Plank 2 Expanded
2. “Blackonomics” Activism
Our public protests against political issues, as well as deadly misconduct by police, oftentimes result in economic windfalls to some of the very people and institutions being protested against. Police are often cozy with and enjoy free benefits provided by hotels and motels, bars and restaurants, retail stores, and other venues frequented by marchers and the media when they gather for a protest in a given community. OMCCBCV strongly urges protesters, to the fullest extent feasible, to use Black-owned bus companies for transportation to and from the protests, Black-owned lodging and food establishments, and purchase promotional material (t-shirts, etc.) from Black vendors. By doing this, the protesters will contribute economically to our own people. Unfortunately, when we march and demonstrate we count the people; White folks count the profits.
For more than twenty years the term “Blackonomics” has been the clarion call for Black people to move from psychological enslavement to economic freedom by implementing the examples of our ancestors and acting appropriately upon the knowledge we have attained. This plank is of primary importance in that it directs us to our responsibility and obligation to be self-reliant, self-determined, and economically self-sufficient.
THE One Million is about “activism,” not empty rhetoric; we know that economic progress comes from economic activity on our behalf, and we are willing to be among the first responders to this truism. Therefore, this internal plank calls for Black people, starting with THE One Million, to make a concerted effort to redirect One Billion Black dollars to Black owned businesses during each year, thereby creating more “Conscious Black Millionaires” and paying “Internal Reparations” to ourselves with part of our $1.2 trillion aggregate annual spending power. We call it “THE Billion Dollar March.”
Make it your business to spend a minimum of $1,000.00 each year on Black-made products and services. You can get a jump on that commitment by going to our “Products” tab and buying a few bags of Sweet Unity Farms Coffee, and then go to the links we have provided and buy something made by Black folks. That is the essence of “Blackonomics Activism” to be conscientious of our spending in creating real economic power. We owe it to ourselves to practice Blackonomics Activism. The onus for our economic freedom is on us.