But he's been pursuing a different matter lately, one that is definitely a result of the success he has enjoyed in many of his highly visible cases and one that is preparing the next generation of John Burrises right here in San Leandro: how local African Americans can become millionaires.

"I come from a period of time when black capitalism was the thing of the day," Burris said in an interview Friday. "What I've seen is some people have had success, others have not."

Burris shared his wealth-building strategies Thursday with the San Leandro African American Business Council and pushed a simple message: Becoming a millionaire is not complicated, but it takes sacrifice, time, and starts with economic empowerment on the local level.

"You certainly have more influence when you have economic stability," he said. "But you put yourself in a position to enhance yourself personally and enhance the quality of lives of other black people. ... It has geometric implications."

Burris admits that, in addition to his law practice, he has accumulated much of his wealth by doing practical things: buying property, investing in stocks, starting his own business.

But the opportunities he and many other black business owners enjoyed 20 years ago — mainly through government contracts — have become less available today, Burris said.

That's why he applauded the business council for advocating for enterprises historically excluded from the political process.

"The big economic tie is procuring government services," Burris said, "so we're in a position to give money to African-American businesses, and there is an opportunity for the African-American community to get some of that business. I view all this as an evolving process, so we're a lot further along than we once were."

The business council's low profile, however, may seem contrary to the success the group is building.

When the organization was formed several years ago by a group of African Americans frustrated by the injustices black businesses were facing in San Leandro, it may not have looked like the members were setting themselves up to become millionaires.

But Dr. Paul Dancy, a chiropractor and president of the business council, said the organization has steered away from the historical approach most black organizations have taken to wield economic power.

The organization has grown far more effective, Dancy said, by building relationships with elected officials in the city, avoiding publicity and, ultimately, providing an avenue for other black business owners to benefit from local government.

"This is the new movement of black professionals wanting the same results but with a different approach," he said.

Although the San Leandro City Council has only one African-American member — Vice Mayor Surlene Grant — Dancy said the business group feels that Grant and the other council members have been receptive to their vision.

Now the organization has a shining example in Burris of what being a millionaire is all about, Dancy said, and, ultimately, what every millionaire is supposed to do for his family and his community: build a legacy.

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