In recent days, we have witnessed the dismantling of many government programs, particularly under the Trump administration’s audits. Some of these programs, once essential support systems for communities, have been deemed wasteful and defunded due to shifting priorities. As a result, the Black community finds itself at a crossroads: Do we continue to wait for assistance from agencies that may not have our best interests at heart, or do we take charge and build our own systems of support?
Now is the time for action. Faith-based organizations—churches, mosques, and other religious institutions—already serve as vital community hubs where people find spiritual nourishment, especially in times of anxiety and uncertainty. But can these organizations also take on a more active role in addressing pressing social and economic needs? The answer is a resounding yes.
The Potential of Faith-Based Organizations
Within our faith-based institutions, we have professionals from all walks of life—doctors, lawyers, teachers, business owners, and skilled tradespeople. These institutions can serve as centers for:
Education: Establishing schools and trade programs that equip individuals with real-world skills and job opportunities.
Healthcare: Providing community-based medical services, mental health support, and wellness programs.
Economic Development: Creating business incubators, financial literacy programs, and cooperative economic models to help families build generational wealth.
By strategically pooling our resources, we can develop sustainable programs that benefit the entire community. Instead of relying solely on charity or government funding, faith-based organizations can establish structured economic initiatives that support both their members and the broader community.
The Financial Reality
Todd X Supreme Team, a well-known voice on our social media platform, made a profound statement:
“Our people criticize the Black Church and Black Mosque but give nothing to support those institutions. I've had foolish brothers say why is there so much murder in Chicago as if the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan or the Nation is at fault and have control of the decision-making of every Black person in Chicago. If faith-based organizations had more income than charity, tithing, and offerings, they could do more. You can only do so much when your main income comes from what the membership gives. If the community wants financial support from religious institutions, they should be giving some of their finances to these institutions like they give to fast food restaurants, liquor stores, scratch-offs, the weed man, Nike, BMW, Mercedes, etc.”
This observation is key. Many people support businesses and industries that do not invest back into our community, yet hesitate to support faith-based organizations that could provide real solutions. If we truly want change, we must practice group economics. Those who contribute should also be the ones to benefit. Resources must be allocated wisely, ensuring that investments return value to those who help sustain them.
A New Era of Action
The time for marching alone has passed. Now is the time for building. We must use strategic thinking and collective wisdom within our community to create institutions that serve our people.
The Honorable Elijah Muhammad demonstrated this with his early efforts to establish independent educational institutions. He faced resistance and was even arrested for taking children out of the public school system. However, his vision was clear—self-reliance is the key to long-term success. Today, we see the failures of an education system that does not teach self-knowledge, economics, or business fundamentals. Many degree holders struggle in a high-cost economy, forced to seek alternative means of financial stability.
By establishing trade schools, mentorship programs, and economic initiatives within our faith-based institutions, we can empower our people with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive. This requires careful strategy and execution. Those with the expertise to build and lead should be given the space to do so, while others should support in any way they can. It is through intelligent planning and unified effort that real progress will be made.
The Call to Action
The power of faith-based platforms lies in their ability to foster intelligent conversations that spark real solutions. Regardless of denomination or affiliation, we must begin working together to build something greater than ourselves.
The question is no longer whether we can do this, but when we will start. The time is now. Let’s invest in our own institutions and take control of our future.
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