HOUSTON – Empowerment has become a bit of a buzz word over the last few years. Anything, it seems can be empowered. Whether it’s an individual or a group, almost everything. However, one area where it really can have application is within a community. Keynote Speaker Mr. Roy Douglas Malonson, who through his achievements raised the consciousness of African-American entrepreneurs about possibilities and the importance of empowerment. The Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development recently held its Monthly Networking Business Luncheon at the Beulah Shepard Building, located at 6112 Wheatley Street.
Mr. Malonson referenced the books: The Mis-education of a Negro & Survival Strategies for Africans in America to convey to the audience an unforgettable message about the current school systems that are established in the Black communities today. Malonson expressed his concerns with decisions made for educating our children and changing the face of the community. He stated, “We must say something, and make our presence known in our communities.” He fed the audience with personal life experiences and placed emphasis on Dr. Woodson’s thesis that African-Americans of his day were being culturally indoctrinated rather than taught, in American Schools. Closing remarks from Malonson were true, powerful, and unforgettable due to his life’s experiences and accomplishments of today. He concluded with a quote from Anthony T. Browder “We Africans in America have been socially engineered to reject our past, and too far too many of us live in a state of suspended animation. We deny the historical realities confronting us daily. Too many of us mistakenly believe that the past has no bearing on the present and is unrelated to the future. Thus, we have been conditioned to live our lives disconnected from cultural values, principles, and ideals – essential for peaceful living.”
The August Networking Luncheon will be held Thursday, August 2nd. The topic will be “Affording Affordable Heathcare.” For more information, call 713-692-7161.
