Black Economics: Solutions for Economic and Community Empowerment [Paperback]

Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2002

This micro- and macro-analysis of economic conditions in the black community explores why African Americans earn only 61 percent of white American income, why many African Americans prefer to maintain a 'good job' rather than own and operate their own businesses, and why African American consumers only spend 3 percent of their 600 billion dollars in African American businesses. Topics covered include present and historical analysis, foreign economic success, the global economy, obstacles to development, and black consumers and entrepreneurs.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Many members of the black community will be familiar with Kunjufu because of his tireless efforts in promoting his nine previous books, such as the three-volume Countering the Conspiracy to Destroy Black Boys (African American Images, 1983, 1986, 1990), and his ideas. Kunjufu has degrees in economics and business, his company (the book's publisher) employs 100 people, and he tours the country giving lectures and interviews. Well researched and containing minimal business jargon, his book makes business concepts easily understandable without condescension to the lay reader. It then gives a clear call to action for blacks to join together to improve the lot of the average African American. While most of the ideas have been bandied about in African American circles for years, this is the most comprehensive, compelling, and clearly worded effort this reviewer has read. Recommended for all public libraries.
- Anita L. Cole, Miami-Dade P.L. System, Fla.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Review

Black Economics: Solutions For Economic And Community Empowerment answers the critical questions of why foreign businesses have been so successful in the African American community. But Black Economics does much more than merely identify and describe the dimensions of this chronic financial drain on the black community, it recommends clear, concise, practical and urgently needed empowerment solutions to assist the black community to secure economic gains. Jawanza Kunjufu is candid, knowledgeable and persuasive. Black Economics should be required reading in every economics class and on the lending shelves of ever black community's public library. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: African American Images; Second edition edition (September 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0913543829
• ISBN-13: 978-0913543825
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #465,077 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can be applied to other marginaized communities, December 23, 2007

By 

Robin Orlowski "political activist" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Black Economics: Solutions for Economic and Community Empowerment (Paperback)

I am a woman with epilepsy who found much of the information in this book applicable to other historically marginalized groups who are not necessarily black.

Independent economic development is the key to community revitalization and political success in a capitalist society. Those with the most money are the same ones who can decide and then access the elected officials in their community. And a community with ample economic opportunity for people is not going to have drug use and other forms of crime polluting the area, people are going to have stuff to do with their time and the means to support themselves/families.

But that development can never happen when we behave disrespectfully towards the customer who has entered our store. Anybody running a business must act like they genuinely want to make a profit off of it--in order to get their wish of a sale. Nobody is going to come in and realistically hand us lots of money simply because we are one of them.

The book is intended to be used by people who are already out working in the 'real world'. But it would also work as a text in economics classes. Come to think of it, it could even be used in social science and/or public policy courses, particularly those dealing with community redevelopment and urban groups.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I constantly refer to this book..., October 6, 2007

By 

Bro. Jay "1b8m" (The Bricks...Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black Economics: Solutions for Economic and Community Empowerment (Paperback)

One of the most memorable points made here is about the benefit of using a "sales job" for large commission dollars and then, using that money to start your own business. Thank you Brother Kunjufu!!!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Strictly for Black Empowerment, April 10, 2002

By 

rodog63jr (bronx, N.Y.C. N.Y. USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black Economics: Solutions for Economic and Community Empowerment (Paperback)

Dr. Kunjufu lays it out in this book. He discusses the history of African-American businesses, the obstacles, and solutions for personal and community empowerment.