Change is happening faster than we realize, and for many communities, it could mean the difference between stability and crisis. A federal judge has temporarily blocked a White House order that aimed to freeze federal assistance, but the reality is clear: funding cuts can happen at any time, and those who rely on government aid could be left in limbo. When the news broke, organizations across the country scrambled to figure out how this decision would affect them.
While the White House has assured that essential programs like Social Security, Medicare, food stamps, and welfare will remain intact, other crucial services—such as foreign aid, environmental initiatives, and health programs—are now at risk. But let’s be honest: this isn’t just about one policy change. This is about the bigger picture.
What Happens If Government Assistance Becomes Unreliable?
For far too long, many communities—especially Black and marginalized communities—have been in a position where survival depends on resources controlled by those in power. But history has taught us that when times get tough, funding cuts almost always hit the most vulnerable first. We’ve seen it before: job programs slashed, housing assistance scaled back, education funding reduced, and healthcare access made more difficult.
This is a wake-up call. If we don’t start preparing now, we could find ourselves in a situation where essential resources are no longer available. Instead of waiting for another crisis, we must take control of our future.
Building Our Own Solutions
If history has shown us anything, it’s that our communities are resilient. We’ve always found ways to survive and thrive—even when the odds were stacked against us. The question now is: How do we create a plan that doesn’t leave us dependent on outside forces?
First, we need to focus on economic independence. This means prioritizing group economics—supporting Black-owned businesses, investing in cooperative economics, and keeping our dollars circulating within our own communities. Imagine if every dollar we earned stayed within our neighborhoods for just a little longer. That alone would create jobs, build wealth, and provide opportunities for future generations.
Next, we must establish community funds and mutual aid networks. If the government cuts funding, we need to have systems in place to support each other. Whether it’s emergency assistance, educational support, or small business grants, having a pool of resources that we control ensures that we don’t have to rely on unstable policies.
Food security and land ownership should also be at the top of our priority list. Investing in urban farming, collective land ownership, and food co-ops guarantees that no matter what happens, we’ll always have access to fresh, healthy food. We can no longer afford to depend on outside sources that may not have our best interests at heart.
Skill-sharing and bartering will also be key. We all have something valuable to offer—whether it’s financial literacy, home repairs, childcare, or other essential skills. By creating strong networks where people exchange knowledge and services, we can reduce our dependence on external systems and build stronger, self-sufficient communities.
Lastly, we must stay engaged in grassroots political advocacy. While self-sufficiency is crucial, we can’t ignore the importance of holding elected officials accountable. Organizing for policy changes that benefit our communities ensures that we have a seat at the table when decisions are being made.
The Urgency of Self-Reliance
We’ve been here before, and history shows that when we come together, we win. The Honorable Elijah Muhammad laid out the blueprint for economic self-sufficiency—own land, farm, and build businesses. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has continued that message, urging us to unite economically and take control of our resources. Now, it’s time for us to act.
If government assistance becomes unstable—or disappears entirely—we must be ready. The key is organization, economic cooperation, and strategic planning. The more we build within, the less we depend on forces outside of our control.
We have the power to shape our future. But we must start now.
Together, we can create a system where we take care of each other. Where we don’t have to fear funding cuts because we have built our own safety nets. Where we are self-reliant, strong, and unstoppable.
Let’s take control of our future—together.
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