Title: It’s Time to Stop Being Taken for Granted
Our platform’s last two posts focused on gas stations, convenience stores, and beauty supply shops—businesses that make millions of dollars operating in Black communities. The issue isn’t their presence. These businesses are needed. The problem is that many of their owners (not all, but most) treat our communities with disrespect, charge inflated prices, and never reinvest in the neighborhoods that support them.
Let’s be honest: respect is a two-way street. But due to the persistent negative stigmas placed on people of color, it becomes difficult—almost impossible—for Black communities to offer respect to those who exploit and oppress them.
We must start having real, honest conversations about race in America—conversations that include economic inequality and community reinvestment. These same businesses often contribute to beautification projects, school functions, and civic events in affluent communities, but they do nothing of the sort in the very neighborhoods that keep their doors open.
We are not asking for favors—we are demanding fairness. Impoverished communities give these businesses their money, their loyalty, and their trust. What we ask in return is simple: to be treated with the same dignity, respect, and investment that others receive.
It’s time for a change. It’s time to stop being taken for granted.
To inspire, inform, encourage, and empower!!!!
Marvin Dixon/Founder
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