Black Economic Development
August 1987

The second episode in the Black Issues Forum series, "Black Economic Development," will address the progress of the black community in successfully making the transition from consumer to producer. It will also discuss current economic activity in the black community and the potential of the black population to become successful entrepreneurs.

Suggestions to improve the current economic condition of the black community are discussed and the panel attempts to find ways to tear down barriers that are holding the black community back from entering the business world. Proposals include communicating a positive and self -directed future to black youth, encouraging children to "be the best they can be," serving as positive role models at home, and taking the twenty billion dollars that the black community has and spending it to create a source of revenue to stabilize black businesses and provide jobs for the black youth. Robert J. Brown, president of B& C Associates, Inc., in High Point, N.C. explains, "In spite of all the progress we have made, we have not made enough. We need to keep pushing. We need to go out there and help our young people along."

Access to the ideal American way of life is surrounded by obstacles that make it difficult for blacks to achieve financial success. The panel explains that many things hinge upon economic success. These include education, health care, leisure time, and psychological well-being. Dr. Lloyd V. Hackley, the introducer of the forum and chancellor at Fayetteville State University states, "There remain some obstacles to success that stem from our history in America both in the way the majority reacts to us and in whether we see ourselves as worthy and competent to be in business for ourselves." He explains that the black community must make a long time commitment to tear down these barriers to success and gain control of economic instruments.

PANELISTS:

Julian Brown, director of the N.C. Minority Business Development Agency

Robert J.Brown, president of B&C Associate, Inc. in High Point, N.C.

Peter Grear, president of the N.C. Leadership Conference

H. M. Michaux Jr., State Representative to the N.C. General Assembly General Assembly

Virginia K. Newell, city alderman in Winston-Salem, N.C.

The panel discussion was moderated by Valeria L. Lee, Chair of the University of North Carolina Center for Public Television and Program Development Officer for the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. The Executive Producer is Dr. Paul Vandergrift.