Editorials

Let's make this clear: There is nothing fundamentally wrong with starting a black chamber of commerce, as Anniston Councilman Ben Little has so loudly and publicly promoted. Black business owners have every right to create a civic group if they feel it would enhance their economic interests.

But Little's idea is couched on the wrong-headed premise that the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce is no friend of black business in Anniston. What's more, it's a political game that dangerously implies that division, not unity and teamwork, is the way for the city's black and white communities to coexist.

What a shame. Anniston does not need such maneuvering.

Much has happened since Little stood on stage at the Star-sponsored election forum last week and touted his scheme of creating a black chamber that would receive initial financial support from the city. At one point, Little pointed emphatically at the audience — comprised of his supporters and detractors — and felt compelled to declare that he was not a racist, though no questioner had said as much. Little reiterated those comments to a Star reporter again this week.

The sad, reprehensible legacy of Little's comment is that it creates another useful wedge for those not interested in racial harmony in Anniston.

What Anniston needs is discussions on how to help all residents and all business owners, regardless of the color of their skin. Division and segregation should be the enemy.

The broader, and more important, point today is that this discussion has produced meaningful dialogue about the state of minority-owned businesses in Calhoun County and their relationship with the chamber. Open-minded, well-intentioned conversations such as this never are a bad idea.

The result — thanks to the compromising efforts of Debra Foster, Little's opponent for the Ward 3 City Council seat, and chamber president Sherri Sumners — is a win-win situation that seemingly has no downside. The chamber is offering minority-owned business an opportunity to join for free. What's more, the chamber also will help those businesses organize a separate council that operates under the chamber's umbrella.

That's a forward-thinking, progressive idea of merit.

Don't divide. Include, enhance and improve.

The reality is that business owners have a tough-enough time in these trying economic days. Small-businesses owners, either black or white, can tell first-hand how important it is to receive community support and guidance from the county's development and financial leaders. If creating a wing of the county chamber that addresses the specific needs of black-owned businesses is the ticket, then there's no reason not to go for it.

But tossing daggers that are laced with not-so-veiled hints of racism and division are weapons not needed in Calhoun County.

The people of this county, black and white, are smart enough to see that truth.