I decided that I wanted to provide a valuable service to my community. Stepping out on faith, in a corner of my living room, Blackweekly.com was born. I questioned my sanity many times during our first year on-line. I contemplated tossing in the white towel more times than I care to admit. But each time my mind was filled with doubt, my heart would remind me of the service our little website was providing. With that in mind, we continue to move forward. Here we stand fours years later, and I must say that it has been a wonderful and enriching journey.

By the grace of God, we have pushed past boundaries of every kind imaginable — financial, physical, emotional — Blackweekly.com has defied those who said it would be impossible. Those who cited the statistics that said we were more likely to win the lottery than to launch a successful new website. Those who believed Los Angeles lacked the culture or enough mature, progressive African Americans to support such a website. And those who thought we’d just get tired and fade away.

But we haven’t faded away; in fact, we’re starting our fourth year with a team that is filled with promise and excitement. And so, as we close out 2003 and prepare for the new year, I am most grateful to be given this opportunity to give thanks. First, thanks you to Rutherford Dawson, for being there in the beginning and for your hours of practical advice and personal wisdom. To Prachel Carter, the little angel I found on-line, you are a constant reminder of the good in this world. Your friendship and loyalty to this project will never be forgotten. To my staff, thank you for tolerating my madness and for not having me committed. Collectively we have grown and experienced a lot together. I love each and every one of you for your unique contributions to Blackweekly and to my life.

Most of all, I would like to thank our 11,000 members, for making Blackweekly.com your #1 local on-line destination. We are humbled by your acceptance and support. You are the ones who truly complete our mission. Each day you prove that "together -- as a people we can accomplish great things". Please continue to keep the community connected by sending us information on local news and events. Your submissions and feedback are critical to our survival.

This holiday season we wish each of you the comfort of family, the joys of friendship, and the wisdom to make all your dreams come true. We look forward to rolling up our sleeves and recommitting ourselves to servicing you in 2004.

Your humble servant,
Fleacé Weaver
Founder
BLACKWEEKLY.COM