Black
Infrastructure is a division of Going Against the Grain Group.
The Hook-up Made Us
Broke Down
Getting the hook-up is something many of us look forward to.
When we get items or services for free, we feel like we've edged
a step forward. However, despite what we believe, that step
forward is shortlived and reckless. When Master P wrote that
famous song in the mid 1990's "I Got the Hook-Up, Holler Of Ya
Hear Me", we misinterpreted what he was saying. He was trying to
explain to us that he can hook you up, but for a charge. Somehow
we misunderstood "the hook-up" to being something of "getting
over".
In our communities we relish on the fact of being hooked up. We
befriend folks to get free food out of restaurants, free
services on cable and even free information from books. What we
fail to realize is the circulation of money in our community is
what we gravely desire. Having a non-profiting business in our
communities only means less tax revenue, less jobs and less
opportunities. Seeking a hook-up from any business in your
neighborhood can mean a business closing and increased crime.
Supporting each other financially is the REAL "hook-up".
Contributing to the success of someone in your circle, only
means your circle will be more powerful, more stable and better
connected, making you the true beneficiary!
In my businesses, I found my toughest customers to be those who
knew me personally. Those were the ones who expected the
falsified "hook-up" but that meant food out of my family's
mouth. People who claim to love each other support each other.
What I am saying is, when we want to be given a hand-out, we
disrupt the natural flow of economics. When something is given
for free, true community prosperity suffers and at that very
moment is when the "hook-up" stops.
Circulating money within our homes and community should be our
ultimate goal. This is when we are able to sustain. If ya hear
me, start the hook-up. If you don't, you can expect failed
economics to arrive at your own doorstep; making your home not
"hooked up" but instead broke down.
Professor Devin
