It’s the most basic form of entrepreneurship and just maybe the most overlooked — kids hustling water, Gatorade or lemonade on the block during the summer months. Some find them annoying while others simply ignore them. But look closer and you’ll see aspiring entrepreneurs who, with our support, can grow to bigger and better things. Without our support, however, they very well could go the illegal route.
We all know that Black unemployment has always been twice that of whites. With that said, we cannot depend on others for our livelihoods — we must create our own pathways. This lesson should be learned early in life, for Black children. The kids who sell water, lemonade or snow cones are showing that they get it. The question is, will we support them in their early phase of entrepreneurship or allow them to become discouraged? If they do and other viable opportunities aren’t readily available, there is a possibility that the underground economy will claim them.
Like it or not, the illegal drug industry is far too often employing our young people when we don’t. It is an industry always open for business and unfortunately, always able to find cheap labor. There are those who just need quick money, others who are drawn to the lifestyle and still others who can’t seem to find the opportunities they would prefer, in the legitimate economy. Contrast that path with Mikaila Ulmer, founder of BeeSweet Lemonade. At the age of 4 she began her journey as an entrepreneur making lemonade and because she had the right encouragement and support, was able to ink a deal with Whole Foods by the age of 11.
In the past you may not have even noticed the kids selling water. Maybe you should start to pay attention to them. If selling water is profitable, they’ll have no incentive to sell dope. If their community supports them at an early age, they can continue to grow and develop as entrepreneurs and remain loyal to their community. If we ignore them, however, the trajectory can change and quickly. Encourage the kids, buy their water and help them grow into moguls.
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