Melvin B. Miller
Editor & Publisher

Time for a plan!

Three elements are essential for success: talent, a plan, and the discipline to execute the plan. This is true of both individuals and organizations.

Consider the New England Patriots. They acquired the talent they need. Every week, they review films of their opponents and prepare a battle plan. During the week, the team practices for hours until they are certain that they can execute the plan flawlessly. Then they are ready for game day.

What is the game plan for African Americans to progress politically and economically? There is none that is generally acknowledged. That was not true during the civil rights era. There were a number of plans to end segregation and racial discrimination. These efforts resulted in the end of lawful racial discrimination in employment, education and places of public accommodation.

Every plan has to be appropriate for the objective to be achieved. The Patriots’ plan will win Sunday’s game, but it will not do a thing for the NAACP. Similarly, it is questionable whether continual implementation of the civil rights strategies will help African Americans attain wealth.

If black leaders do not develop an accepted group game plan soon, then individuals will believe that it is only useful to fend for oneself, and that would be a shame. People need the support of their tribe to thrive in America, but people are reluctant to be associated with a losing team.

Time is running out for prominent African Americans to develop a winning game plan.

The secret of success

The election of Deval Patrick as governor and the candidacy of Barack Obama for president have enhanced the status of blacks in America. Despite the continued existence of racial discrimination in some quarters, Patrick was able to win election in a state with a small black population. Similarly, Obama has been able to run a credible presidential campaign, and has generated support even in areas of the old Confederacy.

African Americans can view these developments as anomalies, or they can conclude that there has been a substantial change in racial attitudes in this country.

Those who focus on the injustices might conclude that little has changed. Others who see blacks in prominent positions in business and the professions will be aware of the emerging opportunities.

Affluence mitigates the effects of bigotry. For the well-to-do, racial discrimination is merely an inconvenience. For the poor, bigotry becomes a harrowing experience. Economic considerations have always been at the heart of slavery and racial discrimination. When the performance of a black contributes substantially to the bottom line, attitudes of racial hostility begin to mellow.

The success of Patrick and Obama clearly establish that barriers are falling. Blacks can now conclude that the dream of a youngster to become president is no longer just a fantasy.

The road to personal success is long and arduous. It cannot be traveled efficiently without a map — a plan. In order to succeed, the individual must develop his talents, prepare a plan, and execute the plan over an extended period of time. This process is called the self-help approach.

Unfortunately, too many young African Americans do not realize that only sustained effort for a period of years will take them to success. The greatest contribution of adults is to make the young understand the process and to help them through it.

“Yeah, but when can I become
chairman of the board?”