Our perception (of ourselves) has not changed and makes no sense (or cents).

We still talk about Black people not reading. Barnes and Nobles has changed their perception, and all other large chains have changed their perceptions. Is this progress? Or what?

Black bookstores lead the way to open opportunities for others to advance and get a foothold in this economy. They provided access to good information in the form of reading materials, research and history resources, posters and Black art, by and about us. They allowed us to use their stores after hours for book clubs and community meetings. They served us well.

They helped to feed and free our hungry Black minds. They didn't think or even imagine that we would abandon them just to go to the mall.

Another example. During the Civil Rights era, there were some who lead the way for the masses to enjoy better public accommodations and equal access.

For those too young to remember, Black folk couldn't drink from water fountains in public parks or use public toilets or sit in certain seats on buses or in movie theaters.

That newly legislated "access" led to a depletion and decline of most Black businesses left in the path of the flight "downtown" to spend (give away) our money.

The leaders of the day hoped to find more education (enlightenment) for our people in colleges and universities, that we could not have historically attended.

This shift and trend, caused a "Brain drain" in our communities nationwide and within historically Black colleges. The trend also created a slow down in the development of Black businesses. People took corporate jobs under what were then called "pacification programs".

The call of the day was to "get a good job", move out of the old neighborhood and find a new set of (white) friends and spend all of your money while trying to impress.

In the process, we abandoned those who helped us get ahead. So, have we progressed as a result? How far have we gotten? How much further do we have to go? What's our next biggest challenge?

I say its economic and financial development and Black consumer awareness.

Its tackling the "free enterprise system" with a vengeance and using it to better leverage our position here as a people. So as to ensure that future generations will not be put back, put out or put under because of us misreading the times or the intent of those in our midst.

As consumers, we need to be more responsible (response able) and not merely reactionary (trends come and go). Being reactionary has only caused us more harm then good in the long run. We tend to jump quickly when that "mental trigger" is activated.

As business owners and entrepreneurs, we need to stay on top of forecasts and trends and not assume loyalty just because we're Black. We need to win back Black consumers' confidence. We need to "fight fire with fire". We need to be the best in all that we do. We need to lead and not follow. We need to take charge and lead by example. Showing others the way to financial success.

We are now living in the "Information Age", the age of the Internet and digital/telecommunications