Why we Need NSBE...and NBLSA, and the BSU, and the Black Alumni Association and you get the point (exercpt from Taking My Soul to the Laundromat).

Please note the views expressed do not represent the official views of any organization...but they should (in my humble opinion)!!!

During my first term Chairperson, our Executive Director Michele sent out an email from a gentleman who had posted a reply on a message board. We had sent out our annual press release, which promoted our National Convention and the Golden Torch Awards. The Golden Torch Awards were created to recognize the best and brightest in the engineering profession. We annually presented 10-13 awards in categories such as Lifetime Achievement in Academia, Graduate Student of the Year and Pre-College Student of the Year. The event also helped to raise over $200,000 in scholarship funds for pre-college students.

The gentleman's letter was posted in response to one of our press releases. He started by asking why we needed a Black Engineering Society and questioned whether or not it was racist. Next, he continued to ask how we would feel if there was a Society of White Engineers. In conclusion, he asked how the white engineers were doing in general. Michele saw the post and asked a few leaders and advisors how we should react.

I did not feel the need to response. While I was certain that his comments were not isolated, we could not respond to everyone who had a problem with our organization. How could you respond to someone who simply did not like you, except by helping correct any inaccuracies in their thought process? If anything, I suggested that we continue to live up to our mission and change the world through the actions of our members. I did craft an email response, if the final consensus was that it was needed which read:

Dear Friend,
As Chairman of the National Society of Black Engineers, I wanted to thank you for the interest in the organization and clarify some points in your letter. Our mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible, Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. That is a goal, not a membership requirement. We are open to everyone and have never turned anyone away. As a proponent of educational advancement within the African-American community, we are not conversely opponents of separating ourselves from any other groups. Our organization hosts a variety of activities including workshops, career fairs and academic competitions in which everyone can participate. We have a strong involvement from individuals of all races, including our corporate sponsors. While the goal is to provide a place to network for Blacks, our programs hold value for everyone.

In response to the need for a “Black Engineering” organization, based on the racial makeup of schools, jobs and organizations, most minorities consider the mainstream organizations as “White organizations.” When Blacks discuss schools they refer to institutions such as Michigan (my alma mater) or Georgia Tech as white institutions as opposed to Black institutions like Howard or Tuskegee. No institutions are Black or White-only; however, the label speaks to the culture of the institution.

In closing, I am attaching data from a CNN.com article which we provided some information. It shows that White students are doing well as they are overrepresented in comparison to the overall population. (Author’s Note: NSBE and most organizations regularly can cite this data as many of our advisors are professors or administrators at top-tier universities.)
Organizations such as the Black and Hispanic engineers as well as other cultural/race-based groups are created for the sole purpose of supporting their members and the organization as they strive to reach parity. It is not about taking away from another group but uplifting all. In short, underrepresented minorities are effectively trying to catch up.

With Regards,
Delano White, 2001 – 2003 Chairman, National Society of Black Engineers

In the end, we did not feel that further response was necessary. It is nearly impossible to change someone's mind, especially when it comes to race. The sentiment in the discussion was shared by most of our advisors. However, as long as there are differences in people, there will be misunderstandings and prejudice. I am prejudiced against bad drivers. Everyone has them in one form or another. While will not be able to end all prejudices, we can eliminate the confusion that often leads to them.

When the reality is all set, opponents of organizations such as NSBE cannot have it both ways. On the one hand, they call for the end of affirmative action and ask us to essentially become self-sufficient. On the other hand, they ask us not to develop member-based organizations that meet that objective. These organizations are not intended to replace the mainstream organization. They are meant to provide a comfort zone in which to help us adjust to deficiencies within the mainstream organization. It is easy to tell someone they do not need something but harder to question why we they feel the need exists. If it were so easy, I again suggest that we take a week, month or even a generation to switch places. Allow the disenfranchised to hold a position of power and see where it takes us in our collective quest for parity.

The Importance of Small Business...From Instant Gratification: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Satisfying Every Customer, Every Time

At the risk of sounding self-serving, it has generally been accepted that independent establishments offer the best products and service. Within most industries, independents cannot compete with corporate establishments on price or marketing. Instead, they create their niche within the community. In exchange for the flashing lights, expensive commercials and cookie cutter/turnkey operations, ground businesses generally offer better products and customer service.

Ground businesses value each and every customer that enters their business. Instead of an assembly line that kicks out halfway decent products in nanoseconds, ground businesses put more energy into giving each person personalized service.

Customers who come to independent establishments are not one of the pack. They are individuals and as a result get treated as such. The customer’s nuances and special needs are a priority. “No” is never an option; phrases such as “we can’t do that” or “we have to charge you extra” are rarely heard within independent businesses. Independent establishments truly appreciate their customers. They know customers by name and they know just what they like.

Independents also have a connection to the communities where they operate. While corporate establishments bring notoriety, ground businesses have a foundation in the community. They generally open in communities long before corporations recognize the value in those communities. Dollars spent in independent businesses also circulate throughout that community 7-8 times longer than dollars spent with corporations.

As a customer, if you want the best customer service, look beyond the names and search for a return on your investment. Corporations and franchises offer convenience and inclusion with the “in crowd.” Ground businesses, on the other hand, boast better products, customer service and a shared concern for the communities in which they exist, your community.

Key Points
· Independents generally trade pricing for products, service and quality
· You can obtain customized service in independent establishments
· Ground businesses appreciate their customers
· Dollars spent in ground businesses stay in the community longer