EMPOWERMENT

Biz exec 'Magic' Johnson tells BBJonline.com: "African-Americans should change and improve our attitudes toward money"

BBJonline.com: NBA legend and co-owner/Vice President of the Los Angeles Lakers, Earvin 'Magic' Johnson (right, in picture) has called on African-Americans - especially youths - "to change and improve our attitudes towards money." Similarly, vice president for Phillip Morris

(External Affairs) Shaunice Washington (center), a key motivator of business education effort, added that "young busines persons should focus on really knowing their money, and expanding their presence and resources within their immediate communities, too."

Johnson, an economic empowerment and urban redevelopment businessman added that "Our folks must rebuild their credit. They must carry on with the appropriate corporate outlook. Do what is necessary and get the resources and you can go back to your normal life. But business is business, period!. You should attract some venture capital, write the proposals well, and present business plans with a clear direction for your projects." He said that "you should connect your dreams with definable goals."  

Johnson who is serving as national spokesperson for 'Know Your Money ' - a 12-week series in key urban cities covering personal finance management classes co-sponsored by the Philip Morris Companies Inc., Urban League Houston, and The National Urban League (NUL), was joined in Houston by Ms. Washington when they made these views known in an exclusive interview on October 14, 2002 with The Black Business Journal and USAfricaonline.com Founder and Publisher Chido Nwangwu.

Nwangwu (left in picture) assured Johnson and Washington that "given our editorial commitment to financial matters and economic empowerment, The Black Business Journal and all our media platforms will provide detailed and continued reporting on the Know Your Money program. It's very valuable."

Know Your Money  is an economic empowerment program designed to  equip African-American young adults, ages 21-35 , with personal money management strategies.  Phillip Morris notes "The program's curriculum, to be taught by business and academic experts, is designed to help participants understand their attitudes  about money,  how to develop a household budget and manage financial tools.  A long-term goal is to strengthen the economic foundation of Black America." Know Your Money ' will, also, be showcased in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and Atlanta.

Mrs. Sylvia K. Brooks, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Houston Urban League was on hand, as many distinguished Houstonians, including Judge Brenda Hill, Tyrone Byrd VP/CFO of Osyka Corporation, TSU's Governmental Relations director Dwight Boykins, Professors James Douglas, James Ward and Maurice Hope Thompson, Channel 13's community affairs director Denise Bates, NUL exec Anelle Lewis, attorney Caldwell, Tyra Metower (president of the Houston chapter Young Urban Professionals) Ruth Williams, Elma Rogers (director of development HUL), pr specialists Ms. Flowers, Phyllis Bailey, Karen Brosius (Phillip Morris Management) to attend a reception where Johnson and Washington took questions from guests at the Hotel Derek, at the Galleria Houston.

Houston-based nationally-known financial consultant and author, Carls J. Cargle, designed the curriculum, which features "coursework focused on improving participants' understanding of budgeting, the value of money and other essential tools of personal asset management."  
The personal finance management classes in Houston are scheduled for October 19, November 2, and November 23 at Texas Southern University.