At Mpls. conference, black women look to their future

The Pan-African Women's Action Summit wrapped up Saturday at Minneapolis Community and Technical College after three days of discussions about the future of black women around the world.

The event brought together women who have moved across the world as part of the African Diaspora. Keynote speaker Julianne Malveaux, an economist and commentator, told women to stand up for themselves.

"The average black single mom has a net worth of $5. How come? Because we take care of everybody but ourselves," she said. "As soon as you get a few savings, somebody has called you and said you know, 'I need some help to pay my phone bill.'"

Malveaux said black women continue to be challenged by patriarchy and exploitation.

She said they can fight back by being entrepreneurs, and gathering resources to protect and improve their lives. Malveaux said women should take advantage of the current down economy to find bargains and invest.

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