It’s easy to point fingers at reelected President Trump, politicians, systems, or other communities. But what role do we play in the Black community in our stagnation? The key to progress lies in self-reflection and ownership. Blaming others for shortcomings only delays the work that needs to be done.
Even if Ms.Kamala Harris won the election, the complaints & the actions will still be the same.
By focusing on what we can control and committing to meaningful action, the community can overcome internal and external barriers and create a brighter future. The question isn’t just who we blame but what we are willing to do about it.
Honest Questions to Ask:
• Are we as involved in our children’s lives and education as we should be?
• Are we supporting Black-owned businesses and investing in our community?
• Are we committed to mentoring and lifting up the next generation?
Are we focusing on distractions instead of channeling energy into things that uplift and build?
While systemic racism, inequities in education, and economic barriers are fundamental, these obstacles cannot excuse inaction.
By focusing on what’s within our grasp—like education, community programs, and economic empowerment—we shift from a mindset of helplessness to one of action.
Some communities demonstrate self-sufficiency and independence, which is no different from what the black community can potentially do.
The Amish and many immigrant groups emphasize cultural preservation and shared beliefs, creating a strong sense of purpose and belonging.
This shared identity motivates them to work collectively for the group's good rather than focusing solely on individual success.
The Amish produce much of their food, clothing, and goods, ensuring economic independence.
Immigrant communities often create small businesses that serve their group and the broader public, reinvesting profits into their people. By emphasizing practical skills like farming, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship ensures that wealth and knowledge stay within the community.
Many immigrant groups practice informal savings systems, such as susus (rotating savings pools), to fund businesses or help members in need.
Like any other community, the Black community can benefit from focusing on common goals rather than differences. Strengthening family structures and prioritizing education, entrepreneurship, and mentorship can lay the foundation for progress.
The lessons from our ancestors
The Black community’s incredible resilience and economic success during and after slavery, particularly under the oppressive conditions of Jim Crow, during those times, we built thriving businesses, schools, and entire self-sustaining economies despite facing severe systemic racism and segregation. Integration, while providing necessary civil rights, also inadvertently disrupted much of this economic self-reliance.
Tulsa’s Greenwood District (“Black Wall Street”): A hub of Black-owned businesses, including banks, hospitals, schools, and theaters. Many similar communities existed across the U.S., showing the economic potential of unified efforts. Despite segregation, Black dollars circulated within Black communities, strengthening local economies.
During that time with limited access to white-owned institutions, Black entrepreneurs created businesses to meet community needs. These businesses provided goods and services, jobs, and pride in self-sufficiency.
Black families prioritized education, with teachers and schools playing a central role in uplifting the community. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) became beacons of opportunity and empowerment.
Integration led to the dismantling of many Black businesses, as consumers sought goods and services from white-owned establishments.
Black-owned businesses faced increased competition without the infrastructure to compete on a larger scale.
Dollars that once circulated within Black communities began leaving as spending shifted to integrated markets. Political activism shifted focus toward government programs and policies, leading to reliance on external support rather than internal resource pooling.
Public aid systems, while essential for survival, sometimes discouraged community-driven solutions. The communal mindset that had thrived under segregation began to wane as integration allowed individuals to pursue opportunities outside our neighborhoods.
The success of the Amish and immigrant groups shows that unity and self-reliance are powerful tools for overcoming systemic challenges. By adopting similar principles—focusing on shared goals, pooling resources, and building from within—the Black community and others can achieve lasting success, regardless of external circumstances.
The past demonstrates that the Black community is capable of incredible innovation, resilience, and success, even under the harshest conditions.
The loss of economic leverage during integration is not the end of the story; it’s a reminder of what’s possible when unity and self-reliance are prioritized.
By revisiting the playbook of our ancestors and applying modern strategies, the community can rebuild economic power and reduce dependence on political systems that often fail to deliver.
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