MARCHING ON

Re-directing $965 Billion in Purchasing Power

Can you name this tune?

“Fish don’t fry in the kitchen. Beans don’t burn on the grill. Took a whole lot of tryin’ just to fix up that meal” or “Just lookin’ out of the window. Watchin’ the asphalt grow.”

Blacks from the inner city to the suburbs know the words to these sitcoms depicting the Black struggles of modern times.

Regardless of our status, we would gather around televisions nationwide in anticipation of watching Good Times, The Jeffersons and years later, The Cosby Show.

The Cosby Show was unique in that it was the first time America had seen us as everyday professionals. Cosby presented a happily married couple raising good kids, not the ghetto gangster children too often depicted on television. The show was groundbreaking and breathtaking, because it was a stark contrast from the downtrodden Black family typically depicted in sitcoms and described daily on the evening news. White Americans were seeing a dynamic of the American Black family never before shown on TV. Some of us were middle class, some of us were poorer. The fact remains that, regardless of those depictions, all of us still share the same struggle — images of poverty and violence shown on the evening news.

In years prior to the 1963 March on Washington, our communities — rural, suburban and urban — were unified by the boundaries of racism across America. Laws enforced more violently in the south than in the north, referred to as Jim Crow or Black Codes, were aimed at limiting the economic growth and physical freedom granted to the formerly enslaved.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the landmark law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination in public facilities, government and employment. This invalidated the Jim Crow Laws and Black Codes in the southern U.S. It became illegal to compel segregation of the races in schools, housing or hiring. Powers given to enforce the bill were initially weak, but were supplemented in later years.

In years prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental and financing of housing, the Black community was vibrant.

Our communities were filled with doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, musicians, attorneys and working class citizens. We shared a common bond regardless of social status within the community. Segregation yielded a market for Black businesses that will never exist again. If you needed goods or services, the first place you turned to was the Black owned business that provided the service or produced the goods you wanted.. If the service was not found, we sought the next best business owner that would treat us with respect to purchase from. Regardless of our status, we sought out and patronized Black businesses.

With the passage of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968, we attained a certain freedom, defined more by what we could afford. That freedom afforded the choice of moving away from the Black community.

The Civil Rights laws enabled “the great exodus” from our communities to greener pastures. We were movin’ on up. The Black consumer was being accepted more than ever in White-owned businesses, which were all too grateful to finally receive our money. It was not only okay to serve Blacks, it was against the law if they did not.

Prior to the passage of the Civil Right Acts of 1964 and 1968, Black entrepreneurs had a steady stream of Black customers. Our entrepreneurs opened all sorts of businesses in our community, which was the only place they could open a business. They were assured a chance at success because they had the Black consumer market to rely upon. When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led Civil Rights protests in Birmingham, Alabama, the marchers stayed in the A.G. Gaston-owned hotel. There was never a thought given to where we would find the goods and services we required for existence. Our community was creating the necessities of life.

We had Black hospitals and medical practices. We had to be create them to serve our people. For example, in the late 1940s, Black people were not admitted to the public hospitals in Dallas, Texas. It was the same across the rest of the United States. So the Black doctors created their own hospital. Drs. Joseph Williams, Frank Jordan Sr., and E. Holmer Browne were but a few pioneers worth mentioning.

Prior to Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball, we created The Negro League. We had baseball teams with stars. We filled the stands to see our own make history. We debated “what ifs” of legendary star Satchel Paige regarding what it might be like if he could pitch to the legendary Babe Ruth. A famous movie depicted the struggles of the league; The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings with early stars Billy Dee Williams, James Earl Jones and a young Richard Pryor. We had legendary singers and bands that filled the legendary clubs in Harlem, NY.

Black business owners were barred from setting up shop outside our community. The white consumer, then as today, does not come to our community to buy anything.

Suddenly we were competing for Black shoppers with better funded white business owners, who often could provide better prices and selection. Black consumers chose white business over Black businesses.

Today Black communities are not providing Black consumers the basics of life. There are far too few Black-owned and operated gathering spots for happy hour and professional networking. There are too few family restaurant for the celebration of weddings or special occasions. Basketball legend Magic Johnson has used his power and influence from the basketball court to create the Magic Johnson Theaters and Starbucks franchises stores. That is exemplary.

Blacks are projected to have the buying power of $965,000,000,000. Yeah, that’s billions with a “B.” That’s us by 2009. Now there’s a figure you can be proud of. It’s an increase of over 203% since 1990. This figure comes from The Covenant with Black America by Tavis Smiley.

Obviously the Black dollar has always had this strength, as demonstrated by the Montgomery Bus Boycott. We showcased our economic power. That boycott is symbolic of what we can accomplish when we choose to organize, become committed and stay unified as a people.

We have the economic power in our hands today to create anew a vibrant Black community. We have the ability to bring all the necessities for enjoyment of life to places where so many of us grew up. As consumers, we have to become committed to giving consideration to the Black-owned businesses and professionals when we spend. The price wars will be won by the white business in most cases. White businesses have a distinct advantage of having you looking to them first due to their sheer numbers.

You know what you want. Locate that service within our community. Your consideration is what Black-owned and operated businesses seek when you buy.

Our doors are open. Come turn our doorknob and walk right in.

How can we serve you?

About the Author

Smiley High school Band 2004

Rickey Smiley: Open Casket Sharp $11.19 Afraid to pick up the phone for fear you may receive a Rickey Smiley prank call? Relax, ’cause watching this hilarious live standup special will allow you to laugh heartily at everyone else who turns out to be the butt of Rickey Smiley’s jokes! Comic Steve Harvey introduces Smiley, who promptly gets busy with funny stories about his life and other riotous observations. 65 min. Widescreen (Enhanced…

Marching Band $70.1 Marching band. Rehearsal, Bands of America, Brass band, Color guard (flag spinning), Drum and bugle corps (classic), Drum and bugle corps (modern), Drum major, Marching percussion, Military band, Scramble band, United States Scholastic Band Association,Ottoman military band. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 100 Publication Date: 2010/08/02 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.23 inches

Waconia Marching Band $76.47 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles The Waconia Marching Band, based out of Waconia, Minnesota, is a class AAAA youth Marching band that competes at the high school level. It represents Minnesota school district 110.The Waconia marching band was founded in 1972. Their first official performance was in 1973. Now in its 37th year of Marching, the Waconia marching band is regarded as one of the best marching bands in Minnesota.In 1982, the Waconia Marching Band was the first marching band to play inside the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It turns out NFL teams can only invite a high school band to do a half time show once, though the Minnesota Vikings invited Waconia back four times. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 116 Publication Date: 2010/06/29 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.27 inches

University of California Marching Band $87.62 Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. The University of California Marching Band, usually shortened to Cal Band, is the marching band for the University of California, Berkeley. While the Cal Band is studentrun, it is administered under the auspices of the university and represents Cal at sporting events and social gatherings. The name of the band is The University of California Band by the constitution, but is typically called The University of California Marching Band or The Cal Band. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Tennoe, Mariam T./ Henssonow, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 120 Publication Date: 2011/04/01 Language: English Dimensions: 9.02 x 5.98 x 0.28 inches

The Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band $92.4 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles The Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band, known as The Pride, is the student marching band for the University of Oklahoma Sooners. The Pride was founded in 1901 as a pep band to play at Sooner football games. In the early years, the band was composed mostly of Norman residents and was disbanded every year after football season. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Tennoe, Mariam T./ Henssonow, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 130 Publication Date: 2010/09/13 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.31 inches

Sacramento State Marching Band $95.59 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles The Sacramento State Marching Band, known as the The Spirit of Sacramento, and sometimes informally known as the Sac State Band, Sac Band or SSMB, is the official marching band at California State University, Sacramento. The Band was formed in 1958 as the Sacramento State Marching Musicians. To this day the band performs at all home football games and various away games during the football season. The Band also functions as the defacto student cheering section at athletic events. The Band also is present every year during The Causeway Classic against archrival UC Davis. The band motto: Without Us, Its Just A Game , was adopted in 1996. In 2008, Dr. Clay Redfield, 84, became the newest director of the band. He is the first alumnus to ever lead the band. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 142 Publication Date: 2010/08/10 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.33 inches

Yale Precision Marching Band $81.25 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles The Yale Precision Marching Band (affectionately known as the YPMB) is the official marching band of Yale University. It is a scatter band (what some peers might call a scramble band ), as distinct from university marching bands that emphasize precise movements and geometric field formations. Band members refer to themselves as The Members of, which is derived from their introduction at Yale events. The repertoire of the YPMB is constantly evolving, driven by student arrangers and pop music trends. Besides standard types of band instruments, the YPMB includes violins, bagpipes, accordions, keyboards and air guitars, and was the first scatter band to incorporate electric guitars. The YPMBs Squids section creates large cardboard props for halftime shows. The Squids evolved from the Appoges (pronounced p od z, after appoggiatura, a grace note) of the 1980s and 1990s, who handled props but also carried their own instruments (frisbees, stuffed giraffes, lounge chairs). Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 114 Publication Date: 2010/07/31 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.27 inches

Alfred Publishing 0026524 Marching Fundamentals $38.12 Geared for incoming freshmen this DVD explains and demonstrates marching basics and familiarizes the student with all standard marching commands and positions. Can be used as a selfstudy aid.Contributors: By Greg MartinInstrument: Marching BandFormat: DVDCategory: Marching Band DVD

University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band $93.99 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles The University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band, or Pitt Band, is the college marching band at the University of Pittsburgh. The band includes over 200 instrumentalists, a majorette squad known as the Golden Girls, a color guard, and the University of Pittsburgh drumline. The band was founded in 1911 and has won numerous awards over the years. All members of the band must pass an audition in order to join. The band is currently housed in Trees Hall, however Pitt is in the process of building a new marching band facility. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Tennoe, Mariam T./ Henssonow, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 132 Publication Date: 2010/12/09 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.31 inches

The Ohio State University Marching Band $70.1 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles The Ohio State University Marching Band (often called The Best Damn Band in the Land or TBDBITL) is one of the few allbrass and percussion bands in the country, the largest of its type in the world. Military training was an important part of the early curriculum at Ohio State, and a band was formed to provide music for the cadets to drill to. The first appearance of the OSU marching band was in 1896. Gustav Bruder, a professional musician with military band experience, was hired to lead the band. Under Bruder, the band grew in size and began playing and marching for all military and athletic events. The OSUMB grew over the years, from 100 members in 1920 to 225 members today. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Tennoe, Mariam T./ Henssonow, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 80 Publication Date: 2010/08/14 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.19 inches

Cornell Big Red Marching Band $60.54 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles The Cornell Big Red Marching Band is the only traditional marching band (as opposed to a scatter band) in the Ivy League. It performs at all home, and most away, Cornell Football Games. In addition, the band has performed at half time for numerous National Football League and Canadian Football League games, and began a tradition of an annual Spring Concert in 2006. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 64 Publication Date: 2010/12/22 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.15 inches

University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band $82.85 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles The University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band (UMMB) is the marching band for the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The band currently has about 352 members and was directed by George N. Parks from 1977 until his sudden death in September 2010. Assistant Thomas Hannum has been named interim director, assisted by Michael Klesch and Frederick Omega Pye. The Minuteman Band plays halftime and postgame shows at all home football games and frequently travels to away games. The band has also performed at Bands of America in 1993, 2001, 2004 and 2007. In 1998, the Minuteman Marching Band was awarded the prestigious Sudler Trophy, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a collegiate marching band. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Tennoe, Mariam T./ Henssonow, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 108 Publication Date: 2010/12/07 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.26 inches

Rhythm Band Instruments RB911 Marching Drum $33.08 The Rhythm Band marching drum delivers percussive sound that children will find enchanting. Rhythm Band includes rubber safety springs a pair of drum sticks and a head of durable Melinex plastic with the kidsized drum.

University of Montana Grizzly Marching Band $78.07 Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. The University of Montana Grizzly Marching Band is a select, fun and closeknit group of hardworking, dedicated students. The band is open to everyone on the UM campus regardless of year or major. In fact, it has members of the band from virtually every major and discipline on campus and from almost every corner of the United States and around the world. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Tennoe, Mariam T./ Henssonow, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 84 Publication Date: 2011/05/19 Language: English Dimensions: 9.02 x 5.98 x 0.20 inches

Alfred Publishing 0027040 Fundamental Techniques for Marching Percussion $38.12 Instant help for the marching band percussion section. Teaches tuning position of carry plus warmup and technique readiness. Demonstrations given at all levels for all instruments.Contributors: By Thom HannumInstrument: Marching BandFormat: DVDCategory: Marching Band DVD

The Dynamic Marching Band $62.66 No Synopsis Available