A few years ago Earvin Magic Johnson coined himself as a pusher and spokesperson of black entrepreneurship and community development. With his athletic determination he was able to break the tree hugger insulation Starbucks had around their corporation. Actually, he was/is the only man who was able to secure a significant franchise deal with this killer of mom and pop coffee shops.In his persistence not only did he increase his wealth he introduced gourmet coffee to urban areas: the hood and siddity land i.e. Cascade, Atlanta. He has other ventures that encourage and promote black financial empowerment and employment too i.e. movie theatres (Largo, Maryland). But, his efforts have not produced much financial capital for those identified.
I should not be too disappointed. Collective black wealth building is a concept that has been forgotten by most black folk. We (ME INCLUDED) too busy making someone else rich while THEY continuously disrespect and exploit us (we allow it).
How many of you black women still going to the Asians to get ya nails done? How many of us fellas purchasing our 22 ounces at the Around Da Corner Stop and Shop (owned by an Asian)?
I am almost certain that those two questions do not apply to us Progressive black folk. Right? It does apply to the black man/woman in locales The Progressives rarely visit, however.
I will humbly disclose that I had the unpleasant financial opportunity to dwell amongst the ‘forgotten’ when I returned from serving with the Peace Corps: I frequented Pay Day Loan establishments to make ends meet.
Just waiting on Earvin to invest in this leech for a business alternative.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/Payday_loan_shop_window.jpg/271px-Payday_loan_shop_window.jpg
“Our integrated for and non-profit efforts create a unique and comprehensive offering. As a minority owned and operated brand, we are in the unique position of understanding these valuable communities, have long-standing relationships with them, and continue to be motivated to serve them in order to increase the quality of life for these vibrant, yet often neglected, neighborhoods.” –Magic Johnson Enterprises http://www.magicjohnson.com/index.php
If Magic is so dedicated to increasing wealth and financial literacy, which equates to quality of life, within the “neglected” communities, why in the h*ll is he the pitchman for Rent-A-Center? Why is he pushing black people to get their "taxes done" at Jackson-Hewitt over urban radio airwaves?
Rent-A-Center: Exorbitantly overpriced and keeps its customers in debt with their high finance charges. I know their MO, when I was a teenager my family’s frig was repossessed by them.
Jackson-Hewitt: Charges ridiculous fees to complete tax returns and encourages a 'spend ya loot now mentality'. These resemblances of liquor stores (quick fixes) are on every corner in black and brown environments.
We have a responsibility when we know better. Earvin Magic Johnson knows better. I know better. You reading know better.
This crap has to end.
If you know someone who has a low to moderate annual income please recommend the VITA program:
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.
Free Tax Return Preparation For You by Volunteers
If you know someone who needs appliances and/or furniture please recommend that they visit the local Goodwill store:
Locate a Goodwill® Store
Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by: The Great and Wondrous Dr. J:
Julius Erving Interview -- Academy of Achievement
7 comments:
Reader Response:
There is something different in your writings these days---i once
again--loved this one.
-TK
Reader response:
You know what, I was bugging recently in my mind seeing this ad like "why Magic with them cornballs". And I was not even thinking of their horrible credit tactics.
Goodwill is definitely better than Rent-A-Center but at times they bug out with their prices(you can beat owning your goods), feel me.
-AC
Reader Response:
AMEN Again Brother!
-RS
Reader Response:
asked myself the same question when I saw Magic Johnson on the Rent a Center commercials.
Most of the customers are the middle and low earning wage workers who can not get credit, or afford to buy something at the time, but I still say it may be best for them to layaway if they can....notice I say if they can, but that is me too, but I will not rent to own again. I did when I was in graduate school and paid for furniture at least 3 times what it was worth. Lesson learned! Yes, why promote this for our people!!!!
-SP
Reader Response:
I have had the same thing to say about Magic and a host of others. It is hoped in our time we might see more of us opening manufacturing and distribution companies in which we hire our people. I think that might be wishful thinking, though. We would much rather buy into companies and deals that make other groups wealthier off the dollars of our people.
-NAY
Reader Response:
Good article. You know the starbucks intro got me.
Overall, I think Majic had his mind in the right place. No one is perfect, I think we shold look at the whole and do our best to understand the motivation that cause minor deviations.
Again, great article.
-AM
Muata responds to AM:
That's exactly what this is, a deviation. Magic's latest business venture with these companies is not the norm for him. I am wondering what is he thinking or did he even think about the magnitude of his involvement?
-Muata
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