There is the Culture of Money and there is the Cult of Money. In the former, there is jubilation and celebration while in the latter, there is influence, wealth and power to decide who gets what, when and where. Many Black folks are caught up in the Culture of Money. That is why many of them struggle and state that they want to be ‘Millionaires’ before a certain age.

Many people in their lifetime are millionaires. If one has consistently earned $40,000 annually, over 25 years, they are millionaires without knowing it. So what about millionaires? It is never about the amount of money but the attitude to MONEY.

On October 17 this year, Dennis Kimbro, a professor at Clark Atlanta University, was Keynote speaker at the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce 88th Gala.  Kimbro, rolled out stats on black millionaires – that there are about 35,000 of them or so in US. Out of the US black population of nearly 42 million; do the maths: it stands at a ratio 1 to 1,200 black folks. That does not really tell anything as many of the so called millionaires do not have a payroll of the people they employ or pay regularly. So the impact is negligible. He did not connect on how to build and nurture wealth except the usual who has what and how they made it, including pastors. I threw up listening.
 
Any time a people associate their preachers, pastors and priests as Millionaires (black folks inadvertently and unconsciously do this) they are victims of undue fleecing and exploitation. True men and women of God must influence people to rise from their bondage. The clergies reward must be in heaven but for us Black folks with undue sense of depravation, we want it here and now, and if selling hope makes it, why not.
 
In Economic 101, assuming many read and understood that, there is never mention of churches and pastors and priests as role model for wealth building or building block to sustain an economic base. Church buildings are never accounted for in measure of taxable asset that yield revenue to enhance an economic case. It is a passive asset. But that is where black folks celebrate their arrival and collective investment. Why black folks equate and celebrate their elected and pastoral class with money, beats me cold.
 
In my years associating with DBCC, the oldest African-American Chamber of Commerce in US, no Black millionaire or business has stepped up to underwrite the chamber’s annual luncheon or gala or endow its Educational foundation. When St. Philip’s Community School, Dallas located at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave had a recognition event last month, a white couple were honored for their outstanding contribution to the school. My question with all the noise about Black millionaires, the measure of community service and presence still elude our community in areas of:
 
1.No black owned bank in US has deposit base of $1b

2.In Dallas DFW where some of the mega churches exist with pastors associated with their millions instead of spiritual content, none of the churches were built by black contractors

3.No grocery story worthy of mention and reputation is owned by black business

4.No retail or shopping center in black neighborhood can stand and attract Grade A class asset valuation to be funded by pension fund, especially municipal employees backed and supported fund, majority of its subscribers – black employees

5.No company and corporation in US owned by black has solid 500 employees with majority being blacks

6.Dallas Paul Quinn College struggling in both enrollment and finances is saved by white Dallas folks who give money

You can add to the list. You got the picture. So where are the black millionaires and their generosity? If others are rescuing us and our institutions, should we celebrate ours whose only disposition is nice house in the suburb and depreciating investments in automobiles?
 
In summary, we must get away from the Culture of Money mentality - often Consumer Wealth - that affords the present holder a nice home and cars but can hardly survive a generation once the holder passes on. There is a difference between being Rich and Wealthy. Those caught up in the Culture of Money mistake their position as being Wealthy. Hardly the case considering that those who are deeply Wealthy are ingrained and anchored on the Cult Of Money.
 
I welcome seasoned counter and challenge.

Ejike E. Okpa II
Dallas, Texas.