DO BLACKS LAG WHITES IN FINDING GOOD JOBS AND BUILDING WEALTH IN 2019?
I recently read an article: “BLACKS LAG WHITES IN FINDING GOOD JOBS, BUILDING WEALTH IN SLOWING LABOR MARKET” You will find the link to this article at the end.
I agree discrimination still occurs and the wealth gap between blacks and whites has not narrowed. However, I challenge the proposed solution. “Rather, policymakers need to utilize a variety of bold, intentional policy solutions that address the varied and complex nature of the problem.”
I do not believe any group of people, who have determination, self-respect and the grit to succeed, require more government solutions. In fact, government solutions have for the most part failed.
FROM FAILURE TO SUCCESS 
I live outside Chicago, where I have watched the careers of Michael Jordan (BILLIONAIRE) Oprah Winfrey (BILLIONAIRE) and former Senator and President of the United States, Barack Obama (JUST A MILLIONAIRE). All three are black and did not wait nor ask for government solutions to achieve their success. As a proud African American, I was taught by my parents and mentors to work for what I wanted to achieve and let no human being stand in my way.
LIFE IS NOT FAIR
The reality, some people will dislike you because of your skin or hair color, weight, sexual orientation, and so many more IMMATERIAL factors about you. Of all the animals on the planet, humans are the most biased. The choice is yours; will you allow others to stop you from achieving your dreams? President John F. Kennedy, was told a catholic could never become President of the United States. I did not believe a black man, in my lifetime, could become President of the U.S. President Obama proved me wrong. Neither of those men cared that some people would refuse to vote for them because of prejudice. They concentrated on the ones who would help them achieve their dreams.
DISCRIMINATION
Of course, I have experienced racism and prejudice during the course of my career. Was I to wait for a government bold solution? File complaints, sit on my behind? When I failed to get a job I interviewed for, yes, I was disappointed, but I did not assign blame to the color of my skin. Instead, I practiced my interview skills even more. Friends asked me interview questions and critiqued my responses. I dressed better and conducted more research on the companies I interviewed with. After drafting expected questions, I prepared written responses, so I could be like a politician and have a canned response at the ready. I used LinkedIn to find contacts I could discuss the opportunity with and if they had access requested, walk my resume to the hiring manager. And I applied for more jobs. But what I NEVER did was blame the fact I am a good-looking black man! {Got to believe in yourself my people!)
Maybe a hiring manager does not like women, Muslims, Blacks, Indians and any other ridiculous factors he/she can discriminate against. If you cannot control it – go around it! Never let a racist idiot stop you from moving forward.
I will not say your path is easy or fair. Mine has not been. But I have never allowed my skincolor to define me or use it as an excuse. It is ok to get angry about the unfairness of this world. It is not acceptable to give up your dream because of others’ prejudices.
GRIT
“Grit is passion and perseverance for long-term and meaningful goals.” Grit is the ability to persist in something you feel passionate about and persevere when you fail. Michael Jordan was cut from his High School Basketball team. Oprah was told she did not have a place in television. Those two and other successful people had direction, commitment and passion. They had the GRIT and DETERMINATION to persevere. Failure was NEVER an option. Their grit and work ethic were essential components of success, independent of and beyond talent, intelligence, looks, etc. Without grit, talent is nothing more than unmet potential. It is only with your efforts, your talent becomes a skill that leads to your success.
TO BE UNAPOLOGETICALLY BLACK AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY A WOMAN
I recently read another article that applies to this week’s blog:
Investment guru Mellody Hobson: “Financial illiteracy is ‘dangerous’ for society” Hobson said “she wanted to be unapologetically black and unapologetically a woman” Hobson told CNBC “she’s faced obstacles on her climb up the ladder, especially as a woman and a person of color. However, she said she is not a victim. Instead, she tries to be a victor.” “You have to decide how you’re going to show up in life,” she said. “I’ve used some of my differences as a way to stand out and to hopefully count and matter — and hopefully create an opportunity for others.” Her advice to those who may want to follow in her footsteps: “Be confident in your own ideas.” “Be brave,” she said. “Bravery is not the absence of fear, it is overcoming it.”
CONCLUSION
My maternal Grandparents started a successful business during the “Jim Crow” decades, in the South. When blacks were 3rd class citizens. My Dad came from a level of poverty we no longer see in the U.S. He and his brother went to college and Dad graduated with two degrees and became a successful High School Principal. My parents supported their two sons to graduate from universities with seven college degrees. A key lesson Dad taught me and I still use to this day – Do the best you can, review your own work looking for the good and the ugly, learn from your mistakes and improve each time. I applied that to my hobbies and my profession and the most important job of my life, being a Dad.
Minorities and women will run into discrimination. Prepare for it. Believe in yourself and forget the A-Holes. Either walk around them or knock them out of your way. Never let anyone steal your faith in what you WILL accomplish.
TWO EARLIER APPLICABLE BLOGS BELOW
https://wealthbuildingpowers.com/2019/08/20/who-is-the-one-person-you-most-want-to-invite-to-dinner/
YOU HAVE TWO CHOICES –YOUR COMMITMENT TO A GOOD LIFE OR FEAR. PICK!
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I am a proud nerd (as my beautiful wife and daughter have told me) investment and finance blogger, with a NC State, Chemical Engineering, University Rutgers, MBA and Harvard University, Advanced Management education.
I left a corporate career because I had a desire for making a difference as a speaker and writer, to help others. I was blessed to be coached and mentored by strong women and men in both my family and professional life. It is my time to serve and give back.
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I started my first business at ~13 years of age (small but brilliantly created plant nursery). I am a successful investor in stocks, options, real estate and happy to share my personal finance and investment lessons learned with you.
However, I am NOT a licensed financial advisor. Please do not construe my suggestions on this blog, as recommendations for your personal situation. For individual finance advice please seek your own licensed CPA or fiduciary financial advisors.
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