Blackwell 'trying to help young people to be successful'

Robert Blackwell Jr., a Chicago-based African American businessman and entrepreneur, noted for his innovative ideas, said black-owned businesses could improve the quality of life for all Americans.

Blackwell is the owner of two businesses EKI Digital, a Chicago consultancy firm, and Killerspin, a table tennis company.

“We need to prove that free enterprise works for everybody,” he told The Suburban Marquee. “If we do that, life will be better for everybody.”

Part of the problem, Blackwell pointed is that while many people recognize black entertainers and sports figures, when it comes to naming two or more black entrepreneurs, they can’t.

Blackwell indicated that young African Americans gravitate toward sports or entertainment because they think those are the only avenues open to them.

He said Asian countries have taken a more proactive approach in giving low-income residents opportunities.

“In the last 20 years, India and China took 750 million people out of poverty,” Blackwell said.

The two Asian countries did this by freeing up their economies and preparing to compete in international markets, he said. U.S. business entrepreneurs responded by doing business with these foreign markets. Thus, U.S. business was responsible for Asian economic development.

Blackwell compared that with what he said was the poor investment with black-owned businesses in the U.S.

“Nobody does business with black companies,” he said.

Blackwell said U.S. entrepreneurs need to create aspiration and opportunity for all community members. He recalled the Tulsa, Oklahoma race riots of 1921, where whites attacked African Americans, including those who had founded successful businesses.

“Entrepreneurship works even under difficult circumstances if you give everyone a chance,” Blackwell said. “Government has to do its job to protect citizens.”

Blackwell started the “Lead Partners Program” to help create business opportunities for capable black entrepreneurs. The program has a three-prong approach: identifies promising business propositions, takes on the role of mentor, and invests in financing for black companies — including small businesses.

A separate goal would produce housing for college students in exchange for their mentoring of grade school and high school students.

His company EKI looks for opportunities to identify where digital investment can give businesses a high return and help them perform better. In addition, he founded an “Ambassador Program” to hire young people with autism and those who are challenged financially.

Blackwell joked he had been an entrepreneur since he was 8 years old and decided to start his businesses after his father said he was so strange no one would hire him.

He said Chicago used to be seen as a mecca for black opportunities, but that community has been replaced by Atlanta.

Blackwell called for people of “goodwill” to work together to create more opportunities for African Americans.

“I’m trying to help young people to be successful,” he said.

For a bio of Blackwell, go to blackwellbio.

For information on his company, go to EKI Digital.