Minorities and Opportunities

It is imperative to acknowledge that many, many fellow minorities agree with the views expressed by Manuel A. Escalante G. in his commentary (“We Hold the Key to Opportunity,” Nov. 29).

We are the “silent majority” minority who feel that the time is past due for us to actively pursue opportunities that abound. However, we must be prepared to capitalize on these opportunities. Education . . . yes! Information . . . yes! Networking . . . yes!

Opportunity does not pay a visit to those who are spiritually and idealistically deaf to its incessant knocking. Many minorities would be surprised to find that once we are open to the possibility of education and information, we will be faced with more opportunity than we have the time to pursue.

Escalante named famous, glamorous individuals as role models. But there are many minorities in our black and Latino communities who believe in these same ideals. These people have capitalized on the basic ideas presented in the article. They own the local flower shops, radio stations, restaurants, bakeries, real estate companies, insurance companies, first-aid supply stores, temporary-employment agencies, grocery stores, theaters, coffee shops, architecture and construction companies . . .

My hope is that minorities begin to take note of and use the role models close to home. These local entrepreneurs, most with formal education, professional training and persistence, are the real heroes in our community. They are too often overlooked as role models. They are next door, around the corner or across the street.

Call them, write to them, make an appointment to sit down and talk with them. If you strike out the first time, contact another business owner. Take an assertive first step to the land of proven opportunity and rewards.

BEVERLY KUYKENDALL

Management HealthCare

Products and Services

Torrance