Each day it is an ongoing struggle for a small business or startups to find their place in a complex and competitive world. This is especially true, when there are too many “giants” in the land of opportunity and from the world’s largest economy. It is so clear on all levels and sectors of our modern society, when all you can see are “giants” seemly “hogging” up all the … [Read more...] about Helping the little guy
Perspective
The greatest joys of fatherhood (Part 1)
What is the meaning of fatherhood? At a workshop “Improving Data on Male Fertility and Family Formation” at the Urban Institute, Washington D.C. (1997), this definition of fatherhood was given: A man becomes a father when he has his first child; this status is fixed, such that, once a man becomes a father he is always a father. He may subsequently have more children or his … [Read more...] about The greatest joys of fatherhood (Part 1)
Lost in this masquerade
Rebuilding Our Community I don’t know if you got the memo, email or phone call recently to come to the next series of community meetings dressed in a disguise and ready to play the next round of games. You betcha! How about a little hide-and-seek with the economic recovery and the jobs that seemly never appear available for those living in the inner city; what about … [Read more...] about Lost in this masquerade
The best is in Wisconsin
The world had to take notice of Wisconsin for a day. Well not the entire state, just a small portion called Kenosha. The 2015 NFL Draft concluded on May 2nd. The exciting part of any sports draft is the first round. It is the first round where many superstars are drafted. Names such as Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers were picked in this round. Well Kenosha, WI … [Read more...] about The best is in Wisconsin
When work disappears
To most of us “baby boomers” (1946-1964), this is nothing new: community uprisings, civic unrest, looting, riots, burnings, marching, shootings, injustice, militarization of law enforcement, poor housing, lack of quality health care and unsafe neighborhoods. But to a new generation in the 21st century, this is a wakeup call as they try to push forward a new agenda and … [Read more...] about When work disappears
Built to last Every urban city can be identified as and called “a tale of two cities.” On one side is a tale of a city where residents are doing well, businesses are thriving; Main Street is looking good, there are healthy neighborhoods, safe streets, great restaurants and plenty of entertainment. However, on the other side is a tale of a city where residents are living below … [Read more...] about
A remedy to inner city violence
Violence still holds sway in Milwaukee. Children have been shot. Ghetto jus- tice has been passed out. A peace vigil was held. The populations of certain neigh- borhoods continue to live in fear for their children. Mil- waukee has a disease that is killing the life of the city. Strangely enough there is a cure for this dilemma. It’s time to hold the people in certain … [Read more...] about A remedy to inner city violence
Secure the children
I don’t know if you are aware or not, but there are a lot of people who are in the business of providing, educating, treating or dealing with children in one form or another. Many should not be in any business at all, es- pecially with children. It is not the children and positive outcomes that they seek to help or are interested in, but rather they are only in it for what they … [Read more...] about Secure the children
The Black male – A target group (part 1)
Rahim Islam is a National Speaker and Writer, Convener of Philadelphia Community of Leaders, and President/ CEO of Universal Companies, a community development and education management company headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. Follow Rahim Islam on FaceBook(Rahim Islam) & Twitter (@RahimIslamUC). I have written many times that the instability of the Black community is tied … [Read more...] about The Black male – A target group (part 1)
Think you know the dropout rates for Black males? You’re probably wrong (part 3 of 3)
The often stated notion that more than half of black males drop out, or do not graduate, is not true. Cohort graduation-rate calculations miss students who graduate late, graduate early, obtain a GED or transfer to schools outside their district. None of this information should be construed to minimize the importance of collective action to promote black male achievement. … [Read more...] about Think you know the dropout rates for Black males? You’re probably wrong (part 3 of 3)