Predatory Businesses In Our Community

“Our Dollars Matters”
Be a Conscious Consumer. Beware of Predators.

My definition of a Predatory Business “Predators” are Non Supportive Community Business. Predators can be local small businesses (i.e. Fish Markets, Grocery Markets, etc.) big corporations, new developments (Shopping Centers, Stadiums, etc.), casinos, non profit organizations, and even churches.

Although a lot of new development projects approach our Community
with the common buzzwords of Hiring local, Support local programs, and Community Benefits Agreements, many of these Predatory Companies has alternative motives with revenue solely in mind.

Predators exploits our community for their own personal gain and self gratification. They take advantage of poor, uneducated, and underserved communities for their own self interest. These predatory practices, leads to Gentrification and displacement in our community. Back in the day, our leaders organized boycotts on these types of Predators. We should take a lesson from our history books and be conscious on how we spend our hard earned money.

Although certain prominent brands have consistently failed black people, African Americans rank second among every consumer group in the nation – spending trillions each year collectively. A recent Nielson report highlights how media engagement, spending habits, lifestyle interests and more economic advancements have made Black people a key population that helps stimulate the U.S. economy.

Why do some support these
Predators?

Most of the time it can be Convenient to shop at your local predatory market when you live in a Food Desert. For example, Latasha Harlins was a 15-year old South Central L.A. resident African-American girl who was shot in the head by Soon Ja Du, a 51-year old Korean-born female convenience store owner in South Los Angeles who was tried and convicted of voluntary manslaughter in Harlins’ death. Harlins’ death came 13 days after the videotaped beating of Rodney King. Du was fined
$500 and sentenced to five years of probation and 400 hours of community service but no prison time for her crime. Some have cited the shooting of Latasha Harlins as one of the causes of the 1992 Uprising in South L.A.

Sometimes we support Predators unknowingly. A few of our Institutions Mislead or Misinformed our community for their own interest, and not necessary the interest of the community. We expect our clergy, churches, business associations, chamber of commerces, schools, community based organizations, social enterprises, and elected officials, to encourage, engage, educate, inform, and support us. However, ego’s and greed often come into play, and their original Mission becomes over shadowed with self gratification, money, status, and political leverage.

Perceived Value is another reason some support predators. This psychological phenomenon of brand recognition and marketing makes us “Feel Better” when we purchase items from these type of predators. The perception is that the Brand name product is superior (Their Grass is Greener), and we will be more accepted in society. In marketing terminology, perceived value is “the customers’ evaluation of the merits of a product or service and its ability to meet their needs and expectations, especially in comparison with its peers.” For example, the type of cars we drive, the clothes we wear, the cell phones we use. All these products serve a basic need, but we often try to “Impress” others with our purchases. It can be a weekend Bus Trip to a Casino, The perceived value is that we’re going to hit the Jackpot, and live a happier lifestyle. How about buying season tickets for sporting events at the new stadium? Just buying a seat in the stadium, does not guarantee a seat at
the Table!

Be a Conscious Consumer!

Trust me, I too enjoy entertainment and quality products, but before you make that next purchase, ask that Merchant these few questions;

1. How do you support my Community?
2. Do you Hire from my Community?
3. Are you involved with the local Chamber
   of Commerce?
4. Do you participate in my Community
   programs/events?

This Holiday season, be a conscious consumer by Shopping Small/Shop South L.A

at businesses that supports and respects our community. Recycle your dollars and practice the fourth (4th) principle of Kwanzaa (Ujamaa) cooperative economics “To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together”. Our Dollars Matters!
In summary, be Accountable. The communities you serve are those whose values you should represent, those who patronize your business and those who will hold you accountable. As a small business or community based organization, the community is your support network—an important part of your livelihood. Plain and simple—authenticity will attract people to your business, and your genuine interest and passion will naturally build relationships. A simple “Thank You” for your service goes a long way. Come from behind your bullet proof glass, and hire a local security company for protection. The greatest community benefits strategy is a quality product, great customer service, and having a strong relationship in the community you serve.

STAY WOKE!