There are some economic and historical gurus who believe that the Black community fared better socially, economically and educationally before integration. Their beliefs are based on the fact that past communities supported each other better in these areas because we did not have the option of not doing so. For example: Our communication internally was more forthcoming because we were all in the same boat and needed the intra-community support to be successful in these areas. I am sure that you either remember or have heard of the days when we not only knew our neighbors, we loved and supported them. If your neighbor had sugar, rice, transportation, knowledge or any other shareable or transferable commodity, you had it also because neighbors readily shared with each other. From an informational perspective, if we did it then we should engage in efforts and activities which could replicate those efforts in today’s community. In view of the fact that we live in a capitalistic society which is driven by money, it stands to reason that we can virtually make staggering changes in our community through the wise use of financial resources to effectuate social, political, economic and educational improvements in our communities lives.

When considering that in Central Georgia, the buying power of African American consumers approaches two billion dollars, it’s not rocket science to see the need to initiate a level of conscientiousness in the community via the Black Pages. The vital resource showcases the communities and echoes to others just how much economic power can be generated and converted to social, political and educational power. Therein lies the reasoning behind having a “Black Pages”, which at a minimum identifies the best approach to the wise use of this power through circulating our dollars more in our own community, which will provide immediate results.

Let’s consider this for a moment. Let’s assume that we, as a community, decide to circulate 15% of the dollar we spend in our own community. We would see immediate improvements in the social aspect of the community because our own dollars would be used to support programs and activities that could have an impact, e.g. community centers, recreational activities, jobs for our youth and seniors, as well as contributions to community and educational improvement programs. Simply stated, we publish the Black Pages because we realize that the best kind and the most lasting and effective help is self-help. The Black Pages is the information source you should use to help yourself and your community by supporting the businesses found inside these pages. Considering the present condition of our community, socially, spiritually, educationally and economically, we should not consider this a request; rather, it should be viewed as an obligation. That way we know that its something that we HAVE TO DO rather than CHOOSE TO DO. Use the Black Pages and support Black businesses.