"All Hands On Deck!"

(BALTIMORE – August 12, 2008) – As the son of two entrepreneurs, I am a witness to the fact that black business owners need and desire the support of family, first and foremost.

It is a terrible thing when family, one’s blood relations, is not behind you – cheering you on. As the old adage goes, “There’s no place like home.” Hence, when one has the backing of those who are most familiar with you and your dreams, one can truly rise, soar, and conquer any mountain. On the other hand, many entrepreneurs have found the need to build a new network filled with individuals who then become one’s extended family.

On several occasions, my late father would have me do certain tasks to help with his business. The same occurred with my mom. In short, I was raised to support them and their efforts, however menial the task.

I would later see the same in other entrepreneurial families where the children, also raised in the family business, took on certain tasks as if it were second nature.

John H. Johnson, the patriarch of Johnson Publishing, was a witness to both the need for and benefit of familial support of the family business. Borrowing $500 from his mother, he would build a media empire that has lasted nearly 65 years – giving the world the two notable publications “Ebony” and “Jet”. Before passing, he would name his daughter, Linda Johnson Rice, as CEO.

One does not have to go far to see the legacies these families have consequently made.

For instance, in the funeral industry (one I am very familiar with), there is the March Family. The late William and Roberta March made it their business to teach their business to their children and grandchildren. Al Wylie has done the same with his children. And so has William C. Brown.

Now, mind you – not every child wants to grow up and carry on the family business.

I am witness to that, too. However, while one is finding their career – there is nothing like playing one’s “day role”. In fact, all hands are needed on deck – especially in the black community.

John H. Johnson, the patriarch of Johnson Publishing, was a witness to both the need for and benefit of familial support of the family business. Borrowing $500 from his mother, he would build a media empire that has lasted nearly 65 years – giving the world the two notable publications “Ebony” and “Jet”. Before passing, he would name his daughter, Linda Johnson Rice, as CEO.

Baltimore’s beloved attorney Billy Murphy has an incredible legacy himself, hailing from one of Baltimore’s most prominent legal and political families. However, his legacy is further imprinted into the history books with the onset of his attorney son, Hassan. Raymond V. Haysbert, Sr., also known as the Dean of Business, is no exception. Nikita, his daughter, and Reggie, his son, regularly carry the family torch in business by running the Forum Caterers. Michelle Wike of All Staffing, Inc. has the consistent support of her father, John. He makes his way to the Pikesville office every single day – to play his day role.

And there are countless other examples we can find in the black community where the current generation and the next generation are working side by side – bringing their skills and talents to the forefront – forever immortalizing the family legacy – both large and small.

Whether it is a grocery store or a barber shop or a multinational corporation, like the late Reggie Lewis’ TLC Beatrice, familial support is imperative – particularly in a community such as ours. From Lewis’ wife, Loida, to his two brothers in Baltimore – Jean and Anthony Fugett – this is a family that clearly understands the meaning of “all hands on deck.”

And that is exactly why they all are successful.

So, if you have a family member in business for himself or herself, make it your business to support them in any way you can.

Educate yourself on their business, their products and/or services.

1. Pass out their business cards every chance you can.
2. Tell somebody about them. After all, there is nothing like word of mouth advertising.
3. Financially support them, especially during tough times. Currently, for any entrepreneur to be in business – black, white or otherwise – is a miracle. The economy has been absolutely horrible for many Americans over the past 7 years.
4. Encourage them to – like Reggie Lewis said – “keep going no matter what.”
5. Patronize their business as best you can and don’t ask for discounts. Why no discounts? You don’t ask BG&E for discounts, do you?

Entrepreneurship is, indeed, an incredible journey where no day is exactly the same. Entrepreneurship, however, requires a huge sacrifice. One often forsakes the little things, like spending time with family. Smart entrepreneurs find a way to weave it all together. But, no matter how hard one tries, something or someone might feel forsaken.

Trust me when I tell you: The entrepreneur is simply seeking brighter days for himself/herself and his/her loved ones.

In the black community, there are a heap of issues. Money often leads that list. Health and education are right up there, too. And despite the historical challenges we are all aware of, there is something noteworthy about the black entrepreneur; despite the norms, despite the societal customs, despite what other people say they should do (like ‘go get a job’) – they have been blessed with a vision that not everyone understands. Try and understand. And then, support them. Pray for them. Encourage them. Tell them how proud of them you are.

So, when they finally go to the bank, you won’t feel guilty for asking them for a couple bucks (smile). Seriously, the fact is that between Baltimore and Washington, DC – black people garner some $45 billion in annual disposable income. Nationally, that number is about $800 billion. The truth is that no black business person with a good product or service ought be struggling, especially when we see people from way across the waters – not speaking a lick of English – set up business in the black community and thrive off of black dollars.

Have we forgotten our history? Have we forgotten about Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the early part of the 20^th century? 

I could go on for days, but I won’t. Here’s the hit – plain and simple: Support the entrepreneurs in your family! Our future depends on it … in more ways than one!   

Tags: business