1. Affirmative Action Returns to NYC:  After a decade of no program at all the drought is about to end.  The City of New York has just completed a very thorough disparity study and is set to implement the findings.  This, in accordance with Supreme Court rulings, allows a viable and specific program whose mission is to include representative businesses of all entities within America’s largest city.  The NYC City Council has asked the NBCC to get involved with the implementation and we are more than willing to add our expertise.  This is totally in contrast to Philadelphia which has had its disparity study completed years ago and wishes to suppress it at the expense of locally owned Black businesses.  This cowardly approach begs the question “What good is a Black mayor if he chooses to deny opportunity to Black owned businesses?”  Of course, Chicago has another problem – the MBE programs are basically a rouse for old style corruption and no one benefits but the gangsters.  We applaud the City of New York, its City Council, its Mayor and its members of Congress especially the Honorables Charles Rangel, Gregory Meeks and Nydia Velazquez.  Hopefully, NYC will follow the State of Maryland, from a business perspective, as a good government looking out for all of the people and ensuring local economic development.

 2. NASA Offers Paid Summer Research Internships:  The NASA SHARP experience provides high school students with an opportunity to develop and strengthen their research techniques as well as their written and oral communication skills, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.  Top NASA, university, and research professionals mentor qualified students selected to participate in SHARP.  NASA SHARP is comprised of the Cummuter Component, the Residential Component and one Nonresidential University Site at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia.  The deadline for students to apply is February 14, 2005.  If you have an interest in NASA SHARP, please call toll free at 888-985-0303 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  The website is www.nasasharp.com.

3. Ghana Call Center is Ready:  For our corporate partners who are looking for effective, affordable and immediate call centers, we have the ideal one for you in Accra, Ghana.  The equipment is state of the art and the personnel are well trained.  Those wanting more specific information should contact Harry Alford at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

4. What Else is a Sister to do?  One of the most incredible American stories is that of the Honorable Condoleezza Rice.  Born in the Deep South, Birmingham, she has seen racism and segregation at its worst.  Despite having her church bombed during Sunday school by the Klan and being denied rudimentary public education she prevailed.  She has grown to the top via good parenting, determination, hard work and an unwavering belief in God.  Considered one of the best in international relations by all experts she is the logical choice for US Secretary of State.  It is her time and destiny.  So, how dare anyone who tries to score some sick political points to confront her worthy reputation and skills.  If your senator votes against Dr. Rice you should inform him/her of their lowly mistake.  How ironic – the Klan bombs her church during her childhood and a former leader of the Klan stands against her in the US Senate.  America deserves better and the counter activity needs to stop in the name of freedom and dignity.

5. Let’s Enforce Section 3 of the HUD Act:  While the dynamic Secretary of HUD Alphonso Jackson serves this administration, we need to enforce the job creation and business development tool known as Section 3 (here).  Just about every entity that receives HUD money and is in compliance with Section 3 has done so through a local Black chamber or the National Office.  For the next four years let’s go for a clean sweep.  If you know of a housing authority, city, county or any significant recipient of HUD money that does not have a living Section 3 officer and viable program, file a Section 3 Complaint.  All Section 3 complaints should be mailed (hard copy with original signature):  Rafiq Munir, Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th St. SW, Rm. 5234, Washington, DC 20410.  Please be sure to send a copy to the NBCC at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for oversight.

 6. Congressional Black Caucus Goes to the White House:  Tomorrow, CBC Chairman Mel Watt (D, NC) will lead the Caucus to the White House for a frank discussion with President George W. Bush.  Let us pray that this will be productive and a start of a new beginning for the sake of all America.  The NBCC has provided input for the Caucus and hopefully something of substance for business development and entrepreneurship will come out of it.  Stay tuned.

To the 100,000 business owners who read this eBLAST, we are;

THE NATIONAL BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INC.