Publisher’s Note: Inclusivity Helps Build Community

During the past month, our nation again experienced more mass shootings.  Thirty-one people – 22 in Texas and nine in Ohio – lost their lives to shooters, bolstered by senseless narrow-mindedness and hate and rhetoric spewing from the leader of the free world and others.  My heart is heavy for this nation. We are at a crossroads – many using their narrow-mindedness to direct their path on how to treat people from different cultures and environments.  Locally it has become a major conversation – one in which folks are hoping to see some action and change. I talked to one of my elders a couple of weeks ago, and he shared that he feels the world is going backwards regarding race relations. He said the times we are living in remind him of years gone by …back in the 60’s when folks were aligned and segregated in their own communities. 

When you look at the geography and demographics in Roanoke, the racial lines have not changed.  The majority of African Americans live in the Northwest area of the city while many white Americans live in the South end of the city.  Sunday is still the most segregated day of the week and the economic development of people color still has not received awareness and importance. 

As an African American business owner, I work with other businesses represented by different nationalities to educate, convince and sell the value of promoting their products and services in ColorsVA is a worthwhile investment.  Some companies get it. They recognize that people of color spend significant money in different areas of communities. There are many businesses that do not value the spending power of communities of color and dismiss the idea without purpose or relevance. 

I am not calling these businesses racists or bigots, just pointing out how closed-minded some can be. I remain focused on the purpose of this publication – to provide understanding and awareness as we promote the value of the great melting pot in this community and nation.  The Census Bureau projections speak for themselves, that by 2040 this country will have more communities of color than not.  You can fight, shoot or deport as much as you want but one thing you cannot change is nature. Nature is pointing out the facts, where we are heading as a country. We need to start recognizing the facts and valuing everyone to build better communities. I pray this is dark period in this country will bring a brighter light to us all. We learned a long time ago – it’s not nice to fool Mother Nature.

BE BLESSED