Black Underdevelopment: Observations and Recommendations

By Ron Watkins This is an excellent article! “Without commerce and industry, a people will perish” Marcus Garvey Racism and the effects of living in a racist society is the most common reason given by many Black leaders for Black America’s economic underdevelopment. This argument is no longer valid. Racism has, and will be a part of the human condition for the foreseeable future. The fight for civil rights has been won, and In today’s computer and communications driven global economy, the world is open to all willing to take the plunge. Then there are those who ascribe to the grand conspiracy theory. The belief that there is a grand conspiracy on the part of some white people to keep Black people forever enslaved. Full article: http://www.izania.com/forums/articles.php?action=viewarticle&artid=114 Thinking Globally Ron Watkins, Founder and Publisher PH: 773-768-5757; Email: aitca@sbcglobal.net

  ¶ 6/30/2006 11:29:00 AM links to this post

  Networking and serious online discussion

If you have not done so already, visit iZania.com which is an excellent site for networking and serious online discussion. I have met many people that have provided me insight that I can't get locally in many instances. I often ask questions to get answers from people on issues impacting Black folks who I don't know, and several are likely to give me a different answer than those who already know me and how I think. I don't always want the answer I want to hear, but I always need to hear the truth or another opinion before I form my own. Also check out their Market Square. You can buy, bid and sell just like eBay, but at this site you are empowering Black entrepreneurs. Visit and Signup Here: http://www.izania.com/forums/index.php?referrerid=2424

  ¶ 6/30/2006 10:56:00 AM links to this post

  Newsflash!

In America’s Melting Pot, Blacks are the only ones melting. -- June 2006 By James Clingman Jr. What will it take for Black people to stand up against centuries of unfairness and mistreatment? I know we’re tough and can take a lot of abuse, but c’mon brothers and sisters, we don’t have to continue proving our toughness by submitting to and even participating in the destruction of our own people. Where is Chancellor Williams when we need him most? Have we not been hurt severely enough? Are we still waiting for the crucial blow that will finally make us fight back? Well, the longer we wait the less effective we become, and the smaller and more insignificant we become as well. This melting pot thing has definitely played us for chumps. Every other group is doing its thing by building wealth for themselves. Black people are busy melting away, soon to become invisible and a “non-people” as Albert Cleage told us we would become if we continued down the yellow brick road of social integration without an economic foundation. Read full article and join the discussion on this topic here: http://www.izania.com/forums/showthread.php?s=ed1abd6c8df9af37b97f58c7518306b2&t=1231

  ¶ 6/30/2006 10:15:00 AM links to this post

  Images 2006

Images 2006 featuring 163 African American Male Leaders and Role Models in Topeka is now available for purchase at : Above All Books & Gifts, LLP 3632 SW Topeka Blvd Topeka, KS 66611 785-266-6107 (Use the SE Entrance of White Lakes Mall) "Dedicated To Giving The Highest Service" http://www.cjonline.com/stories/062506/boo_taylor.shtml www.heavenlyvisions.us

  ¶ 6/30/2006 08:21:00 AM links to this post

  Local photographer chronicles black leaders, role models The Capital-Journal If a picture is worth a thousand words, "Images 2006 Leaders and Role Models: African American Men in Topeka, Kansas" tells quite the story. Photographer Yolanda Harley Taylor began working on the book a year ago to raise the profile of Topeka's black community. "I felt that black men in Topeka didn't get a fair share of attention," Taylor said. The book features 163 black men who are seen as local leaders. Community involvement was important from the start, Taylor said. "I let the community decide who should be in the book," she said. "I let them decide who the African-American male leaders and role models are in the community." The project has enabled Taylor to expose the public to her work. She said she was inspired by GO Topeka's First Step FastTrac, an entrepreneurial training program. While the book is a showcase for Taylor's photography, Taylor also noted its higher purpose. "I want it to bring the African-American community together," she said. "There is a lot of division in Topeka. I hope this brings unity." Another goal Taylor set is to help younger African-American men and women by identifying all the occupations, as well as community involvement, of the men. This, Taylor said, will give young people names of people they can go to who can help them find jobs or make contacts. One man featured in the book, John Lewis, 52, a teacher and coach at Topeka West High School, said he thinks the book is a positive thing. "Sometimes we think that only famous people on TV are role models," Lewis said. "We all have to be positive role models. It is the everyday man that goes to work every day. Young people need to see that, especially our young black men." Terry Crowder, 59, Goodyear Tire & Company, and W. Lazone Grays, 45, IBSA Inc., also are featured in the book. They said it is a great opportunity for young men to see local role models. "We don't realize the impact these people have on our community," Crowder said. "You see them every day, and you don't see them as role models. You don't realize it. Then you see them in the book and say, 'Wow, these guys are really something.' "This is going to have an impact on our community." Leaders come from all parts of the community, Grays said. "There are other people out there that are leaders that aren't in sports or entertainment," Grays said. The book was self-published by Taylor and printed by Jostens Printing & Publishing with a limited number of volumes. The book will cost $55. Orders go directly to Taylor at (785) 608-3291 or her Web site, heavenlyvisions@sbcglobal.net. Taylor has started working on three more photography books: one that would feature black women, one on youths and one on couples who have been married for more than 50 years. Taylor said she also wants to one day update the book focusing on black men by adding new faces. "It's going to become apart of Topeka's rich history," Taylor said  ¶ 6/25/2006 11:35:00 AM links to this post

  Document Your Entire IT Infrastructure

http://www.ecora.com/ecora/products/documentor.asp Document Your Entire IT Infrastructure Absolutely Free. Imagine generating detailed configuration reports for virtually your entire infrastructure with just a mouse click! Ideal for Consultants, System Administrators, Security Professionals, IT Auditors, and DBAs Installs on windows system – laptop or server Generate reports in an hour or less Captures thousands of configuration settings Always know who has access to what systems, files, and databases Agent-free – NO SOFTWARE to load on target systems Non-intrusive – no changes to your systems Ideal for disaster recovery, IT audits, troubleshooting, consolidation, and virtualization Free Unlimited License

  ¶ 6/24/2006 02:02:00 PM links to this post

  "New Jack Slavery"

Food for thought.................   By James Clingman   ...Booker T. Washington said, “Now is the time, not in some far-off future, but now is the time, for us as a race to do our part in owning, developing, manufacturing, and trading in the natural resources of our country.  If we let these golden opportunities slip from us in this generation, I fear they will never come to us in like degree again.  Let us act ... before it’s too late, before others come from foreign lands and rob us of our birthright.”....   Source: http://www.blackonomics.com/content.ihtml?cmemstep=1&nid=5679&catid=:catid

  ¶ 6/22/2006 05:57:00 PM links to this post

  Home Based Business Rider

Home Based Business Rider Requirements for Coverage * Must be sold by a Small Business Certified (trained) Associate * It can be added to a $25 expanded family plan in approved states * The business and resident address must be the same * Business entity must have three or fewer employees * Must be a for-profit business and not publicly traded Rider Coverage * Unlimited business telephone consultation * Three business contracts per month * Three business letters per month * Three debt collection letters per month * Trial defense at a 25% discount * Discounted services -- all others at 25% discount * Full GoSmallBiz.com membership Rider Fee * $14.50 per month Expanded Plan * $25 Total Home Business Plan * $39.50

  ¶ 6/21/2006 06:01:00 AM links to this post

  Legal Plan for the Self Employed

Legal Plan for the Self Employed What is it? The Legal Plan for the Self Employed provides benefits specifically designed for professionals' legal needs--owners of nonpublic, for-profit business entities employing 8 or fewer people. The plan also provides a wide array of benefits for common family legal issues. Benefits Include: * Toll-free telephone consultations with the Provider Law Firm for any subject matter --personal or business * One phone call or letter per subject matter on personal issues per membership year * Three letters written on behalf of the business each month [no more than one per subject] * Document review up to 10 pages on personal subject matters * Review of up to 3 documents (up to 15 pages each) per month on behalf of the business entity * Will preparation and yearly updates at no additional charge; $20 for covered family members * Moving traffic violation assistance * Motor vehicle tragic accident representation * Drivers license reinstatement assistance * Motor vehicle-related personal injury and property damage claims up to $2,000 * Civil action and job-related criminal action representation for member and spouse * Up to 50 hours of legal services for IRS audits * Legal Shield: 24-hour access to the Provider Law Firm in case of arrest or detainment * Valuable advice, news, information and consulting services for your business from GoSmallBiz.com * Plus a 25% discount off the Provider Law Firm is standard hourly rate for personal legal matters not specifically covered by the membership, and a 25% discount off the Provider is corporate hourly rate for all business matters not otherwise covered. The Plan Covers: * non-public * for-profit businesses * 8 or fewer employees The plan also provides personal coverage for the business owner and spouse as well as: * Never-married, dependent children under age 21 living at home * Never-married dependent children under age 18 for whom the member is legal guardian * Never-married, dependent children to age 23 who are full-time students and * Any disabled child, regardless of age, who is chiefly dependent upon the member for support What is the cost? The Legal Plan for the Self Employed is available for a monthly membership fee of $49.

  ¶ 6/21/2006 06:00:00 AM links to this post

  Pre Paid Legal Services FYI.......

Pre Paid Legal Services FYI....... *Phone Consultations on Any Subject Matter- As a member you can consult with your provider law firm toll free by phone on any legal matter- personal or business related. During regular business hours *Letters & Phone Calls - A preventive phone call or letter from your provider law firm can get you the results you want fast. *Contract & Document Review - You can have an unlimited number of legal documents up to 10 pages each reviewed by your provider law firm. *Will Preparation - With your membership you no longer have to worry about the cost or hassle of preparing your will. Your provider law firm will prepare a standard will for you and your covered family members at no additional charge. **Moving Traffic Violation Assistance - Moving traffic violations are covered under your membership. **Auto Related Criminal Charge Representation - Your provider law firm will defend you or your covered family members if you are charged with a covered auto related criminal charge. **Drivers License Recovery - Your provider law firm will assist you and your covered family members with drivers license reinstatement. ***Personal Injury & Property Damage Claims - You'll also receive collection assistance at a rate of $50 per case for personal injury or property damage claims of $2,000 or less ***Legal Shield: 24 hr Attorney Access in Case of Arrest - Have you ever been pulled over and wondered if it was because of your race, sex or age? Would you know what your rights are if you were arrested or detained? What if you found yourself in this sort of situation at 1 am on a Saturday? Whom would you call? With the Legal Shield benefit, simply call the 24 hr toll free number on your Legal Shield card for immediate access to your provider law firm. ***Preferred Member Rate - You will receive a 25% discount off your provider law firms standard hourly rate should you need a legal services not otherwise covered by this plan. Please note that a retainer may be required for service to be rendered under this benefit. At least five business days are required for preparation in court representation. ****Identity Theft Shield - You get your Credit Report, Continuous Credit Monitoring, and Identity Restoration For more information or to receive a Brochure Contact IBSA - Independent Marketing Associate ibsa@myway.com

  ¶ 6/20/2006 04:47:00 PM links to this post

  IBSA-Kansas City Partners With Gatlin Education Services....

Please share with other interested parties.       IBSA KCK eCenter for Learning, in partnership with Gatlin Education Services (GES), now offers online open enrollment programs designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional level positions for many in-demand occupations. Our programs are designed by a team of professionals from each respective field, who work to provide the most effective web-based learning experience available today. Instructors/mentors are actively involved in your online learning experience. They respond to any questions or concerns, as well as encouraging and motivating you to succeed. Each program includes a set of lessons and evaluations; grades are a combination of the instructor/mentor's evaluation of students' work and computer graded tests. We know you'll appreciate the quality as well as the convenience of anytime, anywhere learning! Please note:  Once the course is accessed either by requesting materials or viewing lessons, there are no refunds. Click on any of the terms below to see a list of courses in that field. Healthcare Business Construction/Automotive Technology Internet, Design, and Technical Programs Networking and CompTIA™ Certification Programs Microsoft Certification Training Programs Video Game Design and Development Programs Imara Shika, Registrar IBSA KCK eCenter for Learning PO Box 2660 Kansas City, KS 66110 Phone: (913) 299-1614, Fax: (866) 456-7670 Email IBSA KCK at ibsakck@hotmail.com www.gatlineducation.com/ibsakck http://ibsakck.theelearningcenter.com/ www.ibsa-inc.org

  ¶ 6/20/2006 01:43:00 PM links to this post

  Historically black Knoxville College

Please share this information with any students, who want to attend college, and don't feel that they can for financial reasons.                                   College Opportunity                 Historically black Knoxville College, in East Tennessee, has reduced its         tuition from $5,000 to $1,400 per student including room, board, and         books! All you need is $600 for the enrollment deposit and $800 can be         paid in four monthly installments of $200 each.                 The program is funded by corporate sponsors and guarantees a college         education where students graduate debt free. Enrollment requirements         include a high school diploma and a 2.0/4.0 scale.                 If your student has below a 2.0, but you know they are college material,         they may be considered provided they get three letters of recommendation.                 For educators who will support their potential. All interested students         must immediately contact the admissions office at Knoxville College by         dialing 1-800-743-5669 or by applying on line at: www.knoxvillecollege.edu<         BR>http://www.knoxvillecollege.edu/>         http://www.knoxvillecollege.edu/

  ¶ 6/19/2006 08:04:00 PM links to this post

  Identity Theft Is On The Rise...

First it was the case of over 2 million veterans and now it is the D.C. employees and retirees who's sensitive information was stolen. The information on the laptop computers contained social security numbers and other personal data, that if in the wrong hands (or right hands if the perpetrator knows what they are doing) could wreak havoc on millions of innocent people.   Identity theft is one of the nation most growing crimes and it has bilked millions of people out of their hard earned saving and ran up huge amount of frustration and unnecessary cost to the victims. Most people believe "it will never happen to me", but the fact is that no one really knows when their information given to someone else will fall into the wrong hands.   It is close to visionary what Pre-Paid Legal Services did when they started an Identity Theft Plan that would help anyone with their service not only prevent identity theft, but to also help them restore their credit due to bogus purchases by the thieves. If you are a working middle class person or one with a higher income, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of frustration.   It is because of legal situations that arise without warning that our agency has signed up to offer the Pre-Paid Legal Service Plans which includes a separate identity theft plan for as little as $12.95 per month. By obtaining the service for yourself from us, it not only helps give you a piece of mind, but it is also a way to financially support our other community efforts dealing with youth, business and employment assistance to the low income parents. To find out more on Pre-Paid Legal and their other preventive measure visit our PPL webpage. http://www.kansassmallbizpromotions.com/prepaidlegal.htm     What you receive from Pre-Paid Legals Identity Theft Plan: Credit Report Evaluate your current credit standing with: An up-to-date credit report through Experian at no added cost A personal credit score calculated by an independent scoring service A detailed analysis of your personal credit score Experts recommend that you review your credit report regularly. The Identity Theft ShieldSM makes it easy. Continuous Credit Monitoring Suspicious activation will be brought to your attention, providing you with early detection. You'll receive prompt notice if the credit repository is notified by Experian that: New accounts have been opened in your name Derogatory notations have been added to your credit report Public records have been added to your report Inquiries have been made against your report A change of address has been requested Identity Restoration Identity theft can be devastating, and the process of restoring your name can be overwhelming and costly. You need more than "do it yourself" information if it happens to you. With the Identity Theft ShieldSM a trained expert will take the steps to restore your name and credit for you! Help reduce your out of pocket expenses and time spent away from work with valuable services from detection to resolution. Fraud alert notifications will be sent on your behalf and applicable follow up will be done with affected agencies and institutions, including: credit card companies, financial institutions, all three credit repositories, Social Security Administration, Federal Trade Commission, Department of Motor Vehicles, law enforcement personnel, and the U.S. Postal Service. Proactive searches of applicable local and national databases will be made on your behalf to look for information you may not be aware of, including: criminal activity in your name in your county's records and certain federal watch lists, Department of Motor Vehicle records in your state, unknown addresses affiliated with your name, and banking activity in your name reported as fraudulent   IBSA is an authorized Pre-Paid Legal Marketing Associate =============================================================================== Laptop containing personal data for 13,000 D.C. employees, retirees stolen from ING employee - Topeka Capital-Journal http://ap.cjonline.com/pstories/us/20060618/4034443.shtml   (02/26/05) Bank's data tapes lost Bank of America Corp. has lost computer data tapes containing personal information on 1.2 million federal employees, including some members of the U.S. Senate. (07/26/05) Hospital reports stolen records JOPLIN, Mo. -- St. John's Regional Medical Center has notified 27,000 patients that two computers containing some of their personal information were stolen from a microfilming company. (02/16/03) Is your business safe from computer hackers? Many businesses think they have an invisible cloak of invincibility when it comes to computer security. But saying, "It won't happen to me" is simply not enough. A recent attack on the University of Kansas' data system, where personal information on intern (05/07/04) Protect identity, seniors advised The best protection against identity theft is to guard your private information, particularly your Social Security number, as if your life depended on it, a former KBI member said Thursday. "This is about someone stealing who you are," said John McElroy,

  ¶ 6/19/2006 06:38:00 PM links to this post

  Join Our Business Network

Download Form:   Business Registration Core Business Network Benefits: 1. Promotion of your business via print, email and Internet marketing to: a) other Black professionals b) other Black business owners c) local media: newspapers and other free press d) government & corporate purchasing agents 2. Registry of your business on 5 business online directories 3. Listing in our Website directory; with link to your existing web address 4. Two Ujamaa Discount Cards (good for 1 year) & Window Sticker to identify your business to other cardholders 5. Receive email alerts on different community and networking events 6. Receive online business development and marketing advice via email 7. Referral to other online networking groups and opportunities *Only requirement is that you provide some type of discount on purchases as an incentive for other cardholders to visit and shop with your business! Mailing Address: IBSA, Inc.                                                                                                                                                Business Owners - $75.00/yr 629 SE Quincy Topeka, Kansas 66603 Make $25.00 Each Time You Sell Our Discount Card To A Business! Network, Make Money or Buy/Sell Your Products and Services Online At: National Black Business Trade Association Izania Market Online Ryze - Black Business Network

  ¶ 6/14/2006 03:51:00 PM links to this post

  Earl Graves Calls For Entrepreneurs to Save Young Black Men

Earl Graves Calls For Entrepreneurs to Save Young Black Men released on 06/13/06 at 09:04:46 DALLAS (NNPA) – “Sheriff” Earl G. Graves, publisher emeritus of Black Enterprise magazine, deputized everyone at the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference recently at Dallas’ Hilton Anatole Hotel. “I’m deputizing all of you in my personal crusade,” Graves told the audience during his State of the Black Business address that kicked off the conference. Graves’ mission: reverse the crisis of young Black men in the country. The 71-year old prostate cancer survivor added, “I plan on being around a long time and I intend to continue to make every day count. I’ve come to the conclusion that the best way for me to do that is to do everything in my power to restore dignity, hope and opportunity to the lives of young African American men and boys.” Current statistics give Graves good reason for his crusade, an addition to the company’s usual business agenda. Full Article http://wilmingtonjournal.blackpressusa.com/news/Article/Article.asp?NewsID=70243&sID=12

  ¶ 6/13/2006 10:51:00 AM links to this post

  Congratulations! Entrepreneurship School and SBA Academy -- May 2006 By James Clingman Jr. Are you ready for some good news? Lord knows we need some. The world is going who knows where, with Black people at the head of the line. We have spying, lying, and conniving by our government, and nuclear conflict on the horizon; you know we need some good news. Well, you came to the right place; I have some outstanding news to share with you. It’s about our young people, positive, conscious, serious young people with whom I spent time and addressed during their graduation ceremonies. http://www.blackonomics.com/content.ihtml?cmemstep=1&nid=5678&catid=:catid  ¶ 6/10/2006 10:43:00 PM links to this post

  America's Entrepreneurial Spirit

FYI--- Just wanted to share with everyone a report by the United States Chamber of Commerce which chronicles the rise of an entrepreneurial workforce that has turned away from traditional employment and work schedules in favor of a broad range of alternatives such as flextime, telecommuting, independent contracting, and small business ownership. http://www.uschamber.com/publications/reports/0604entrepreneurial_workforce.htm ========================================================================== Networking and Marketing to your customers are BIG and there are many companies that started to fill that desire. You can attend networking events, workshops, groups, and even networking clubs to get the word out about a new products and services in your business. Remember it's not who you know that's important, it's who knows you and the product or service you offer. The Seven Golden Nuggets for building an ever expanding business that generates exponential income or profit: Have a Vision (write it , see it, experience it, and talk about it daily) Practice Personal Development (read 15 minutes daily, listen to 30 minutes of motivational info daily) Practice Business Development (read, listen, & attend events) Prospect (networking & marketing) Present (8+weekly) Duplicate (use the system) Leadership/Team Building One part of any ongoing business development includes diversifying your product or service to meeting your customer's needs. Diversifying can enhance your relationship with your customer plus convert them to long term customers. You also give them a reason to send you more referrals.

  ¶ 6/06/2006 11:44:00 AM links to this post