Why aren't African Americans in Phoenix supporting Black events and organizations?
That's the question that has been runnin' through my mind since I went to the AZ Black Expo on October 27.
I gotta admit that I was really disappointed in the turnout this year in spite of the fact that people warned me that there wasn't much interest from the African American community.
I've noticed for the last few years that we really don't come out and support our events the way we should - the annual MLK March in January is a prime example. I'm a member of several professional and community groups here and I'm usually surprised at the low numbers of African Americans who get involved.
- Are Black people just not hearing about Black events in Phoenix? Do we have a communication problem here?
- Are Black people just too busy to attend Black events?
- Are Black people who have moved here from other places just not interested in investing in Phoenix?
- Are Black people in Phoenix disenchanted with each other? Hmmmm ...
As I've said before, I frequently hear complaints from African Americans that there aren't enough community and cultural events in the Phoenix area. I don't necessarily believe that to be true, but I do think that we don't have enough quality events here.
I had hope for the AZ Black Expo because it arranged for numerous African American businesses, entertainers, professionals and organizations to promote themselves to the community.
As I walked through the rows of booths, I came to realize one of the reasons why we avoided the AZ Black Expo - many of the booths were unimpressive! How many booths filled with body lotion and urban T-shirts do we need in one location?
I hope the AZ Black Expo is much more selective next year and considers recruiting businesses, professionals, celebrities and organizations that uplift and improve our community. There's definitely a need for the AZ Black Expo but the presentation needs improvement.
I'd love to read your Comments on this topic! Do I have a legitimate concern or am I way off-base? You're welcome to speak your mind - I want to get a good dialogue started!
Hey, at least I enjoyed the Fashion show!
Having lived in Phoenix a little over a decade, I think a huge part of the problem is marketing. I'd be very interested in going to many of these events if I knew ahead of time. Since there no local black radio station after 1998 its extremely difficult, nearly impossible to stay current on local events. For me this is a real issue.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 28, 2008 at 23:33
If you present quality and market it accordingly, people will respond, if it has meaning and benefit to them. Black people are no different from any other group in that there has to be a clear "whats in it for me?" to engage them.
As you stated about the black expo, the poor vendor and business display does not cut it, and the challenge of inducing people to drive 25-30 miles for a maybe has gotten folks here very cynical and non-committal. The attendees deserved and certainly expected a lot more. The organizers simply did not provide it.
The diaspora is rich with interests, wants, needs and participants. Lets continue to present the best we have to offer, and let the results speak for themselves.
This site has done much to transmit the necessary information, as have Arizona Black Pages and others. If people TRULY WANT to know a thing, they will make an effort to seek it out. After the knowledge, hopefully, there is action.
Forward.
Posted by: Wayne | March 10, 2008 at 08:12
Hello z,
You can find out more about me by clicking on the ABOUT link on the left side of this page.
Posted by: PhxSoul | November 07, 2007 at 08:25
Who are you?
Posted by: z | November 07, 2007 at 04:47