THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 26, 1995 TAG: 9510250148
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TERRI WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
Riding the momentum of last week's Million Man March in Washington, several area men plan to bring the message to Suffolk.
Monday, at 7 p.m., there will be a meeting at the Local 26 union hall, 509 E. Washington St.
Planners hope to discuss ways to bring more black businesses to Suffolk and to renew minority communities.
Plans also are underway for a Black Man-Black Woman Rally Dec. 23 at Constant's Wharf, directly across from the McDonald's on North Main St. Unlike the Million Man March that drew throngs to Washington, the Suffolk rally will allow women.
``We're trying to let our people know we need to unite and support black businesses,'' said Terrance Bowers. ``We need to work on ways to make a difference in our community.''
Bowers, a salesman, said it's difficult for blacks to begin their own businesses in Suffolk.
However, he was encouraged by the Million Man March. Bowers estimated that 1,000 men from the Suffolk area rode on buses or traveled by car to the March. Showing photos of Suffolk men carrying a huge pink sign reading `Suffolk', Bowers said it was a time to bond with area men.
``I learned unity within the community,'' Bowers said of the March. ``I learned we need to patronize black businesses because our white businesses are already established.''
For more information about the Black Man Rally, contact Harvey Clark or Benford Hunter at 539-9400. by CNB