Dorothy Pitman Hughes gives you her first-hand account of the process that is resulting in the gentrification of Harlem; a process that she can only describe as the planned deliberate removal of parts, or all of a particular ethnic group from a special territory. Since I began writing this book, we have elected the first African American President of the United States. He ran on a promise of "Change", and in spite of much resistance, he has managed to accomplish some significant changes in our government and the lives of US citizens. On April 5, 2012 President Barrack Obama signed a new Bill entitled the "Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act" or "JOBS Act". This Bill essentially allows for the very same thing I worked so hard to accomplish in Harlem, and was basically run out of town for, through the efforts of then State Attorney General and subsequently Governor, Eliot Spitzer, and others.
If you or anyone you know has interest in using this new JOBS Act to jumpstart your businesses and our American economy; or to economically empower those who have been systematically left out, I recommend you read this book and share it, as I believe it will give you invaluable insight and wisdom for your endeavor. It provides a clear description of the principles involved in creating and sustaining a healthy and just economic system; and as a first-hand account of my struggle to do that, it will help you avoid the pitfalls, which unfortunately may very well await you. I intend to be with you in continuing (through this Bill and otherwise) to do everything I can to help socially, politically and economically empower African Americans and all people who have been injured by the injustices of racism, sexism and classism in our country. Let this book be your "handbook" as you endeavor to understand and work for social, political and economic "Change". -- Dorothy Pitman Hughes