Community Uplifting and Networking

Motionphics Studios would like to congratulate Trina Kendricks-Jacobs on her newest venture, The Bakery on the Corner. With this opening, Motionphics Studios is partnering with The Bakery on the Corner to help promote locally owned African American businesses through its Wind Down Wednesdays at the bakery located on W. Airline Hwy. in Garyville, LA.

Tonight was the second networking event held at the bakery and as with the first there was great conversation and each business owner took the time to encourage one another and give advice on growing a profitable business. Although successful, I was still somewhat disappointed in the turnout of what I think should be a well attended event for the African American community as a whole. In this season of economic turndown it is imperative that we as business owners, hobbyists, pastors and community leaders learn to pull our communities up by its own bootstraps and learn to network and support one another.

Many times we, as African Americans are quick to complain about the disparities, lack of resources and the lack of African American businesses in our communities. If this is our cry as individuals and a community then why is it that when a solution is put forward, we fail to support. Why is it the case that African Americans in many of our communities are not available to support and cheer on African Americans entrepreneurs as they step out on faith and attempt something new? Why is it that when one attempts to offer a solution to the lack and despair it is met with silence?

By no means is it easy to start and operate a business. The dream of your fellow citizen/ brother takes a mighty courage to fulfill. Many of us dream. It takes a little something extra to put that dream into motion. As a community, it is our duty to support and uplift our brothers and sisters as they move forward in faith. This is why it baffles me to no end that some African Americans not only would rather prefer to skip promoting a community business, but would also not be, in the least bit, interested in what may be going on at a particular event. Many times we miss out on our blessings because we lack information that may be vital to our survival or the survival of our own dreams by not supporting another's dream. It also has appeared to me that, in our communities, if you do not carry a certain surname or position, it is more than likely that you will not be supported. For this reason, many are not able to overcome obstacles that have held them down in the past. You answer, believe it or not, just may lie within the person(s) or business(es) you are "boycotting."

As new businesses are built and new community grounds (i.e. churches, congregations, social clubs/organizations etc.) arise from new fertile grounds, I charge each of you in the community to back these new ventures. I charge you newly and re-elected politicians to show your face. It is not enough to just be seen at your post when campaigning. We the business owners and community backbone would love to, in return for our support, have your support as we attempt to better a economically battered community. As a lover of the "networking game" will continue to support the people of our community that have it in their hearts to support others. This is the ONLY way that our communities can overcome in these trying economic times.

In the spirit of Gospel Fridays Live..."GO UP!!!"

Derron C. Cook