Daily Motivations for African-American Success. - book reviews

Black Enterprise, Jan, 1994 by Frank McCoy

Daily Positive Steps

Dennis Kimbro is sure that African-Americans can find emotional and financial success. In his latest book, Daily Motivations for African-American Success, Kimbro, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Clark Atlanta University Graduate School of Business, says blacks first must believe in themselves.

One way to do this is by fixing on daily affirmations of self-worth. The book has 365 such entries, one for each day of the year. Each page is divided into four sections; a motivational title, followed by a quote from a black source and succeeded by a series of explanatory paragraphs describing how you can begin changing your life. Finally, a short epigram serves as a reminder for the reader.

For example: June 14, The Economy Within You. "Don't be afraid to go out on a limb. That's where the fruit is," says Janie Mines, first black graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. The page quotes a magazine article on the devastating impact of the recession on America's economy - in 1857, not 1991-92. Kimbro uses it to show that fear has disrupted economies and lives throughout history. Next, the begins the rebuilding process, quoting Eddie Robinson, football coach at Grambling University: "Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others." Kimbro follows up by adding, "Your financial state of affair depends more on the economy in you than on any external force." The page ends with the boldface vow, "I will not succumb to fear."

Each affirmation in this valuable and thought-provoking book takes only a few minutes to read, but is worthy of more time for contemplation. - Frank McCoy