"I hear the distant sound of rumbling thunder."
– Sounds like that to me

It is appropriate that a woman, Shirley Sherrod, again has stated most clearly where the fight for justice and liberation is headed next. Ms. Sherrod, who was maligned by a slimy right-wing ideologue who intentionally twisted her words and caused her to be disgraced and discharged before truth stepped in, is quoted in a recent message as saying, "We have to understand that our struggle is against poverty and those who are blocking our path out of poverty."

She went on to say, "Unless we figure this out, . . . our communities won't thrive and our children won't prosper . . . As we move forward together, I urge you to remember this: Life is a grindstone. But whether it grinds us down or polishes us up depends on us." The rumbling thunder I hear in the distance indicates that we have come to another point where our own actions – especially the actions of African American women – will decide our future direction.

We already know that the unemployment rate among our people is nearly twice that of non-Black individuals. Now the realization is creeping into our consciousness that in the face of our economic problems one of the fundamental industries serving our women is being controlled – unethically and perhaps illegally – by non-Black people. It is the hair and beauty products business and the question is, will others be allowed to dictate our women's looks?

Will the industry essentially founded by Madam C.J. Walker, who by her own entrepreneurship became the first of all self-made female millionaires in this country, now be totally dominated and monopolized by non-African Americans? Will the dollars we earn ever stop in our own neighborhood long enough to say more than a quick "hello" and "goodbye?" Will one positive step in the hair and beauty products business be our turning point?

The stakes are huge. This is not a nickel and dime business. According to published statistics, African American women spend nearly $5 billion a year on hair and beauty products. However, fewer than 1 percent of these products are manufactured, wholesaled or retailed by African Americans. The final indication of how unbalanced the business is shows up in the major hair trade magazine. It has many pictures of beautiful Black women, but is written totally in Korean.

Admittedly, the hair and beauty business is only one of many places where Black dollars for Black services go almost entirely into the hands of others. But this discretionary spending area is one where the remedy is entirely in the hands of our women. They are not strangers to it ‒ the industry has been in their hands before. The group, Breaking the Silence, which is picketing a Korean establishment in Arlington, has found that there are other like-minded groups across the nation.

Sherrod surely is right – our women can figure this one out when all the facts are clear. It may be faint now, but the unmistakable sound of a thundering movement is rolling in.

Claude Watson is a retired public administrator and is active in civic affairs. He can be reached through editorial@dallasexaminer.com.

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