Influence is Ours - IF We Use It

Some are celebrating, others are protesting.  But why?  Someone got a contract, others didn't.  Someone got off of the charge, others didn't.  Someone got the job. Others didn't.  The list goes on and on.  But the others are often times African Americans.  There are many resources that will account to the significance that the African Americans have in numbers and buying power.  Unfortunately, it is not used to influence the outcome.  Perhaps, we don't know that we could have made a difference. 

Even though we have been told this numerous times and the March on Washington verified it, the Obama election was the ultimate example of how we can influence the outcome.  We can boycott anything like we did in the past. If you are here in Philly, the Rev Leon Sullivan taught us all how boycotting can make a difference.  In fact, Philly, just like every other government, is facing a budget shortfall.  Philly lives off of tourism dollars and is also trying to encourgage people to move back to the city.  What if the upcoming conferences decided to boycott our city, what if people decided this was not a safe or fair place to live or to operate a business. Boycotting could make a difference. 

Consider some of the many ways that we can use our numbers and dollars in a more strategic way to influence the outcome of a decision being made in your city, your job, or other arena. 

Influence is ours - IF we use it.

Deborah