLC is considered one of the top REO and Short Sale Real Estate Firms in the State of Connecticut. It is co-owned by Jihad Shaheer who is a Broker firm and has offices in Stratford and Stamford, CT.  Our brokerage brings 20 combined years of REO expertise and knowledge to the organization. We currently service,  Wells Fargo, PAS, LPS, HSBC, Green River, IAS, Veriquest, Carrington, Sun Trust, Keystone, M.D. Webb, EMC, One West Bank, Bank of America,  ASHMI (Homeward Residential), FDIC, Fannie Mae, Citibank, Chase, Bankers Asset, Service Link, and HUD.

We focus on Distressed Properties ranging from Bank Own to individuals who owe more than what their properties are worth. We at U.S. Asset Realty have over 40 combined years of dealing directly with financial institutions regarding distressed properties. We dedicate ourselves in offering services of satisfaction for all parties involved. So, if you are looking for Great House and Great Price or need assistance in selling your home in these difficult times, then you have found the Right Company.

For more information on US Asset Realty, LLC services visit www.usassetrealty.com or via phone at (855)518-HOME.
 
Printabilitees Celebrates 10th Anniversary  
Stamford Mayor David Martin, Jere Eaton (Founder of PrintabiliTees) and Dr. Fred  

 
Congratulations to Jere Eaton and PrintabilTees for making it to 10 years.  Jere had a wonderful celebration in Stamford, CT last Monday evening.  The festivities were attended by supporters, vendors, and customers of PrintabiliTees as well as Jere's lovely family.  
Penn National Exceeds MBE Goals   

 Congratulations to Penn National and Turner Construction for blowing their MBE and WBE goals out of the water on the construction project in Plainville MA.

For more story on the news click here. 
Can your business survive a disaster?
According to the Red Cross 40% of businesses do not reopen after a disaster. A Disaster Recovery Plan can increase your chances of survival. Please go to www.PrepareCT.com for more information or email Andres Lopez alopez@gnemsdc.org for one on one consultation. Get ready today to develop a Disaster Recovery Plan.
Save the Date: 1/21/15 Boston MBDA CEO Roundtable Event 
Please save Wednesday, January 21 for the Boston MBDA Business Center's first Roundtable Event of 2015. This event will be held from 10am - 12pm in the Palladium Room at the Towers in the Copley Place Mall (2 Copley Place, 4th Flor, Boston).
Jonathan DePina, the City of Boston's Assistant Director, Capital Construction in the Property & Construction Management Department will be speaking about opportunities with the city of Boston.  Additional speakers will be added shortly!
Invitations for Bid and Opportunities
  • Fannie Mae is conducting a RFP for General Contractors / Repair Contractors in Maine - for more information visit Fannie Mae Contracting Opportunities .
  • University of Connecticut Engineering & Science Building Project - Invitation to Prequalify.
  • Greater Hartford Transit District - Contracting Opportunities.
  • Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island is currently accepting application for a Chief Diversity Officer.
  • Columbia University is seeking MWBE Vendors. See details Click here.
  • Mass Dept of Revenue has several job openings: MassDOR.
  • Early Morning Software, Inc job opportunity: Director of Operations.
  • Harvard University is committed to increasing their efforts in hiring a more diverse population at Harvard Medical School.  Please visit their career website for employment opportunities.
FYI
 And Finally...
Ferguson, Staten Island and Supplier Diversity

I was born 89 years after the legal end of slavery in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. I was born not a slave, but not quite free. It was the dying days of segregation and Jim Crow.  Eighty-nine years ago today does not seem that long ago. We probably know friends and relatives of this age and older. Is it any surprise that in 1954 the legacy of slavery 89 years from that point in time still cast a dark shadow over the life chances and outcomes of my and succeeding generations of Americans of African descent? The recent grand jury proceedings in Ferguson and Staten Island can be tied directly to the history of slavery and exploitation of Americans of African descent. But what do the recent events in Ferguson and Staten Island have to do with supplier diversity? I believe the answer to this question illustrates a clearly defined connection between what we are attempting to accomplish in corporate supplier diversity and these tragic events. I believe that corporations have a specific and important self-interest in redressing the concerns of Americans of African descent. I believe MBEs and WBEs have an interest in social and racial justice with specific regards to the conditions of the overwhelming majority of African-Americans.

For some, it seems like déjà vu all over again. Some are shocked by the lack of indictments. Personally and sadly I was not shocked.  Perhaps it was from being racially profiled many times and even being brought in on suspicion of the crime of murder back in 1983 when the only connection I had was that the victim was a customer of mine and the main suspect was Black- talk about business risks!  (She did owe me $40 which the NY Police claimed was my motive!)  These personal experiences of walking while Black, driving while Black and doing business while Black provide the lens through which I see police interactions with other Blacks.  And unfortunately, my personal experiences are the norm not the exception for Black men. Today, over 1 million Blacks are in the nations prisons and jails. The rate of incarceration of Black men is six times that of whites.  Black men born today have a greater chance of spending time in prison than they do spending time in a university.  I would never argue that all incarcerated Black men are innocent, or that there are behaviors within our community that need to be addressed but it strains credulity that the distribution of men in jail does not reflect population proportions.  And guilty or not, it is a damning testament to where we are as a society, particularly as we preach to the world the virtues and value of American democracy.  

As a society, we attempted to address the legacy of slavery with the Civil Rights Act (1964), the Voting Rights Act (1965) and court decisions (Brown vs. Board of Education, 1954). Things did materially get better as a result of theses judicial and legal interventions for many African Americans and Americans in general. But even with these interventions, there were over 100 street riots in reactions to the assassination of Martin Luther King in 1968.

In response to the over 100 street protests, and riots, in 1969, newly elected President Richard Nixon, using an executive order (11458), created the Office of Minority Business Enterprise. (It isironic that President Obama is being vilified for using executive orders today to improve the rights of certain immigrants.) The Office of Minority Business Enterprise was to become the Minority Business Development Agency in 1979. The National Minority Supplier Development Agency was largely funded by this agency before we adopted our current model of primary corporate support in the early 1980s. Today the GNEMSDC is the holder of two MBDA grants for our Boston and Bridgeport offices.  We are directly connected to the Civil Rights struggle.

It was the struggle for African American rights that influenced, informed and preceded the struggle for immigrant rights, gay rights, veteran rights, rights for the disabled, women's rights and minority rights in general. All Americans benefited by having a more humane America because of the African American struggle for basic civil, human and economic rights.  All Americans stand to gain if we can provide the security and development in African American communities today.

Now it seems we have come full circle. African Americans and other Americans are in the streets crying out for justice and basic human rights. And once again, it forces us to examine why are we at this point of confrontation between the dream of America and the reality of America.

I and others contend that the reason why Eric Garner was selling single cigarettes on the street on Staten Island, and the reason why Michael Brown was stealing cigars, and the reason why 12-year old Tamir Rice was killed while playing with a toy gun, is because the communities where they lived do not have the economic opportunity to realize their human needs for employment or business ownership or the fruits that come with economic stability in the communities where they lived.  And as a result, these communities are policed by persons who are not there to serve and protect them.

I want to be clear, that I am not leading, nor am I advocating for more protests or boycotts, but Corporate America, needs to be clear that the demonstrations in the streets across this country can and will impact their bottom lines if they do not take steps to sincerely get involved to address the problems African Americans continue to face.  African Americans are increasingly aware that of the $1 trillion in income earned, the gross receipts of African American owned firms represent less than 14 percent.  In other words, at least 86 percent of  income earned by African Americans is spent on businesses owned by others.  This is the highest ratio of income spent outside of a community than for any other ethnic or racial group in America.  

My suggestion is that Corporate America be proactive and not reactive. Corporate America needs to acknowledge that African American unemployment rates continue to be twice that of all Americans, and that African American teenage unemployment is over 50 percent in many urban centers across the country. Corporate America needs to acknowledge that they need to make significant investments in African American businesses. African American businesses are sometimes the only glue that supports these communities. Corporate America can do this by re-invigorating efforts to target the growth and development of African American businesses and other minority businesses that operate in inner cities. Why can't all the major retailers have stores in inner cities?  Why can't these stores be joint ventures between these global retailing giants and African American entrepreneurs.  We need more Magic Johnson Starbucks partnerships.  Inner City America is not only food deserts, they are retail deserts, they are job deserts, they business deserts.

The GNEMSDC can help. MBEs can help. Corporate members can help, or all of us can sit back and wring our hands and hope that someone else will address the underlying problems in African American communities. Well guess what; there is no one else but us to help.

Slavery is not ancient history. The Civil Rights movement is not ancient history. The problems in Ferguson, Staten Island and across this country are tied to our unique American recent history. Because of the events in recent weeks, it is clear that we are not done with what the American Founders called a search for a "more perfect union". We have much work to do. I hope this network of leaders is prepared to accept their historic duty of leadership. We can, and we must  - engage.  In 1903, WEB DuBois stated that problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line.  I think it is time we solve this problem.
In your service,

Dr. Fred
 
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