There have been many success stories from the African American culture, ranging from entrepreneurship to partnerships all across the U.S and abroad. However, there still seems to be an overwhelming disliking between the rest of the world, and our newest phenomenon: “BBB” or “Big Baller Brand”.

And for some strange reason, I just don’t get why everyone is so offensive over the brand anyway.

At first, it was the shoes and clothing line that everyone considered to be “overpriced”, and now it’s the water. Recently, LaVar Ball; founder and CEO of Big Baller Brand have announced its partnership with a Lithuanian water company named “Birstonas Mineral Water”. This partnership will allow for Big Baller Brand to provide the mineral water to residents of the United States with the branding of BBB printed on the label.

The simple fact that the partnership alone is bringing attention to the BBB brand is worthy of taking an investment in its products. Of course, there are people who despise this move, but my question is why?

So many people are in opposition because of the prices? I remember when I was in my youth; Jordan’s were among the best-selling sneakers out there. There were people literally waiting in line and at times killing each other to “achieve greatness” in obtaining the Michael Jordan basketball shoes. People would line up in today’s time to obtain “Balmain” jeans for over $1,000 dollars. There is an actual sneaker con where people buy, sell, and trade used shoes at a value worth more than the original sale price.

And yet… we are still upset at BBB conducting business as usual.

LaVar Ball had a lot to say about the switch to sell water according to 15min.lt. Here’s what he had to say about the partnership with the Lithuanian water company:

“What player NBA advertises water? No one. Everybody in America is somehow too proud of water companies. There are energy drinks that are advertised, but nobody even thought about water. And here we come from the Atlantic with water. Lithuania has the best water in the world! Zero nitrates! What kind of water is more transparent?”

According to ESPN sources, LaVar’s BBB Water will have a price point that is “on par with Perrier or San Pellegrino”.

I praise LaVar for his effort to create his own brand. He is doing what other people dream of doing and accomplishing feats that most people see as extraordinary. People dislike the brand because we have developed this concept that only “foreign” brands or brands that celebrities wear are the only brand to invest in.

People forget the struggle that the brands they currently wear had to go through before becoming great. Of course, the African American culture had to go through trial and tribulations as well, but at the same time we should support our black owned businesses more. This will influence the culture of buying. The African American culture holds the most spending power in the United States, and yet we are not prospering from our own businesses.

So from me to LaVar Ball and the Big Baller Brand Company…

I thank you for at least contributing to a revolution in African American entrepreneurship, buying and selling.