Letters to the Editor

The life of Andrew Jones

I am deeply saddened by this tragic news of my dear friend Andrew’s passing. He and I spent countless days and weeks and months working on the idea and implementation of a referendum “Mandela Massachusetts.”

We crafted a theme song together with the same title and he took it all the way to London, England to have it played at Wembley Stadium, commemorating Nelson Mandela’s release from Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town, South Africa. I remember long nights and passionate discussions about our plight as blacks in America and in Africa and the parallels we shared as a people.

So many wonderful memories of Andrew and music, and art and politics. I loved him as my brother and will miss him not being in my life.

Peace to you my dear departed brother ... ever the visionary.

Armsted R. Christian
Via e-mail

More specifics needed in minority business development

I always find the writings of Fred McKinney (Banner Biz, Nov. 11, 2010) highly insightful and steeped in reason and thought. I have long believed that a key to minority business development is to bring more players into the mix — specifically the large suppliers to the blue chip corporations who are not fully engaged in finding and including minority suppliers.

As you mention, accountability, monitoring and appropriate rewards are critical to make this happen. Do you have any specific ideas about making this happen? I agree that corporate America must lead the way, but what are your thoughts regarding the role of the MBE and the advocacy councils in making this happen?

Thanks again for all you do in promoting minority business development.

Felicia Watlington
Your Business Works LLC