November 12th, 2006
Jaime Parks
Support Black Business
A fun part of my childhood took place when my father’s friend would come visit. My dad was an iron ore miner and most of his buddies were too. All of these black men were like second fathers to me and were a part of my extended family. One man use to work the 11 to 7am shift and my dad worked the 3 to 11am shift. Mr. H would stop by the house in the morning for coffee with my dad. Their conversations would mostly end in arguments and one of them would always say, “You will not believe me until someone white tells you, the white man ice is colder.”
I heard a story about a black woman who was getting a new basement put in. A black contractor bid for the job and was considerably less than the competition. The black woman met with the black contractor a couple of times, but could not do the deal. The gentleman seemed qualified, but she felt the white firm would do a better job. She met with the white firm and argreed to a cost much higher. The job was scheduled to start on the following Monday. You can imagine the surprise this lady felt when she opened the door and there stood the black contractor. She said, there must be some kind of mistake. I hired the “white is right” company and the black contractor said you are right, but I work for the “white is right” company too. This lady paid more for “colder ice”, but still got the same workman. Other races support each other and so should we.
Saying all that to say this, attorney Jaime Parks supports black business. I met Jaime online and he commented on my first blog, “Barber Shop.” Jaime is in my blog roll and he is a leading thinker regarding use of technology in law firms. Jaime has a picture of Dr. King’s mug shot, with a great mission statement included.
Jaime’s support of black causes and business is an example to us all. As follows are a few highlights of Jaime Parks.
The owner of LawTechFirm.com and founder of VaXzine Labs, Jaime Parks, specializes in assisting litigators with their client’s case presentation development and familiarizing attorneys with new technology. Jaime has operated courtroom technology for jury trials, arbitrations, mediations, speeches, and exemplary presentations. Mr. Parks goals is to continue growing LawTechFirm.com and eventually launch his first global startup company in April of 2007.
November 13th, 2006 at 2:24 am
“White is right…”
Lies, lies, lies… you know we’re all the same blood on the inside.
Some people see it so clearly because they’ve turned The Dream into REALity.
Dr. King’s warning 43 years ago from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial rings louder than ever before:
“The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.”
Thanks for sharing the story about your Dad. Stories are what keep the awareness alive. Try and write as many as you can remember. They will live here forever.
May we all become colorfully transparent humans…
November 13th, 2006 at 11:31 pm
Jim,
I’m stunned. Never in my life would I have thought that Black’s thought the White man’s ice was colder. I asked my daughter, a high school senior, to read this piece; she too, while more politically correct than you and I, was only mildly surprized; Is this an example of reverse-reverse racism? I think we’re getting old. Most surprising to me is that people are finally getting used to the idea that God made us all unique. We shouln’t use that uniqueness to decide who can attend what school, or do this job; nor should we pretend that we’re all the same. We’re not, and that is where the hope of our counrty lies; oneday, perhaps we’ll all admire one another for our differences instead of our sameness. I owe you a call–get you tomorrow. Best, Colin
November 14th, 2006 at 9:42 am
As a community of black folks, we have made progress in our self esteem and pride of race. Some of us are still lost, even some rich and famous blacks, that is a sad thing. Jamie’s comment is a great aspect of this topic and supports your insight. Thank you for your comment.