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.
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