Strategies for economic development, black churches, and the Hartford Avenue Baptist Church example.

Abstract

This dissertation argues that the black church performs a complex and strategic role as an institution for economic development and entrepreneurial achievements. The church's definition and strategies for economic development and entrepreneurship have often been blurred. This study defines entrepreneurship as the actions of an individual(s) in the operation of a for profit enterprise that has as its core purpose the creation of profits that are generated in and for the black community. Economic development is defined, in part, as a collaborative effort of entrepreneurs and non-profits for the economic and social improvement of the black community. The entrepreneurial and economic development role of the black church is examined through the history of the African American church in general and the specific history of the Hartford Avenue Memorial Baptist Church of Detroit, Michigan. Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Charles Adams, Hartford Church has forged a model of economic development and entrepreneurship that works in the peculiar environment of church, social, and pastoral obligations. Balancing the social and spiritual obligations of the Church against the conflicting need for profit-driven management decisions is difficult at best. However, Hartford Church has identified a business management philosophy by which the Church can serve both the principles of the Christian Gospel and the principles of the bottom line. Second, this study emphasizes the black church's traditional institutional role in reconciling the dialectic between racial unity and class division within the black community. This is amply demonstrated through its entrepreneurial activities. The black church has had a historic presence in the promotion of and direct involvement in entrepreneurship within the black community. From the black farmer to the black banker, the church has maintained its role as advocate, incubator, and vocal supporter of economic activity. The black church has defied conventional wisdom by taking risks and making investments in African American communities, both middle-class and under-class. As an investor in both these communities, which were not always physically separated, the black church has not abandoned the black under-class; it has instead constructed A new middle-class to replace the resources and leadership assets that have left the inner cities---a 'virtual black middle-class.' Prior to desegregation, middle and under-class blacks lived in greater proximity and the church had access to both. The church has in many instances replicated the pre-integration class alliances around specific issues affecting inner-city economic development and entrepreneurship. Hartford Church has bridged the spatial gap between the black middle-class and the so-called black underclass. This church has remained true to the gospel expressed in the beatitudes and made impressive entrepreneurial investments that support the church's spiritual mission.