The news media, currently is highlighting this fact all the time now. We want to continue to expand positive exposure for Black businesses.

Its time for us to tell our own story and have that story have a happy ending. We are writing the "story" every day. Its not just about us, but future generations coming behind us.

The story is, we are more than just "mom-n-pop" operations and we do more than trade in only ethnic items with limited distribution or customer bases.

We do more than work out of the basement of our homes. Or the trunks of our cars. Or with our kids crying in the background while we're on the phone.

We do more than run Fortune 1000 franchises. Of all sizes and annual revenues.

We do more than just sing. We run record labels and manage talent.

We do more than walk run-ways, We create fashion shows and design clothing.

We do more than network marketing/MLM. We create extraordinary incomes.

We do more than invent great products and create great new services. We provide the world with significant contributions.

The fact of the matter is ... We do it all! And the best is yet to come!

We have moved from the streets to the suites, back to the house and now around the world.

We take pride in our businesses and will protect and nurture them by uplifting, empowering and inspiring tools for their success and growth.

Also on the other side of this advocacy, we won't let anyone hide behind the "Black thing". Be they rich or poor, Black or white. Whatever.

There are some who pretend to be a Black owned business when that's not the case.

There are some who are taking advantage of our trend-setting gift and get to market first using us as front men. We will have to compete and win.

There are some who use "Black" as an excuse for poor service and higher than necessary pricing. We're not having it!

We will hold Black businesses accountable and will leave no Black business behind that seeks to grow using proper business principles.

There is no scarcity, but universal abundance for all who adhere to the universal laws of success. We want all Black businesses to prosper.

The marketplace is rapidly changing. We have made some historical miscalculations that have caused us to get off track.

Its time to make the necessary corrections and move full speed ahead.

For example, just a few short years ago, when you bought a Black book you bought it from a Black bookstore. You had no other choice.

The major chains and bookstore outlets didn't carry very many Black books at all. You couldn't go to Border's or Barnes and Noble to buy. You could only find the best Black books in Black bookstores.

Why, because for years those and other large chains, would not carry Black books, with Black subjects and written by Black authors. They didn't see a market for it.

Black bookstore owners were the enlightened entrepreneurs and retailers at the forefront of making a way for creating and growing a whole industry of Black writers, editors, printers, publishing and distribution companies.

Black bookstores got cut out of the loop when the large book chains saw the hand writing on the wall. This is a Black business tragedy and market miscalculation.

Now large chains have whole sections dedicated to "African American" literature, when just a few years ago their general consensus was Black do not read. What happened? They changed their minds.

Their "perception" has changed because it made good business sense. Black readers represented for them a new market. They took the market.

Black bookstores could not compete without its old customer base who was lured away from them and so many Black bookstores have disappeared. Those that remain, do so with a dogged determination to still help de-program Black minds.

And we should buy from them. When we buy from them we are not "supporting" them as in making a charitable donation. We are doing business with them. Their price is the price of the book. Yes, the chains can knock off a few pennies here and there, but should we sell out our Black bookstore for a few pennies? How do you see that?

Sometimes Black consumers only see doing business with Black businesses as charity. They equate "support" with "charity". So when you ask the Black consumer to "support Black businesses".

The "mental trigger" of that (programmed) consumer reacts with ... "when I buy from a Black business I am not really doing a business transaction, I'm helping a brother/sister out."

While that may be true, its true also when you do business with anyone. Who you spend your money with is who you help out.

But that doesn't stop the programmed mindset. The "mental trigger" makes one believe, "because I'm helping you out (negro), don't charge me the full price. Throw something "extra" in the bag, give me the 'hood' discount, or else I won't come back and will tell everyone I know ... you high!"

This is not the case and we need to deal with this as a line item issue when helping Black consumers become more aware of Black businesses. Don't support Black businesses ... patronize them.

I know, I've gotten off track but, if you are still reading (thank you). So back to perceptions.