Advocate! Resist!
By Ronda Watson Barber – publisher
Resist and Advocate has been the rallying cry and theme for my columns during 2017. As Americans, we have the responsibility to make a more perfect union. We have to create an environment of equal economic opportunities and freedoms for future generations. As Black Americans we have a legacy of working to create equality. We still have major work to do. Columbus has the unfortunate designation of being one of the most economically segregated cities in the nation.
The Columbus Branch of the NAACP has been busy making a positive difference for Black business owners. Under the leadership of President Nana Watson, the civil rights organization has been active in promoting equal and fair access to contracting opportunities for Black-owned businesses.
The Columbus NAACP is following the purpose and goals of the NAACP’s Economic Sustainability Plan, as directed by the National NAACP. The NAACP Economic Department’s work enhances the capacity of African Americans and other underserved groups through financial economic education; individual and community asset building initiatives; diversity and inclusion in business hiring, career advancement and procurement; and monitoring financial banking practices.
The local group convened a forum of Black business owners to discuss purchasing issues with Columbus City Schools. Through those discussions with the state’s largest public school district, the barrier of requiring insurance upon registering as a vendor has been eliminated.
The local NAACP and its members have publicly questioned Franklin County’s recently enacted inclusion and diversity plan. The plan includes LGBTQ community members and didn’t have purchasing goals. Traditionally, sexual orientation has not been included in procurement inclusion. According the NAACP, “The plan identifies other groups, yet there is no data showing they have been victims of discrimination. The Federal guidelines for purchasing and procurement protects and assists minorities, women, veterans and the economically disadvantaged.” As a result of the NAACP’s advocacy, a committee has been formed to establish purchasing goals for Franklin County.
Kudos to the NAACP and its membership. Your economic initiatives to empower Black businesses in the nation’s 14th largest city are making a difference.
It can’t continue to be business as usual. Now is the time to Advocate and Resist!
Just my thoughts…rwb
