Rev. Dennis Dillon March 11, 2004

[Rev. Dennis Dillon]

Re: Rev. Dennis Dillon March 11, 2004

Originally posted by tonic:
[qb]

Originally posted by Rev. Dennis A. Dillon:
[qb] Clearly, more Black leaders -- religious, political and business -- must find ways to partner if success is to be achieved. It is my belief that the seeming fragmentation surrounds a billow of ignorance. And although different strategies and approaches must be pursued to achieve the same objective, it is the commonality factor that must be central. When leaders find common ground around which to focus, differences are automatically subordinated for the common good of the race. [/qb]

I am truly impress by your thoughtful presentation and knowledge on the subject. Beside the church, what areas would you suggest blacks get into position themselves to financial prosper? Specifically what businesses can blacks start that blacks have a competitive advantage. [/qb]

Go mainstream! Too often, Blacks pursue businesses where the only market niche is amongst their own people. I walk around Brooklyn and Black people sell Caribbean food -- that's a niche. We do hair -- that's a niche. And in retail, I'm particularly flabbergasted that we're always selling African attire. We must begin to manufacture, market and create service businesses and industries where the world is our marketplace. It is bad enough that most Black consumers go to mainstream for products and services, and as long as Blacks seek only to go to Blacks when they are on the merchant side of the equation, success will always be relative and extremely limited. Sell what everybody can buy. Deliver services that are across the board. I understand that this is a general answer, but to be specific there are literally hundreds and thousands of industries and areas that we can pursue and achieve success, particularly in those areas where the merchant remains invisible to the consumer or marketplace. Be conscious of the fact that racism is still alive and well in America, Canada, as it certainly is in Jamaica.

[Rev. Dennis Dillon]

Re: Rev. Dennis Dillon March 11, 2004

I am overjoyed by this forum today and look forward to continuing the dialogue. I appreciate the questions and thoughts, the inciteful suggestions, and it is my hope that much of what is discussed can be shaped and fashioned into something tangible. I am always available for further dialogue as together we seek to empower our people, particularly our island home.

I am the pastor of the Brooklyn Christian Center. We are a new life and lifestyle ministry that is serious about the empowerment of our people. I am specifically inviting you to join us any given Sunday. Our worship begins at 12 noon, and there's a special reception for our guests at 11:30 a.m. We are located at 1061 Atlantic Avenue (bet. Franklin and Classon Aves.) in Brooklyn, NY.

I specially want to thank "ICHES" for introducing me to this forum and for joining me for this presentation.

Hi, to my friend Pepper ... and I dare you to a Spades challenge!!!

I also had a beautiful conversation with "SistahD" and find her to be quite an inspiration. I pray all is well.

And finally, by the power of the resurrected Christ, who declared that He came that we might have life and have it more abundantly ... I challenge all to LIVE!!!

[tonic]

Re: Rev. Dennis Dillon March 11, 2004

Last question from me and let me thank you for sharing your time with us.

When you examine other ethnic communities, you see that there economic development start within their communities first. Ethnic communities cater to their ehnic niche and then the excess profit is used to expand their base. Ethnic niche is a competitive advantage for ethnic people. Your newspaper the Christian Times caters to Christians and by gaining a economic base it will allow you to expand and compete in a bigger market. To me this is how we develop ecomically from bottom up. How do you suggest blacks effectively compete in the broader marketplace lacking the financial resources or the competitive advantage?

Again let me thank your for your time and imput. When I see you on Atlantic I will order your book but can you autograph it for me.

[SistahD]

Re: Rev. Dennis Dillon March 11, 2004

Wow! Great discussion ((Everybody)))

(((Rev. Dillon))) I too found you very inspiring, and can't thank you enough for your contribution here with our Members today. Please feel free to join us at any time in any of our forums. Very refreshing dialogue!

[iches]

Re: Rev. Dennis Dillon March 11, 2004

tonic - I will try to get the answer for you soon - if he's not flapping! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Q3210]

Re: Rev. Dennis Dillon March 11, 2004

I find Tonic`s question above most interesting.
May I have a go attempting even a feeble answer?

I think we Caribbean people and Jamaicans in particular have to apart from identifying with our own ethnicity, have to open up and identify even how painstaking it seems to be, with other peoples of diverse American ethnicities.
The Jew, the Vietamese, Koreans, Chinese, Italian, Arab all have businesses in Manhattan, they also are still somewhat present though I might be wrong, in Jamaican amd black neighbourhoods. Jamaicans need to cast away the blanket of cliques as have many done before. We need to establish ourselves away and out from under the social blanket of cliques and neighbourhoods as well. Nothing at all wrong with being secure in our clique. But we need to step out also.
We need to devlop new niches other than what Rev Dillon describes as hair care, and food places. We need to be international as are the Chinese, Jews etc.
Mind you Jamaica is a small place and we have only a million and a little more away from homeland and we have done well, but we can do more.
Also remember that Jamaicans work in Government as well as private as lawyers, administrators, engineers and doctors. We do mix well within the American machine as well as do those in Canada the UK and wherever else.
What Black economics needs done is to mix out more in the wider fold. To go out and seek rather than to be sought within tiny pockets of corner shops within Black areas.
One hindrance the Black man has under his skin is that some believe, because one is Black one is owed a living. Black folks with that miseducation need to know that no matter who you are whatever colour, one has to earn his due by work.
To develop trust by portraying oneself colectively as a group, as a nation of people who are reliable, handy and professional at what they do.
If a Jew borrows your money, you know you`re going to get it back. If a Black borrows there raises doubt. We need to be more honest. We need to be more virtuous amongst ourselves and others for us to earn that trust that has made the Asians and the Europeans an economic machine that has so far elluded Black folks on a collective basis.

[SistahD]

Re: Rev. Dennis Dillon March 11, 2004

((Q)) Due to my involvement within the community, and for example, sales of advertising / solicitation for sponsorships / fundraising efforts, one of the things I have noticed in past years, is that most West Indians (my city) will not actively pay for advertising in the West Indian community publications, because the West Indian community does not support them, the general population does.

In many cases, once they do advertise, all those looking for freebies or discounts for services because of their cultural relationship (not professional) start to come out of the woodwork from having seen that new ad placement.

I even know people who figure that just because they slept with some guy 20-30 years ago, now that he has his own business they qualify for a greater than usual discount on his business services.

I even have to remember to 'support' certain businesses I have sold ad space to, whether for a community paper or association related events,

[Q3210]

Re: Rev. Dennis Dillon March 11, 2004

Yes, one is thought as IRIE to re-support. It`s somewhat of a brotherhood of man kinda thing.
I invite you to my dance session or party, you`re required to invite me to yours when you have yours. I do business with you, you do business with me.

[SistahD]

Re: Rev. Dennis Dillon March 11, 2004

((Mods)) please relocate this thread to Discussion Archives, thanks

[SistahD]

Re: Rev. Dennis Dillon March 11, 2004

Rev. Dillon can reply here when he returns