February is Black History month, and what more can we do besides appreciate fallen heroes who fostered equality in our societies? Martin Luther King, Jr once pointed out that, “We have learned to fly the air like birds and swim the sea like fish, but we have not learned the simple art of living together as brothers. Our abundance has brought us neither peace of mind nor serenity of spirit.” The life story of Martin Luther King, Jr is a reminder that more can be achieved through collaboration and networking. Now, Antoine Sallis and Roosevelt Williams, two Black-owned entities have joined forces for Black History Month. Their goal is to purposefully remind others about the power of cooperation in our communities.
Antoine Sallis is an entrepreneur and founder of Pacc 10 Enterprise, and Rapid Credit Boosters an establishment that provides clients with credit consultation advice with the goal of improving their economic status. Together with a team of experts and associates, the organization provides self-help financial education to interested customers and companies. He also owns Pacc 10 Exotics (pacc10exotics.com), a luxury car rental service that gives others the opportunity to drive their dream cars. Aside from his business endeavors, Antoine Sallis is a philanthropical person who strives to elevate the social status of people living and working in San Diego.
Roosevelt Williams III is the president and CEO of Young Black and ‘N Business, a firm that is devoted to motivating and serving the overlooked and underserved majority in the population. Throughout his life, Williams has been nurturing youths and potential entrepreneurs on how they can be successful amid the ever-troubling economic status of our country. His company does all this by providing inspiration and instruction to business people through organized programs, events, and digital magazines.
Despite the evident differences in their business approaches, Antoine Sallis and Roosevelt Williams III have decided to work together towards a common purpose- that of promoting racial equality. They both understand what it means to come from a minority race. The unfair experiences that African Americans have endured should be acknowledged by everyone in the community. Black History Month is not only about remembering our heroes but should also a time when we reflect on solutions that can effectively address the systematic injustices that promote racism and discrimination.
The business realm has not been actively involved in this social issue. In reality, most fear that their engagement might distort the integrity of their operations, and possibly lose out on a share of loyal customers. Antoine Sallis and Roosevelt Williams III are countering these norms. They have decided to use their network of acquaintances, friends, and families to steer social change in San Diego. For them, networking has always been a key component of success. It is a business rule that can be applied in any other life endeavor. This is the reason why these entrepreneurs want to build bridges with members of the community and impart them with values that can promote cohesive living. They are inspired by Barack Obama’s words, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for!”
Indeed, no one can whistle a symphony alone. It takes a whole orchestra to play it! The beauty of collaboration between younger and older generations is that when we combine wisdom and strength, more can be accomplished. This is the motivation that is currently guiding Antoine Sallis and Roosevelt Williams III- for Black History Month.
