I’m starting to wonder… am I wasting my time sometimes? Over the years, I’ve gradually shifted to trying to support only Black businesses. And now, more than ever, I do my best to be intentional about it. Especially the ones that stand firm on DEI—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. (For those who don’t know what that is, here’s a link to look it up https://g.co/kgs/Nk7u7re. ) Believe it or not, there’s folks out here that don’t know. And even worse—some don’t care. And that… that becomes a problem for me. It reminds me of what Eldridge Cleaver and Malcolm X said: “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” Let’s break that down. If we’re not working with each other, not standing for each other… then what side are we really on? We all have some bias. Even if it’s something simple—like where we grocery shop. But preference doesn’t erase history. It doesn’t change the fact that some of these places we spend money at have discriminated—and still discriminate—against Black and Brown people. I struggle with that. I fight with that in my spirit. Do we even really want to come together? We say we do. We talk about unity. We will post about it. But when the time comes to stand up, to show up, to stay committed—most folks tap in for a moment, then fall right back into the norm. We're troubled people. Sick. Sick like an addiction… addicted to the very things that are killing us slowly. We got activist organizations charging $19.95 a month—but where are they at? You don’t see them where it matters. You don’t see them in the same neighborhoods they advertise to. It’s just polished commercials and donation requests. We cry out that we need to support one another—but when the time comes, who’s showing up? Not many. Not enough. We’re a hurting people. We’re a disconnected people. We’re a sick people. And the only way we’re gonna get better… is if we help ourselves. No one’s coming to save us. We have to save us. Support Black businesses. Hold each other accountable. Show love. Do better. Be real. Because sticking together and economical awareness, that’s the only way we’re gonna make it out of this. Together! Let's get back to the basics. Let's remember stay true to Blaqsbi principles. Share believe. Inspire