There are so many issues facing Black America today.  One example, the median net worth of a black family-and we're not talking income-but what a black family is worth in the US--is less than $5 thousand dollars. Now that's compared to white families with $110 thousand dollars. That's why leaders in our area say we need to focus on helping minorities thrive with financial independence--they say, one avenue to success is helping people in the black community to start their own business.

LeMar Flukers, Giant Construction's owner said, "We pretty much do everything from design build, to projects working with the city with water flow, waste water, remodeling apartments, remodeling houses." Giant Construction is just one of the small businesses in our area working with the Strategic Action Council. One of SAC's goals is to improve the economy with business development. Lemar Flukers says, that's key because it's tough for minority businesses.

The State of Black Shreveport Conference will be held Saturday, February 16th at 9 o'clock at the Riverview Hall in Downtown Port City. There they'll discuss and look for viable solutions to issues pertaining to the economy, leadership and education as they relate to African Americans in the Shreveport-Bossier area.