The big give back

Many people have given favorable feedback in support of my upcoming boycott campaign of businesses in the Baton Rouge area that do not equitably offer discounts to Southern University students. Before we look for the straw in our brother’s eye, let’s, at the very least, remove the rafter from ours.
When Cornel West spoke at S.U. on September 25, 2003 he mentioned that, at Harvard and Princeton, 98 percent of their alumni donate to their mother institutions. With that said, according to the S.U. Alumni Association only 12 to 13 percent of former S.U. students give back to Southern.
What does that signify? You (those alumni that don’t contribute to S.U.) are found wanting. I was once reminded of a parable that mentions the child with his hand in the cookie jar. The story proceeds, when he tries to pull his closed hand out of the jar with a handful of cookies he is unsuccessful. The moral of the story is that sometimes you have to open your hand a little to get your blessings.
How does this apply to our former students? Most people equate success with financial prosperity, with this fact there is little dispute. If you want to be blessed open your hand and give a little back.
A quick lesson in math: If 50 percent of the over 100,000 former students of Southern were to give as little as $100 per year, there would be $5 million generated annually.
“The only reason the Alumni Association exists is to support their alma mater.” said National President of the Alumni Association, Donald C. Wade. Wade, class of 1960, said the Alumni Association issues about $200,000 in scholarships per year. He received his bachelor’s degree in history and master’s degree in 1963 in administration and supervision.
The Alumni Association is also initiating a program for students who are currently matriculating through Southern to participate in present alumni affairs.
However, what are we as current students asking? We are asking to be treated as if we matter to you. You can do this by actively supporting students of S.U. Locally, there are several, former students of Southern–look in the Black Pages. You need to look for ways to improve relations with S.U. students and your local businesses. By offering discount packages and student-oriented services you will be able to increase your revenues. Failing to do so will be detrimental not only to the community but also to black businesses as a whole.
Give back your time, your love, and your money. I am not asking for a handout but rather, I am asking for you to show you care about our mother.
The story, in this edition, about Louis Henry gives me impetus to tell you of an alumnus who gives back. Each year, Henry, sponsors a trip to Minnesota for three to five students. I was fortunate enough to be selected this year. While there, I shadowed Mr. Henry during the course of about four days to observe typical dealings of an entrepreneur.
I know there are those who give to Southern like Henry, and to all of you who are of that number, I salute you.
Help us to increase our buying power. As an economics major I understand that your basic responsibility as entrepreneurs and business people is to maximize your company’s profit. However, don’t company’s profit. However, don’t forget about your social responsibilities. You never know what your donation will do for a future great.
When you walk on campus and throughout the community this weekend, I challenge whether you can do more. You can, whether you are doing something now or have never contributed.