The promise of solidarity.

Ending racial profiling and other forms of police misconduct. Fighting housing and job discrimination. Improving our public schools. Gaining fair and equal access to higher education and equal employment opportunities. Leveling the playing field for black enterpreneurs seeking to compete for the billions of dollars in business spent by both our government and the private industry it regulates. These are among the many causes BLACK ENTERPRISE has championed as we've urged our readers to recognize the direct correlation between the intensity and focus of our political activism and the swiftness and magnitude of our economic advancement. These are also the common interests that can serve as the impetus for African Americans and Latinos to jointly leverage political power to effect positive change and prosperity for our communities.

As primary season kicks off across the nation, and the critical 2002 congressional elections loom, the long-predicted "browning" of America represents an increasingly significant factor in the setting of political priorities for cities, states, and the entire nation. An analysis of the latest census figures shows that for the first time, nearly half of the nation's 100 largest cities are home to more blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and other minorities than whites.

As illustrated by the mayoral race in Los Angeles, in which Latino candidate Antonio Villaraigosa lost to Anglo candidate James Hahn, such solidarity can be elusive--which goes to show that, appropriately, there are many factors besides race and ethnicity that influence African American and Latino voters. However, the potential for coalition between peoples of color is not about ethnicity per se, but the power to address common issues and champion issues important to both communities. That's why candidacies such as that of Bronx Borough President and New York mayoral hopeful Fernando Ferrer deserve our serious consideration at least and, optimally, our enthusiastic support.

I have long promoted the idea of "economic rainbow coalitions" (in the words of BE Board of Economists member Dr. Margaret Simms) of African Americans, Latinos, and other ethnic minorities in business. It's why I have worked so closely with leaders like George Herrera, president and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. It's also why I was proud to have BE serve as a platinum sponsor of the first annual Fairfax (Virginia) County Emerging Business Forum, which, in July, brought together nearly 300 African American, Latino, and Asian technology entrepreneurs and financiers seeking opportunities to do business with one another and with industry at large. Now it is time to apply the concepts of partnership and strategic alliance to addressing our common political interests.

The joint mobilization of African American and Latino voters has the potential to be the deciding factor in the growth and evolution of America in the 21st century. Increasing political representation--both black and Latino--will be critical to the expansion of our political enfranchisement and our ability to gain leverage in business and industry. It is time for us to realize the promise of solidarity.