One Nation Begins Buildi

Martin Luther King , Jr. saw this coming nearly 35 years ago, and Malcolm X knew deep in his heart it would eventually happen. And Marcus Garvey knew it too.

Garvey called it the "Whirlwind." Mr. King labeled it "The Promised Land." Malcolm said it would most definitely come about by any means necessary." Yet , I wonder if any of these black leaders had any idea that it would take place in the heart of America? Just right across the bridge in Kansas City , KS.

People talk down about Kansas City, Kansas all the time. As a matter of fact, if you ask most people what's in KCK, they'll most likely respond, "I thought there was only one Kansas City- and that's in Missouri." True, I have never spent much time in our neighboring city to the West. However, when I made a recent visit across the bridge, I discovered perhaps the greatest find in the history of America.

Nestled in the heart of KCK's African-American community there is an economic uprising taking place. It's known as "Your Community." It's an area of economic development and commerce being built by the United Nation of Islam. The United Nation of Islam as it has been explained to me, is a different organization than the Nation of Islam led by Minister Louis Farrakhan.

I have to tell you, the United Nation is very serious about taking over their flow of money in their community. Did I say serious? Well I meant very, very serious. In this historically low- income area, the United Nation is quietly building a business empire. State Representative David Haley, a long-time family friend and fellow Morehouse man, drove me through the district to show me the beginnings of the "Whirlwind" Garvey once spoke of.

Surrounded by dilapidated houses and vacant buildings, thanks to the United Nation, you will find signs of economic resurrection. The United Nation has a gas station adequately named, "Your Service Station." They also own and operate a restaurant similarly named "Your Diner." Located at 1200 Minnesota, you'll find the United Nation's Civilization and Business Center. Nearby, you will also find "Your Construction Company" and "Your Cleaning Service." Just down the street at 1726 Quindaro Boulevard you will find "Your Supermarket,Your Bakery."

By the way, did I say the United Nation was very serious about economic development? Well, I meant, very, very, very serious. They even have their very own manufactured canned products. Like fish? Well try "Your Salmon." Fresh canned premium salmon from Alaska. Black folks in manufacturing? We must be close to the 21st century!

State Rep. David Haley and I had dinner at the diner. Say that three times. I must admit, I have never in my life seen a restaurant so immaculately clean and neat. The food was excellent, the service was great and thanks to Sister Nancy X, I gained a better understanding about the mission, beliefs and objectives of the United Nation of Islam.

So let me say this. During the past six years, I have been in meetings after meetings after meetings discussing the topic of economic self-help for the black community. I have taken notes, watched more meetings get scheduled and pretty much heard a lot of talk without the action to back it. One thing is for sure, The United Nation is actually doing. You owe it to yourself, and your children, as well as our ancestors, to financially support what they are attempting to accomplish. These are black people doing. Islam or not, get up, take your money and do business with black folks.

Thank you God for allowing me to live long enough to see just a small portion of "The Promised Land." Thank you David Haley for showing me your district. Thank you United Nation, for showing me black people can really empower their own communities. And thank you Malcolm, Martin and Marcus; you knew it all along.