Day 50

ABE 50 Days In

I don’t remember that last time I blogged about ABE, but I feel it is time to once again write about my experience.

Recap: Beginning May 1st 2012 myself and a group of likeminded friends (I appreciate that I can call them that, because not everyone I work with is my friend)began to support only BO (Black Owned) businesses, in order to build economic power in our community. This not only made me aware of what I was spending my money on, but where I was spending my money. I save money over all because I was not just impulse buying things I didn’t need; I did that A LOT.

When I tell people about ABE I get mixed reactions. I have been told I’m racist, I have been told that BO Businesses can be too expensive, bad service, smells bad…etc. My response is let’s help them to get better. I am sure these businesses want to be successful, so instead of avoiding them, let’s connect with them and help them to grow! That in turn will help our community to grow.

I had a conversation via Facebook someone mentioned that we have enough segregation and ALL people should come together. Integration is needed. My thought, are we not already supposed to be integrated? How is that working for the majority of Black people in Milwaukee? I say to look at it this way integrating Black with Black. We have to support each other; we have to learn to LOVE ourselves as a whole culture.

Along with this ABE lifestyle comes something greater, its called education; Education of self, history, others. It is really amazing how I see things now, my mind is focused on what can I do to make US better? How can I connect people with people? (Actually I have always been that way) but it’s like I have purpose now, a different purpose. I get confirmation all the time that we are on the right path, God lines up everything.

I bought a shirt that said “I have good hair, I have African in my family” this girl told me my shirt was a lie, and that Black people hair is nappy. It’s all bad. I asked her “Why, is the hair God gave you not good enough?” Who told you it wasn’t?” Just think about that. Who sets these things in place for us to internalize and believe? Why are WE not good enough as WE ARE? This is just an example of things I am coming to question and realize.

ABE is MORE than ABE. It’s about education, economic development, health, BUILDING the BLACK community.

Definitely NOT a fad
but a MOVEment
a LIFESTYLE

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