Issues Surrounding Bigger Issues

this post was ORIGINALLY written on February 16, 2010...

We have been BUSY around here.

With the Black Business Festival coming up next weekend (my goodness!), there are so many things that we still have to do to make sure vendors and the public enjoy and appreciate this event. In our morning meeting, we were informed that there has not been much vendor sign-up. This was a little disheartening; however, from my experience, things usually work out last minute. If we use every outlet possible (including social media, media advertising, phone calls and word-of-mouth), the turnout will be greater than last year. The interns are here grinding to make sure that no stone is left unturned and that we can reach every possible source. We’re blasting list-servs, twitter and facebook accounts, contacting local bloggers and writers, making calls to previous attendees and using unconventional means to contact businessowners...oh yeah, we’re getting out there. No worries.

Now, for a personal rant...

In our meeting, Jodie spoke on an issue that was presented to her regarding the prominence of a certain advertisement in the Festival brochure. In the center of the brochure there is a large ad for a gun lock giveaway that will be done during the event to promote gun safety within the community. She informed us that there had been some dissent about how largely this had been advertised versus largely advertising the participation of local public figures (mainly because of the stereotypes facing the African-American community).

To this I say...Keep your focus on what’s most important and get off your soapbox.

In a city plagued by high volumes of gun violence and fatalities, this is but one small way to help solve a larger issue. If I have to read another headline about a child who, often through the negligence of a parent or guardian, got hold to a gun and shot and/or killed themselves...I don’t know what I’ll do. Also, let us not forget that blacks are not the only culture who deal with the heartbreak of gun-related death and injury. When it comes to an issue that is plaguing our community, and there’s someone offering to help solve it, we need to recognize that their efforts are for, and not against, us.

If you are going to complain, do something to make it better.

Moral of today’s story: Work hard. Be a part of the solution...not the problem.

--Lisa