“Carpe Diem,” is a popular slogan that means “Seize the Day” in Latin. Leading Presidential Candidate Barack Obama has eloquently and courageously seized a day in history that is unprecedented for a Black man, not withstanding one with a middle name of Hussein. With the US economy threatening to slide into recession and an Iraq war of over 3,000 dead Americans and over 150,000 Iraqi civilians killed (World Health Organization report), Americans are hungry for a change. Fulfilling that hope, Obama has “seized the day”

If 2008 is to be great, African Americans in general and Black business in specific, must be strategic. The first element of strategy, as depicted in the 6th Century BC book, “The Art of War,” by the great Chinese General Sun Tzu, is “Laying the Plan.” New Year Resolutions not only provide the identification of objectives and laying the plan, but most important, implementation. The following would be some recommended resolutions.

BLACK BUSINESS – Resolve to increase the profitability and competitiveness of your company, know your customers better, be a better boss, attend professional and technical seminars, network and trade with other Black businesses and allow more time for your personal life. Review your resolutions and business plan at least once a quarter.

LEVELLING THE PLAYING FIELD – Resolve to attack known institutional racism at every level by supporting civil rights organizations such as the NAACP and business advocacy organizations such as Black Chambers of Commerce. Support organizations such as the Equal Justice Society and student organizations such as UC Berkeley’s “By Any Means Necessary” who are continually working to overturn the 1996 CA Proposition 209, which terminated affirmative action in California. In the State of California, less than 1% of state contracts go to African American businesses and college admissions for African Americans have plummeted to an all time low.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Resolve to reaffirm your commitment and financial support to the masses of African Americans that suffer disproportionately in the areas of financial empowerment, employment, health and education. While the Black middle class see progress, a recent Pew Research Center study found that only 20% of Blacks say that things are better off than 5 years ago and 44% say that they don’t expect their prospects to get better. Never forget that Blacks rank the lowest on every yardstick of progress.

POLITICAL ACCOUNTABILITY – Resolve to hold your politicians and government administrators accountable by demanding a return for your vote and financial support. Be it further resolved to financially support Black politicians who will be accountable to the Black community. Be willing to “Pay to Play.”

“If you do not plan to succeed, then plan to fail.” Carpe Diem in 2008.

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