Today, let’s talk about CONSUMPTION and WASTE. These fall in line with stewardship and causes us to examine what we do with what we have. The answer isn’t necessarily that we need more money or even more income, but that we better regulate the use of what we already have.

We have all heard the catch phrase, "Each One Teach One."

This phrase originated in the United States during slavery, when Africans were denied education, including learning to read. Many, if not most slaves were kept in a state of ignorance about anything beyond their immediate circumstances which were under control of owners, the law makers and the authorities. When a slave learned or was taught to read, it became his duty to teach someone else, spawning the phrase "Each one teach one."

This week, I will begin this post with a true story.

In my community, there were two-black owned and operated florists who have gone out of business, who were forced to close their doors. Both of whom I know personally and patronized, and received exceptional service. How can it be that they were not able to sustain? That’s the question I pondered then and even now. 

This week, I would like to further expound on this principle. I pose this question for all to ponder, “Just what if…” 

What if we stretch, expand our thinking around collaboration among churches, organizations and non-profits. What if they came together, joined forces so to speak?” What if we could then improve our purchasing power?

What is Group Economics? Group Economics defined, is creating and exchanging resources (e.g., currency, talents, gifts, skills, goods and services) that a group deems valuable amongst another. It is time for the black community to pool our resources in order to produce community wealth. 

This week, my daughter, Deneen G. Matthews, Editor-in-chief of DeeClare Publishing, LLC is providing our blog post. She will introduce the concept creative entrepreneurship opportunities through publishing.

In support of the Elder’s Ledger, the village and it’s stated priorities of God, Family and Community, I would like to steer your attention to creative ways to enter into entrepreneurship.