Black-owned businesses operate in neighborhoods that are 44% Black and 35% of them operate in high poverty areas. Consequently, Black businesses can bring a community return on investment through job creation, taxes, benefits, etc. They are in fact, the employer of last resort for some in their communities because they hire people, for assorted reasons, with less than perfect credentials and support organizations that do not measure up to United Way standards.

Therefore, we all need to stop asking for and referring to contracts as a hand out to overcome past discrimination practices and form a partnership with both sides being recognized and valued.  Let's lose it's the right thing to do and other references to the benevolence of social conscience.  Cities need to utilize Black businesses "by design". Community leaders would be well-served to incorporate and utilize the Black business community in overcoming a number of the other issues related to improving transportation such as housing, good salaries, public safety, education, and community pride!