In this and future blog posts, we will tackle and discuss the issue of economics and its impact in our community.
"If we do not manage the economics, then we have no control of our community!"
As best we can, we need to make a concerted effort to commit to making our hard-earned dollars work for us. As the largest consumers, if all we earn is spent outside of the community, how can we sustain? Even if you have left the community, or moved outside of the immediate area, visit and seize opportunities to give back. Be intentional.
The other day, on my way home, I rode slowly along Martin Luther King Drive. I observed the unemployed, boarded up store fronts, took notice of the black businesses in operation and the lack thereof of the same.
When I arrived home, I was a bit depressed and saddened by what I observed and needed someone to talk to. I called my daughter and asked her about the scriptures and instances when Jesus wept. At first she pointed out the gospel of John, when Lazarus died, but she also reminded me that Jesus wept over Jerusalem because He foresaw the outcome of the great city, that it would become desolate and would be destroyed.
I shared the same sentiment about my community, and witnessed its already declining state, and the demise that would surely come -- not from without, but from within -- if we, the inhabitants of the community, don't refocus our efforts.
As I stated in my previous post, I seek out black-owned businesses and have discovered some very positive business owners who share my sentiment about the village. Although we observe the problem, I have made a commitment not to expound on the issues readily observed, but seek to educate and promote around the working solutions.
This week we begin our introduction of neighborhood businesses. Let us come out and support those who still believe in the priorities that make up successful community: God, Family, Community.
Let's Reclaim the Village.
Business Feature
Our first business feature is a long-standing, respected woman in the community, whom I've known and respected over the years.
Dee's Neighborhood Business
Delores Melvin, Owner / Proprietor
Business services in your Neighborhood
If you are interested In participating as a featured business, please contact me at:
phone: 201 303 0465
email:
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.
For those in need of marketing, design and promotional materials (web or print), please contact us toll free at Deesignz Web & Graphics Studio at 888 350 9721. We will be developing start up packages to assist business owners and entrepreneurs with those needs as well.
You can also support the village by purchasing DeeClare literary titles. We have something for everyone. The Rite of Passage trilogy and our children's book, School Days make for great family reading, and interactive discussion.
Be sure to visit the Elder's Ledger every Wednesday for more on the village of which I am a proud member!
Clarence Matthews
The Elder's Ledger
DeeClare Publishing, LLC is one of the proud sponsors of The Earl Morgan Hour, aired by Go Pro Radio, a community-focused online radio show with thought provoking topics, and local guest interviews.
TUNE IN EVERY WEDNESDAY at 7:00pm at www.blogtalkradio.com/theearlmorganhour.
This week, I would like to further expound on this principle. I pose this question for all to ponder, 
The blog post this week is directed toward the consumers, yes, the customers. We have a tendency to be very hard on the merchants in our community. We place more stringent rules and guidelines for patronage on our local merchants than on the larger stores and mall merchants we often frequent.