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A Plan Biden-Harris Administration Needs to Consider for the Revitalization of African American Business Community

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Specific areas below to support the revitalization of the African American business community during the Biden and Harris era.

1)  The Biden administration must place a significant emphasis on capital and loan creation for the African American Community. Institute, at least a $50 billion program to aid African American businesses harmed by the Pandemic and unable to participate in the PPP program. This can be done by extending the existing program and establishing a funding program for African American businesses.

2)  More significant support for the Minority Business Development Agency ( MBDA) division of the U.S. Department of Commerce was established to aid minority businesses across the country. They have one of the smallest budgets of any agency, currently $50 million. MBDA’s budget should be doubled to $100 million so that grants and increased technical assistance can be provided. Also, MBDA should assist in identifying capital for minority-owned banks. Provide technical support to HBCU institutions to promote contract opportunities in federal, state/local, and commercial areas. Assist the minority business community in developing greater access for their products and services in international markets, a significant initiative in internet commerce. MBDA should participate in the Small Business Innovate Research ( SBIR) grant program to promote inventions and ideas of the African American community.

3)  Increase the percentage of federal contracts available to African American businesses and end the bundling practice of federal and state/local contracts. This activity over the years has limited contracts for African American businesses.

4)  Eliminate the contract size standard cap for African American Businesses and increase the number of years of their participation in the SBA’s 8(a) program from nine to twelve years.

5)  Create and foster greater participation of African American businesses in the manufacturing sector. This should include programs that promote suppliers of healthcare products and services.

6)  Establish a grant funding program to restore small businesses in local communities, i.e., barbershops, salons, restaurants, and small retail operations. These businesses have been the backbone of the economy in the African American Community.

7)  Strengthen the tax benefit for investors that partner with African American businesses.

8)  Create a long-term capital investment program to support our HBCU community. Provide a matching program for monetary contributions to HBCUs by the federal government.

9)  Appoint African Americans to head the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Small Business Administration.

The African American community requires a “Marshall Plan,” today similar to the economic program established after WWll, to rebuild Europe. Our community will need some major financial help at all levels. We need to reconstruct the African American community today and protect our children and future generations

Please VOTE as if your life depends on it because it does.

www.raceforthenet.com to order my book

alwhite@raceforthenet.com

Michelle Snider

Associate Editor for The Post News Group. Writer, Photographer, Videographer, Copy Editor, and website editor documenting local events in the Oakland-Bay Area California area.

Associate Editor for The Post News Group. Writer, Photographer, Videographer, Copy Editor, and website editor documenting local events in the Oakland-Bay Area California area.

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Oakland Post: Week of March 13 – 19, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 13 – 19, 2024

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Oakland Post: Week of March 6 – 12, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 6 – 12, 2024

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Book Reviews

Book Review: “Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You” by A’Ja Wilson

The envelope on the table is addressed to you. It caught your attention because — who, besides politicians, utilities, and creditors sends anything in the mail these days? Still, it was a nice surprise, no matter what, like a throwback or something. And like the new book, “Dear Black Girls” by A’Ja Wilson, every letter means something.

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Courtesy of A'Ja Wilson
Courtesy of A'Ja Wilson

c.2024, Moment of Life Books /Flatiron Books

$24.99

192 pages

 

Photo Caption: Courtesy of A’Ja Wilson

The envelope on the table is addressed to you.

It caught your attention because — who, besides politicians, utilities, and creditors sends anything in the mail these days? Still, it was a nice surprise, no matter what, like a throwback or something. And like the new book, “Dear Black Girls” by A’Ja Wilson, every letter means something.

From the time she was born until she was in fourth or fifth grade, A’Ja Wilson lived in a bubble. She didn’t know it; she was only a kid, just being herself with no worries. And then, right before one of her best friends was having a birthday party, Wilson learned that the girl’s dad “really [didn’t] like Black people.” Those few words shook Wilson’s dad, they made her mother quietly angry, and they made Wilson doubt herself for many years.

It was her first reminder: “You’re a girl.

Oh! And you’re a Black girl.

Alright, good luck!”

With the help of her parents and her beloved grandmother, Wilson healed but she never forgot. She made sure to know her roots and her family’s story. She was dyslexic, so she struggled, tried to fit in, and grew taller than most boys, which didn’t help her self-esteem. Neither did the fact that at almost every point in her life, the color of her skin mattered in ways that it shouldn’t have mattered. That included her activity on a basketball court.

Wilson was a young teen when her father first threw her a ball and she hated it, but by the time she graduated from high school, she’d found her way. She’d developed a good “Nonsense Detector.” She got some therapy (“Ain’t no shame in it.”); she learned that when she did her best, there were still going to be haters; and she always remembered to be herself and to be a light for others.

Remember, she says, “You don’t have to be an WNBA player or a politician or a celebrity to have an impact on someone.”

So, will you learn a thing or two by reading “Dear Black Girls”?

Yes and no. In her short introduction, author A’Ja Wilson says that this “is not a self-help book,” and that it’s just “a diary of somebody… who looks like you…” Eh, that’s nothing new but despite her protests, “Dear Black Girls” is helpful. You just have to be ready for it.

That’s not hard; Wilson, a two-time WNBA MVP tells her story with a flair for fun. She even tells the sad tales with exuberance, subtly letting readers know that it’s okay, she’s okay, and it’s all just part of her story. Her voice lets you know how much she enjoys life, even when she has tough things to deal with. It’s like hearing encouragement from the top bunk, or getting straight talk from a mentor.

While it might seem to be a book for teenagers only, “Dear Black Girls” would also be a great resource for younger adults. Take a look, see if it doesn’t get your stamp of approval.

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