It’s hotter than hell as the thermostat reads something north of ninety degrees and the T- shirt man is hustlin’ white and black tees “one for five, three for twelve”. On the next corner somebody is slangin’ bootleg CDs and DVDs that aren’t even out yet and on Ninth Street there’s a dude holdin’ down the fruit stand. We all tryin’ to get paid and many of us are starting to realize that owning is the way to go. In 1997, the number of Black owned businesses was 823,499 and in 2002 the number jumped by 45% to 1,197,661. Successful entrepreneurs such as Jay-Z, Russell Simmons or Magic Johnson weren’t born with silver spoons in their mouths yet they have shown that you don’t need to be born into money to get it. So what are the streets saying about the amount of businesses owned by minorities today? Will we continue to own more in 2006 and beyond?

Peter, 20, (Student) California

“People are starting to realize that the people that have the real money are the owners not the workers. The new Black middle class looks at the world consciously. If you a conscious nigga then you gonna know where the money is at and that’s in owning”.

Troy, 23, (Business Owner) New York

 “There’s no doubt in my mind that Black businesses are on the rise and I’m glad that they are. It’s about time for us to be known for more than just sellin’ drugs and shootin’ each other and wearin’ clothes off our ass and actin like we ain’t got nothin’ to contribute to society. We need more, Black-owned record companies, more Black car dealers, and more Black car manufacturers, not just barbershop owners and mom and pop grocery stores. People think you’re promised something but you ain’t promised sh-t. I look for everything positive.

Alexis, 19, (Student)   Boston, MA

“I think we’ve improved we can always improve and get more on our game and get out their a little bit more. The simple fact that people don’t know it has been on the rise is the exact reason why I think we need to step it up.

Cliff, 23, (Record store manager) Washington D.C

“I think the amount of businesses has changed by a small percentage but not that much. It’s gonna take a lot of ambition and dedication to be on top. A lot of people are scared of running their own business because you have to trust people. I’d like to see more Black people owning banks and gas stations.

Gigi, 25, (Leasing Agent) Ethiopia

“There is a major gap between Black folks that I don’t think we utilize Black-owned businesses. For example there’s like three liquor stores in the same area. But anything positive that’s where I see lack of unity”.

Alisa,  20, (Teacher) Washington D.C

“I think that Black-owned businesses are on the rise.  I’m not really sure what is the main source of the increase but I do believe the government has had a lot of influence”.