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25 replies

Black Think Tanks, Seeking New Members

VitoVitoA4
Dear AA Community,

I've been reading this forum for a while and have enjoyed many of the articles and discussions. So first I'd like to say thanks.

It goes without saying that the problems that we face in this country seem at times impossible to overcome. Racist, abusive police, predatory lending practices, a cruel legal system...the list goes on and on. When these issues are discussed between ourselves, a recurring theme emerges: namely, a lack of community. A lack of community or a lack of organization seems to be the only thing that we as a people agree is at the heart of our continued struggle.

I'm in the process of creating a think tank called AAIM (African American Intellectual Movement) whose goals are simple: (1)to merge the resources of Afro-centric organizations wherever and whenever possible. (2) To educate the public whenever and wherever possible about fundamental economic opportunities that directly supports the African American community. (3) To assist/persuade/African American, as well as Non-African American, organizations, businesses, politicians on Afro-Centric issues by providing research and viable alternatives to dilemmas.

As an example, we are currently writing a proposal for One United Bank, the largest and most prosperous African American owned bank in the United States. We see this bank as not only a real solution to predatory/racist home loan and business lending practices, but also as a symbol of pride and accomplishment. Our aim is to help One United Bank see opportunities for expansion, educate the African American community about the benefits of investing in "black owned" versus "white owned banks," as well as to provide a brief history of failed African American owned banks, either through corporate takeovers or handovers, in an effort to persuade one united to always stay black owned.

I am looking for bright, motivated, interested, African American men and women who believe in the African American movement. We believe that economic stability, political power, and community awareness are the most important goals of this movement. We believe that the African American community can develop a better plan-of-progress than government. We do not believe that "things will always be this way." If you are interested in helping out, please respond to dranfu@yahoo.com to get more info, or simply respond to this forum message.

We are in no way affiliated with One United Bank or any of its affiliates.
First, we must foster spiritual growth and intelligence. Second, we must come together and stay together. Finally, we must go to war!
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VitoVitoA4
I don't mean "go to war" in the traditional sense; that is, I don't mean we should aim to kill. I meant if figuratively, but very seriously. We must design a good plan, perhaps even a secret plan, for economic, political, and social success, and when our plan is finished, we must go to war against the racist empire, against a cruel legal system--even against dependency on White America for sustenance. We must go to war and finish what was started so long ago. The first phase happened in the 60's. It's time for the second phase. That is what I mean.
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VitoVitoA4
And I would like to add that it is nonsense to think that there is a problem that we face in our community that we can not solve by ourselves. Planning and utter dedication is all that's needed. Intelligence, motivation, and dedication above all else. Above all else! White people and the government will never solve our problems. They did not solve them in the 60's and they will not solve them in the 21st century.
James Wesley ChesterJames Wesley ChesterA1
quote:
Originally posted by Vito:
And I would like to add that it is nonsense to think that there is a problem that we face in our community that we can not solve by ourselves. Planning and utter dedication is all that's needed. Intelligence, motivation, and dedication above all else. Above all else! White people and the government will never solve our problems. They did not solve them in the 60's and they will not solve them in the 21st century.


I agree that we, who are of known and unknown African ancestry, are the solution to our problems.

PEACE

Jim Chester
DissidentDissidentA1
quote:
Originally posted by Vito:
Is there anyone else out there who is motivated to make a change?


Right here!

I try to implement change. I belong to a organization and progressive black-owned real estate company which conveys positive change for new and existing black home owners. But unfortunately too many of our people we reach out to for change are engulfed in television, trivial matters and mindless shopping at the mall.
VitoVitoA4
Constructive feedback,

No, I would not rank those in the top three. Moreover, I think it would be very difficult to rank the top three problems. However, If i was to take a crack at it-- and to do so I must be puprposefully abstract--I would have to say that a lack of focused, united direction in these three eareas: The lack of a focused political agenda, the lack of a unified economic direction( namely, why are we spending our money largely in white businesses when we should spend the majority of our money, wherever possible, in black businesses, at least wherever and whenever that is possible). Also, I think that the cultural construction of our people has been abusively distorted by the media. A lack of visibility in all forms of media, and the fact that when we are given visibility it is often as criminals or victims, perpetuates a lot of hostility towards our people.

Nonetheless, I firmly believe that it is we, and only we, who can solve our problems. Those that list just came randomly off my head--in the heat of the moment.

What we need is a merging of our organizations and resources. A focused political objective, and a common economic bond--i.e., spending money in black business to promote job growth for our people.

that's what I think is most important
VitoVitoA4
You know what really concerns me, though. There are a number of extremely wealthy black people in this country. oprah winfrey, Bob Johnson, Michael-Lin Chee, to name a few. Do these people not feel a great responsibility to their community? And if they are so smart, why do they not take advantage of, what sems to me, obvious opportunities.

For example, I'm strongly in support of black owned banks. Not only do banks finance home ownership, business development and infrastructure, but bank jobs are good jobs. A person who aspired to move up in the business world could do a lot worse than to work for a bank. As far as large banks are concerned, there is virtually no limit to how far a person could climb the "corporate" ladder.

One United Bank, Carver Bank, and Citizens Trust bank are all very successfull, profitable, black owned banks. We, as african americans, should be supporting those banks in everyway that we can. The simplest way would be to open an account with them, let them hold our money and use that money to expand. I mean, not only are these banks involved in community development, but they provide fair home and business lending to our people, and create jobs.

So my question is, how come people like Michael-Linn Chee, Oprah Winfrey and Bob Johnson don't pool their money together and invest in these banks? Black banks need our support to nationalize.
Wake up people! Economic power=political power=social power.
L leartA1
I found it kind of odd that there is no identification of you or the "One United", and where neither has a Base of Operations. If it's a legitimate Bank it probably has a Home Base, or is it just an Internet Thingy, and no one know who anybody is, nor can anybody be located, other than the "Point" Man.

Usually the Principles of a Banking Institution will expand from their Base. That way the Public in their immediately environment know who they are, and what potential they have.

leart


quote:
Originally posted by Vito:
Is there anyone else out there who is motivated to make a change? Are there really so few of us who are who believe?
VitoVitoA4
My friend, you did not do your research. First, I'll start by handing you this link: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/03_14/b3827066_mz020.htm , so that you understand that this bank is a legitimate bank. Second, One United Bank has four branches, two are in California, one is in Miami, and I forgot where the fourth is. Third, you should be careful about making such claims without doing any real research. It's hard enough for black businesses to succeed without black people piling more suspicion on them before doing any research. First check out that business week article. then check out the three major black banks in america here: https://www.oneunited.com 2) http://www.carverbank.com 3) https://www.ctbatlantahb.com. And finally, you can google the name "Kevin Cohee," to learn about the management and board of directors of One United Bank.

Finally, in response to your comment: "I found it kind of odd that there is no identification of you or the "One United", and where neither has a Base of Operations." I find it very odd that you did not do your research on the bank before making such a bold accusatory statement. And last, I don't know what you mean there is no identification of me. I do not work for these banks. I want to support them. i want to organize my people to support them and other black businesses; but I do not work for these banks and I am not affiliated with them.

No hard feelings though, but do some real research first.

One Love,


Vito.


And P.S., brother, if you read my post, you would see that I am in the process of trying to find brothers/sisters who want to create an organization--a "think tank," if you will--that will focus on public policy for African Americans. That is why I posted my message in the first place. To find people who care about our people and who are motivated to do something about the problems we face.

keep it real,

Vito.
VitoVitoA4
I'll add something more: Because I was so incensed, I called one united and asked for a listing of their banks. I was pointed to an online newsletter. Below is the current and correct list of One United Branches, the bank that you implied did not exist.

Massachusetts
Federal (Headquarters)
133 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 457-4400

Roxbury
2343 Washington Street
Roxbury, MA 02119
(617) 442-4436

Florida

Miami
3275 NW 79th Street
Miami, FL 33147
(305) 696-0700

Lauderdale Lakes
2412 North State Road 7
Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33313
(954) 739-3400

California

Corporate Office
3910 W Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90008
(323) 290-4848

Compton
205 E Compton Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90221
(310) 537-5791

Crenshaw
4143 Crenshaw Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90008
(323) 290-7155

Hoover / Jefferson
3301 S Hoover Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 746-5727
OneUnited Bank Locations
L leartA1
Vito:

You are right I hadn't seen your previous Link to the Bank, but I don't read every Post. Anyway I don't get your logic that you don't work for the Bank, but you want to help them make money. But to each his own, I don't know of many who work for free.

A Black Think Tank? Some might say that we have too many of those already, and most of what they are doing are talking and thinking, but with little action.

What Blacks need for the future is to use the energy of the existing Black Organizations who already have a History of dealing with Black Problems, and encourage them to come up with a consolidated plan of action for the community. Blacks don't need to re-invent the Wheel. We just have to improve on what we have.

leart
L leartA1
Vito:

I didn't say the Bank didn't exist, all I said was that there was no info about the Bank. All I knew was that I didn't recognize the Name, and I didn't think it had a Branch in my Area.

Anyway, with all the Branches in California, Florida and Mass it would seem as though they would have enough connections to many sources for investors.

leart

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