By State Senator Kevin Matthews
Guest Contributor
As we rapidly approach the year 2021, the 100-year anniversary of the Race Riot (Massacre) in Tulsa, the history and success of the businesses and professionals that were once the Greenwood Business District remain at the forefront of National and International interest and attention. With all of the talent, intellect, and technology available to us today, why is it that we seem to have so little in the same district in these modern times? Today, we complain about not having grocery stores, movie theaters, hotels, and many other services in our community. Can it be true that 70, 80 or 100 years ago, it was easier to open a business than it is today? What happened to the natural entrepreneurial spirit of creating our own businesses and trading goods and services within our own neighborhoods and building wealth that could be passed down from generation to generation? While you can’t pass a job on to the next generation, you can pass on businesses, properties, or other investments.
The truth is that many of us who live in underserved areas, are allowing ourselves and our children to be taught and conditioned to be “Consumer Minded” and to be customers instead of owners or producers. Entrepreneurs, or business owners, make our economy move. Business owners provide the jobs and services needed to make the rest of our lives better, while creating income for themselves and their families. Many people worry about failing at business, and that fear keeps them from taking the risk. But when you think about it, being vulnerable to an employer laying you off or firing you, is a risky business as well. Food insecurity is a risk. Lack of income or sufficient income is a risk. Instead of us believing that we need to move away to places where there or more goods and services, we have the opportunity to provide those goods and services for ourselves if we are willing to create them through entrepreneurism and innovative partnerships.
It takes as much time and energy to run someone else’s business as it does to own one. We need to be purposeful in discussing and exposing our children to business, finance, and entrepreneurship. As we approach the 100-year anniversary of the 1921 Race Massacre, we should remember the spirit of Black Wall Street and look at ways to create and support more businesses of our own today. The truth is, that we are the answers we seek.
