This week’s edition of Hood Health deals with the importance of economic empowerment.
Let me start off by giving you the lesson of the day.… MONEY TALKS! I know that lately we have heard a lot about having economic power or about the importance of such. Many of us have no idea what that means or how it could even begin to apply to us. When we go cop those new sneakers or that dope outfit, we are validating the ideas, concepts, products, and the person behind that particular brand. Our dollars have spoken up in support for that brand giving them the finances to further pursue their business and personal agendas. Remember back in 2006 when Jay Z called for a boycott of Cristal because he felt the maker Frederic Rouzaud made racist comments. After Jay Z called the boycott, the effect of his power or influence was seen at the BET awards shortly thereafter where you did not see one bottle of Cristal as you had seen all over the year before at the MTV awards. The jewel beloveds, is that with money comes the power to influence and sway the people. This can either be a negative or a positive thing. No matter how you see it though, you know that its reality is an actual fact. It’s important that you see the connection between your dollar and your agendas. What do the things that you support, support? Are you buying from businesses that give back and support your communities? Are you financially supporting businesses that provide services to the underserved people within your communities? Are you financially supporting people that look like you? All of these questions are important to ask yourself prior to letting your money do the talking for you. Now some of you may feel as though this is a bit of an exaggeration, let me assure you that it is not. Have you noticed how certain cultures only support individuals within their culture? They shop in their own stores and keep their money funneling within their communities, even if they own stores within your community. You will see some people making money off of you but taking those dollars back to their communities and supporting none of your community agendas or needs. Situations like this are red flags that you should look out for when it comes to the power of how your money speaks for you. Building economic power culturally or communally happens when you and others keep your money funneling within your culture or community. So beloveds, stay aware and be conscious of how you make your money speak for you. Follow me on Twitter @NakeashaJ and on Instagram @Melanated_Beauty
