Florida Times Union Newspaper article on front page published in 2007 by interviewer Adam Aasen > adam.aasen[at]jacksonville.com
1. What role does your Web site have in serving the community?
It’s definitely a new type of media and use of technology. We can unify masses that may not have met, ever… which we know to be powerful, to bring like minded-people in harmony. We also have positioned ourselves as a 24 hour library of information. There are literally thousands of pages of critical research on Blacksonville.com for everyone to source. We may not create all of the information on the site, but people are able to self-publish, and the public can benefit from free access.
2. I assume a portion of your audience is interested in finding minority owned businesses. Why is that important to them?
Minority owned businesses are the cornerstone of the small business community. Yet, apparently, there remains a challenge in the equal distribution of resources to and from those businesses. However, Blacksonville.com is more than just an information portal for common folk; it was designed for major corporations, entrepreneurs and registered nonprofit organizations to research, locate, and communicate with other business owners to meet one another’s need. We understand (that) for every problem there is a solution and our site is well known to put you in touch with the right solution.
3. As a black entrepreneur, what are the barriers for black people to start their own businesses?
Development Separation and Capital Deprivation are tow major barriers we suffer. Development without inclusion is a big challenge. The local economy is booming, but the business community is suffering. Low pay, high gas rates…I mean really, I have to think, is this what a depression feels like in the beginning? As a “black entrepreneur”, I know myself NOT to be a part of the Development process. That may put me at a capital disadvantage if I cannot plan ahead for what I cannot see. If we are not an intricate part at the table for economic growth and development, then what “part” are we? Another major barrier stems from a lack of true leadership in today’s media. I think media should be more diverse and responsible in the pictures we paint of our city.
4. In what ways can these improvements in the black economic community help the city of Jacksonville?
It’s kind of a Catch-22. One can’t necessary grow without another. What we read in our local newspaper is that Jacksonville is a thriving city. I don’t think we have successfully reached out to all parts of the community yet to boast such.
5. Will the black economic growth help fix problems such as crime and poverty in Jacksonville?
Well, those are all things that permeate the masses. Crime and poverty, those are global issues that don’t just affect black people. I think that’s totally unrelated to having more black entrepreneurs.
Read more interviews on Blacksonville from Jacksonville.com here >
