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When I wrote about BET founder Robert L. Johnson's new bank last week, the message board went crazy with posts about whether his deal with Wal-Mart was good or bad for black folk. The jury may still be out on that, but since so many people questioned how Johnson's businesses made a difference for black folks, here's one thing that might answer that question.Last week, Johnson led 25 black American VIPs, including former transportation secretary Rodney Slater and actress Cicely Tyson, on a four-day trip to Liberia. The African country was formed by black former slaves from America who went back to the motherland, and now it's struggling to build its economy under president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, one of the only female leaders of an African nation.
Enter Johnson, who is working with several other groups to raise a $30 million fund to invest in Liberia. Johnson says black Americans need to have the same commitment to Liberia that of many American Jews to have to Israel.
"I believe passionately that African Americans have a responsibility to support Liberia, much like Jewish Americans support Israel. Given the long historical relationship between our two countries, we have a special responsibility to do whatever we can to ensure that President Sirleaf succeeds in her effort to rebuild the country.
Comments: (31)
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By: SisterMalcolm on 4/27/2007 2:37PM
Unfortunately, most (not all) Jews have a cohesiveness and a great interest and regard for their history and themselves.
Blacks are still divided as to whether they should support one another or the White Corporate Structure.
You can see this divide especially active in the Hip Hop generation.
This generation thinks that it is cutting edge to hurt one another, and to send out degrading musical messages and images to that effect.
You can't help a people who have been programmed to destroy themselves and and will ignorantly create the words, lyrics and the plan to do so.
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By: Sonya on 4/27/2007 2:38PM
Im not one of those blacks that are confused. I think that most black folk will want to support there own kind but most is not a majority like O said i didnt want to fight alone. We have to make sure that BLACK AFRICAN AMERICAN CAN FIGHT WITH OUT A BACK LASH WE HAVE TO KNOW THAT THE MAJORITY WILL HELP FIGHT NOT START THE FIGHT AND BACK DOWN BECAUSE NO ONE WANTS TO FIGHT ON THERE OWN
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By: YVONNE on 4/30/2007 12:29AM
Liberia IS THE ONLY BLACK country that Black Americans should be investing in. They are former American slaves and should be supported. I applaud Mr. Johnson for this.
I think Oprah Winfrey is conned and voodooed by the south africans and the fool is planning to give them all her money. She is providing jobs and education for them and she is so dumb she doesn't realize they have brainwashed her against her own people.
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By: database on 4/28/2007 12:19AM
man the idea of black unity and self respect is whacked; pimpin murder smokin blunts illigetimate babies , 4t oz's , and mega chuches, that' black !!!, that's keeping it weal
how else is we's gone makes some money , victimization is an industry and dis fool sounds like cosby trying to mess it up 4 weal g's
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By: AMEN-RA on 4/29/2007 6:33PM
Bob Johnson comments should have been given more press coverage. Maybe he would build a hotel there. Oprah could build a state of the art school there since her dna suggest that her ancestors are from there. Magic Johnson could open up a magic theatre, a 24 hr fitness club and a tgi and maybe even a starbuck there. P. Diddy could open a restaurant there and a sean john store. Jayzee could open a 40/40 club there.
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By: Imhotep on 4/29/2007 6:32PM
As a Liberian, I truly admire the efforts of Mr. Johnson to bridge that gap between Africans and African-Americans. It was not lost on me that the recently re-broadcasting of "Roots" retells a story that we need to be reminded constantly. Although born in Liberia, my family can trace its origin back to a plantation in Tennesse, however not much is know prior to that. We do not know our Kunta Kente. Africans world wide have been subjected to a unique set of experiences whether through slavery, colonialism,aparthied,etc. These common experiences are a starting point for unity. God Bless
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By: Franchell on 4/30/2007 8:38AM
I believe that investing in the future of Liberia is a wonderful idea. We as african americans are so uninformed about out pasgt as it is. I think that we need to step up and stop letting white america portray africa as a bad enviroment. Having visiting another african country I was amazed at what they had to offer. I must admit it was nothing like they show on television. Africa is a very rich place abd investing in our people should be a must for the building of our future as a race.
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By: Steady Eddie on 4/30/2007 8:34AM
I was talking to my 25 year old son about learning about Africa. Even if we haven't been to Africa, investing in Africa has the potential for tremendoous growth. I talk to a lot of brothers from Ethopia, and they always say that if their economy and school system, etc; were modern like the United States, they would stay in their country. Investment in construction, building homes and business, like banking and introducing companies and jobs. There is potential to invest in higher learning institutions and help create financial ways for internal financial growth for the people. I wish all Africans and African American could UNITE. We are a dynamic people, but we need to learn to love oneself, than and only than that we can take the step towards UNITE, look out for and love each as a brother or sister. I believe that as off springs of African slaves, we should reach out and embrace Africa. Because, Africa has the potential to be great continent, again! I believe that it is vital that African Americans invest and build in Africa. Than like other ethinic groups, we have a country/continent that we could be proud of, Africa.
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By: Willie WilliamsJr on 4/30/2007 7:39AM
Mr. Bob Johnson Didn't Ask Me If I Wanted To Go For FREE! and I Have Blood Kin Relatives In Liberia Named "Habersham"(They Need To Write To Me) Whom Were On The Three 3 U.S. Navy Ships In 1938-1841 To Found The Colony of Liberia. Black People In America Won't Even Support Black Owned Businesses In New Haven Connecticut, Support Each Other, Support Black Issues, Support Reparations, Do Not! Trust Each Other, Still Practice "Willie Lynch 1712", Don't Even Know Their Own Geneology Ancester Chart.
http://www.directmatches.com/profiles/willie576
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By: Adwa on 4/30/2007 8:45AM
Greetings. I agree with Bob Johnson. If youre not for the idea, then dont knock it. Hes a proven businessman. I dont exactly think he would get involved if he didnt see something good coming out of this. Again... IF YOURE NOT WITH THE WHOLE IDEA THATS COOL. DONT KNOCK IT IF YOURE NOT. Its your right not to get involved. Marcus Mosiah Garvey and the UNIA & ACL were very involved and influential in making Liberia a reality. Those of us who have been blessed through your hard work and efforts to make millions, should have a financial obligation to Africa. Spread the love around. One God, one aim, one destiny...
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