African American Business Leaders Council- March 2020 Connections Article

Bart Bailey
Cook Ross 

Just a reminder that Allentown is the 3rd largest city in PA. I often wonder what is the greatest thing about living in the valley and what’s holding the area back from being a thriving community? I do see the potential here in the valley, the opportunity to leveraging the gift, talents and diversity of the community at large. The challenge could be the fear of letting go of the single stories we all have about each other. Learning to leverage the different in a way that honors your truth and challenges your truth. The Valley will be a thriving community, when we decide to step into the being uncomfortable in order to leverage creative tension to grow. At that very point Allentown and the Valley will be a thriving community for all it’s residents. It requires each person to honor your own story, speak your truth without blame, shame and guilt. While creating the opportunity to suspend your judgement and challenge the single stories we have about others. Are you willing to connect and appreciate “others”, for your growth? This kind of work creates belonging, businesses thrive in this space because we appreciate each other’s humanity. Feeling valued and appreciated creates loyal customers, it is directly linked to economic longevity.

​