The current debates on Capitol Hill about DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) may be important to some, but for Black America, the real focus should be on recognizing and harnessing our economic power.
African Americans represent just 13% of the U.S. population but possess $1 trillion in spending capital—a cash flow comparable to that of many small nations. Yet, despite this immense power, much of this wealth leaves our communities, fueling others’ prosperity instead of our own.
Historically, during the Jim Crow era, the Black community thrived economically despite systemic oppression. With no government assistance or representation in major governmental bodies,
Black people built self-sufficient towns, schools, and businesses where the dollar circulated within the community, fostering growth and sustainability. By contrast, integration, while offering some benefits, has also led to gentrification and economic displacement, stripping the Black community of its collective power.
When we neglect essential skills like trades, commerce, and economic education, we create a cycle of dependence.
The Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s economic program within the Nation of Islam provides a powerful example of what is possible. Under his leadership, schools, businesses, and agricultural ventures were established and flourished. His teachings emphasized the importance of pooling resources, building self-reliance, and working with like-minded individuals to uplift the community.
Today, we have more Black millionaires than ever before, yet many of them lack the revolutionary mindset needed to challenge systemic oppression. True progress lies not just in individual success but in using collective resources to build schools, businesses, agriculture, and programs that directly benefit the community. This is what “giving back” truly means—investing in the future of our people.
We must also hold ourselves accountable. If we continue to support businesses and entities that do not invest in the Black community, we only perpetuate the cycle of economic dependency. It is time to focus on funding our own businesses and being patient with small enterprises as they grow.
Building sustainable businesses takes time, resources, and collective effort. Criticism of our own businesses, especially when they lack the scale of large corporations, hinders progress.
The objective is clear: build, grow, and prosper. By pooling our resources, supporting Black-owned businesses, and fostering patience and collaboration, we can create an economy that sustains and empowers the Black community. The path forward requires vision, discipline, and unity, but the potential is already within us. It’s time to act.
Begging for opportunities does not reflect strength or the desire for true independence. True power comes from creating opportunities, building self-reliance, and leveraging the resources we already possess to sustain and uplift our communities.
When we rely on others to grant us access or provide solutions, we place our future in their hands, limiting our ability to thrive on our own terms. Independence requires vision, discipline, and the collective effort to build systems, businesses, and institutions that serve our needs and ensure our progress.
Strength is found in collaboration, in pooling resources, and in supporting one another to grow and prosper. By focusing on self-determination, we can break the cycle of dependence and create a legacy of empowerment for future generations.
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