Faith, Wealth, and Responsibility: The Black Church’s Role in Economic Liberation

Black Economics

DAMON K JONES

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March 17, 2025

Faith, Wealth, and Responsibility: The Black Church’s Role in Economic Liberation

For too long, the Black church has been trapped in a cycle of empty sermons, political grandstanding, and survival-mode thinking. There is a clear divide between pastors who preach Jesus and those who use His name as a tool for political parties. Some pastors genuinely teach the gospel, focusing on faith, self-sufficiency, and the power of God to transform lives. Others, however, manipulate the pulpit for political influence, aligning themselves with parties and policies that do little to serve the true needs of the Black community. Instead of being a force for transformation, many churches have become spiritual gangs—divided by denomination, competing for members, and seeking validation through government grants rather than God’s power and the resources already in our hands. Jesus never taught us to be poor or dependent. He taught us to love, build, and create communities rooted in righteousness, equality, and economic empowerment. Let’s be honest: do black communities resemble these qualities? If we truly followed His teachings, we wouldn’t have to look to Pharaoh—the government—for handouts. We would be too busy creating our own thriving, self-sufficient institutions.

The greatest commandment Jesus gave was to love one another, yet our communities are often filled with division, crime, and neglect. This is not the vision of Christ. A church that truly follows Jesus must take action to heal its people, restore dignity, and build safe, sacred spaces where Black men, women, and children can thrive. That means establishing businesses, schools, and hospitals—not just worship centers. It means replacing crime with opportunity, replacing hopelessness with vision, and replacing reliance on external systems with an internal commitment to self-sufficiency. The Bible says in Deuteronomy 8:18, “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” If God has already placed the power of wealth in our hands, why do we keep looking outside ourselves for solutions?

Black businesses currently represent only 2 percent of all businesses in America. If we can increase that number to just 6 percent, we can radically shift generational wealth within our community. This is not an impossible dream—it is an achievable goal if we mobilize our existing institutions. There are over 65,000 Black churches across the U.S., with many concentrated in historically Black neighborhoods, according to data from the Pew Research Center and other sources—65,000 distribution centers for Black business, far exceeding the total number of Walmart and Target locations combined. Yet instead of leveraging these sacred spaces as economic hubs, we allow them to sit dormant six days a week while our people struggle financially.

The recent rollback of DEI initiatives at major corporations like Target should be a wake-up call for Black communities. Many Black-owned businesses that had once thrived under corporate diversity programs are now struggling as sales decline and distribution channels disappear. The Lip Bar, Mielle Organics, and Black Girl Sunscreen—brands that became household names thanks to DEI partnerships—now find themselves vulnerable because they relied on white-owned corporations instead of Black-owned institutions. This proves what should have been clear all along: we cannot afford to depend on corporate handouts. If Black churches and Black institutions were truly mobilized, these businesses would not have to rely on Target or Walmart for survival. With 65,000 Black churches spread across America, why haven’t we built our own distribution networks? If every Black church supported just ten Black businesses per year, we could sustain an Amazon-like Black business distribution annually, creating economic independence instead of dependency. Other communities have mastered this strategy—why haven’t we? If the Black church is to be a true force for economic empowerment, it must step into its rightful role as an incubator of Black business, a lender to Black entrepreneurs, and a marketplace for Black-owned products.

Read: Black Dollars, White Wealth: Why Our Spending Power Isn’t Building Our Future

Why am I critical of the Black Church? But I’m not being so critical; I’m speaking with love because the Black church is the largest, oldest, and most organized Black institution in America. Yet, it lacks any national economic program or agenda—one that God and the scriptures have already ordained. The boycott of Target was meant to send a message, but what it really exposed is that our economy is still in the hands of others. If we are truly serious about self-sufficiency, we must start building our own economic structures instead of begging for access to someone else’s.

The question we must ask is: Has the Black church been misguided all along? Statistics show that white women were the largest beneficiaries of DEI programs, yet the Black church and Black institutions rallied behind these initiatives as if they were designed to uplift Black communities. If these programs truly worked in our favor, why did Black-owned businesses remain fragile enough to collapse the moment DEI funding was pulled? Have we been fighting for programs that benefit others while leaving our own people in economic peril? These are the hard truths we must confront if we are ever to reclaim true financial independence and security.

Read: The Failure of DEI: It Did Not Equate to Black Progress, So Why Keep Fighting for It

Despite making up only 2 percent of the U.S. population, the Jewish community has built an economic and political infrastructure that allows them to control their own communities and institutions. Through group economics, cultural solidarity, and strategic investment, they have established a network of businesses, banks, media outlets, and educational institutions that keep wealth circulating within their community. Jewish consumers heavily support Jewish-owned businesses, and their financial institutions provide interest-free loans and investment capital to help fellow Jews start businesses and build generational wealth. Additionally, Jewish organizations believe in “Community Before Party” as their political slogan, prioritizing political engagement and ensuring their interests are well-represented in government, local leadership, and policy-making. Their institutions—whether synagogues, schools, or advocacy groups—serve as hubs for economic cooperation and influence, ensuring that they remain self-sufficient and independent of external control.

If the Jewish community—only 2 percent of the population—can build and sustain their own economy, why are Black churches, with 65,000 locations and $1.5 trillion in spending power, not doing the same? The Black population in the United States is approximately 14 percent, yet we have failed to harness our collective wealth and institutional strength to build sustainable economic systems. Why do we continue to look outside ourselves for economic solutions when other communities have proven that self-sufficiency is possible? The Jewish community has mastered the art of building institutions that serve their people, yet too many Black churches are content with simply passing the collection plate every Sunday while their communities struggle financially. What stops us from following this model? Why aren’t we using our churches as distribution centers for Black businesses, financial hubs for Black entrepreneurs, and training grounds for the next generation of leaders? The blueprint for economic empowerment is right in front of us—but we still refuse to follow it!

Why are we still begging White-owned corporations for DEI initiatives when we already have 65,000 ready-made platforms to promote and build Black businesses? If every Black church prioritized supporting just ten Black businesses per year, we could launch and sustain over 1 million Black businesses annually—creating jobs, circulating wealth, and laying the foundation for institutions that will serve generations to come. The infrastructure for economic power is already in place; we have to activate it.

Our collective $1.5 trillion in spending power can do more than make others rich—it can build our institutions. Every thriving community in America has businesses that create jobs, banks that finance their people, and schools that preserve their culture. The Jewish community, the Asian community, and others do this without hesitation. Why don’t we? We must shift from simply spending money to circulating and investing it in Black businesses, schools, and neighborhoods. That is not just economics; that is following Jesus’ teachings and making heaven on earth for our people.

References:

Pew Research Center (Black Church Statistics)
Deuteronomy 8:18 (Holy Bible)
Economic impact of DEI rollbacks (Reuters, 2025)
Black business ownership statistics (Brookings Institution, 2024)
Jewish economic structure analysis (Forbes, 2024)

The Youth Is Outta Control: But I Ask You Who’s Failing Who???

REAL TALK From AJ Woodson

AJ Woodson

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March 17, 2025

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The Youth Is Outta Control: But I Ask You Who’s Failing Who???

There was no respect for youth when I was young, and now that I am old, there is no respect for age. I missed it coming and going. – J.B. Priestly

I came across this quote recently, and it got me thinking. I always hear adults talk about how the youth is outta control. How hip hop and video games are destroying the minds of our youth and if they are our future, where will we be, etc etc etc… No need for me to recap them all; I’m sure you heard or have even spit out a few of these yourself recently.

When I was growing up, and got to that rebellious age, hanging in the park drinking a forty (I’m dating myself cause we had quarts then fortys came a little later), getting high, getting girls, and hip hop was all I cared about. Actually spitting rhymes I actually cared about more cause I just wanted to be cool and be the dopest emcee I could. It was proven time after time that outside of being the star quarterback or having a wicked jump shot, the emcees got all the girls. So I knew if my rhymes were tight, I could take out any emcee I came across in battles and rock the crowd, and the females would come to me.

It was the older cats on the block who used to holla at me about staying in school when it began to bore me and I traded Biology and Science for getting my rhymes tight and listening and studying Cold Crush Brothers tapes. Sure, my dad was around, but when my parents broke up, I actually went to live with my dad during high school cause Mom didn’t know what else to do with me. She thought what we were doin wasn’t music, just a lot of noise, and a college degree was the only thing that would keep me Paid In Full.

Sure, my parents instilled all the right stuff in me in my early days, but they broke up when I was 13. I was still running wild and became a rebel without a cause. It was the older cats who got at me. I mean, like all the other teens out there, I wasn’t tryna hear it. I told these old cats that were droppin knowledge on me from their experiences to leave us alone and let us be old, man. But you know what, even though I wasn’t tryna hear it, and we made fun of these cats when they left and went on to light up the next joint, I did here everything that had to say. It was just pushed to the back to retrieve like an old document on your PC once the right buttons were pushed.

So if its true that the youth is outta control right now, if it’s true, they seem like they don’t know right from wrong and can’t tell what rappers who live at their gangsta fantasy from what’s real. It’s not necessarily the youth who are failing us, it is us who are failing the youth. You always hear about the old days when you stepped outta line, the older neighbors would straighten you out, tell your parents who would then in turn thank them and straighten you out again. Well, how did we get to a point where the older generation is scared of the youth? When we start saying that kid down the block isn’t my problem, I’m raising my kids. Well, if that kid who isn’t your problem spends more time with your kid than you do, how isn’t he or she your problem?

We have turned our back to them and leave them tryna figure things out on their own. The reason I personally am not dead or in jail today was because of these older cats we laughed at, who got at me outside of my dad and uncles. Like a few of my teachers, these older cats saw something in me, and instead of turning their backs, they spent time talking to me. Tryna school me, telling me the harsh realities of the streets we found so attractive at the time. The problem was it was hard to hear what they had to say after the majority of the adults looked down on us, wrote us off as hopeless and basically consistantly complained about what we loved the most, hip hop the one thing that helped us get through the tough times and spoke directly to us and for us for that matter.

Now that we are the older cats, I ask you who is failing who. Kevin Powell recently wrote a book titled Who’s Gonna Take The Weight, dealing with just that. What’s the deal? Do we expect the youth to learn right from wrong and teach themselves? To learn what happens when they take certain courses of action. The problem is that most do finally figure it out. They usually do figure it out on their own, but it is usually while sitting in a cell, with years to think about their youthful indiscretions. Or on in a hospital bed being told they may never walk again from a stray bullet to their spine meant for someone else. And unfortunately, the cemetery is filled with too many others who didn’t figure it out in time or at all.

We, the older cats, complain about the current lyrics in hip hop when that was what we used to scream to the world what we wanted them to know about us. We screamed Fuck The Police and Fight The Power in Virginia Beach when the cops decided they didnt want us in their town. The lyrics of that Kool G Rap, Rakim, KRS One, Public Enemy, NWA, and many others spoke to us and for us. Painted pictures of the conditions in our cities that were usually just brushed under the carpet, from those outside our community that couldn’t be bothered. Not to mention, there were those in our community who forgot where they came from and turned their back on us. That was much worse, cause they made it look like us and we looked up to them, but felt they were better than us. The music has always been rebellious where we said if you solve the problems that are the causes of these attitudes we felt and developed instead on putting us down, things would be much better. We were screaming for help from our elders. The lyrics predicted the future situations that would erupt if we weren’t taken seriously like the riots in LA. Something had to give, and we were screaming for help.

It’s the same today; if we pay more attention to the lyrics of rappers of today, we may be able to prevent similar situations from going down in the future. Pay more attention, and you may be able to figure out what is in their head. Maybe even replace the hopelessness they are feeling with some hope.

I will say this though, there are too many that don’t live it and spit it only cause some A&R working for a major label owned by a major corporation sold them dreams of getting paid if you spit it like 50 Cent or whoever is the hardest chart topping/ multi-platinum artist making the most noise that year.

For you adults who are displeased with the lyrics being played on the radio streaming services your children are listening to, call these stations music and program directors, and if they don’t listen to what you have to say, you listen to the station all day write down the names of all their advertisers. Call the advertisers and tell them you will not buy their products if they continue to support stations that promote this kind of lyrics and images to our youth. Or look at what has worked: get a copy of the shareholders of these corporations who own these major labels and radio stations and send them printed-out copies of the lyrics to these songs (which you can find online by doing a google.com search). Threaten these corporations who make they living off our communities and who care more about the bottomline then what these songs and images are doin to our kids when they are forcefed this all day everyday.

This worked years ago when lyrics were sent to shareholders of Warner Brothers of Ice-T’s rock group’s song Cop Killer. This caused many artists to be dropped from all of the corporation’s record companies like Tommy Boy and every other label in the Warner family. It even spilled out to some of the other labels as well.

Not saying you have to do these things; some of them are outdated as I revised this original blog post I wrote in 2005, but use this as a template to come up with your own ideas and plans of action. But the thing is, do something or stop complaining. There is a saying that if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Sitting on the sidelines and complaining won’t solve the problem. But don’t stop there, it is equally important that if you tell the kids to just SAY NO to these lyrics, they need to know what to say yes to, too. If you only punish a kid for everything he does wrong and never reward them for what they do right, you will never get anywhere. Think about when you were a teen. Also, get involved and help the associations that are actually doing good things in your community, and if none of them exist in your community in your area, start your own. Find out what’s working in other areas and implement it in yours. The cutting of the arts programs like music and art classes in school and the lack of positive activies for the youth to get involved in, not to mantion the cutting of scholastic budgets nationwide (even more so in the schools in our communities) leaves them just these records and movies they that feel speak to them. They feel it cause they can relate to it.

This is very important; we need to speak to the youth and not down to them.

I could go on forever, but I will end it here for now.

The older generation needs to ask themselves: Who is really failing who? Are you part of the problem or the solution?

I would really like to hear everyone’s comments on this. Please feel free to post your thoughts and suggestions, good or bad in the comment section below.

Remember, we expect the youth to respect us, but we must also respect them. Respect is something that is earned, not supposed to be given to you because you are the older generation.

Public Enemy’s Fear Of A Black Planet – Why 35 Year Later This Album Is Still Relevant

AJ Woodson

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March 17, 2025

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Public Enemy’s Fear Of A Black Planet – Why 35 Year Later This Album Is Still Relevant

Public Enemy’s ‘Fear of a Black Planet’ Turns 35 This Year!

From time to time, I will be doing a series of throwback CD reviews of CDs I find relevant and think need to be recovered and kept alive, as well as introduced to a whole new audience that may be too young to remember. Here is the latest in my series of throwback CD reviews. Enjoy… The first one is Public Enemy’s “Fear Of A Black Planet,” released in March 1990 on Def Jam Recordings.

Public Enemy's Fear Of A Black Planet - Why 35 Year Later This Album Is Still Relevant 1

PE’s third album is dense, heavy, and as urgent as a bullet, birthed in the aftermath of Reaganomics. “Fear of a Black Planet” single-handedly added half a dozen phrases to the language, and not just from Chuck D’s troop-rallying bellow and Master Of The Universe voice, but Flavor Flav shines on “911 Is a Joke” which is as catchy an indictment of urban policy as anyone has ever come up with.

In essence, along with KRSONE, P.E provided dynamic, socially relevant Hip-Hop that transcended cliche and hype. This album’s concepts remain innovative and classic today. The production has stood the test of time as well as any other album from that era.

Even after several decades, “Fight the Power” remains one of the most well-known and cherished songs in hip-hop history, and the group itself is as closely associated with politically oriented hip-hop as it is with the genre. It’s a prime example of the group’s promotion of opposition to established power structures and disdain for all-American icons like John Wayne and Elvis Presley. A final exclamation point marking the end of a turbulent period for the group, it would appear as the last song on Fear of a Black Planet.

A few years before the policy banning the chokehold in NYC, Radio Raheem is a character in Spike Lee’s written, directed, and produced 1989 film, Do the Right Thing, portrayed by the late Bill Nunn, who was killed after a white NYPD officer choked him to death.

Even though Radio Raheem was a fictional boombox-toting neighborhood philosopher known for blasting Fight The Power by Public Enemy, after he was choked to death by the police, we all felt it as if he was real. After Eric Garner’s death twenty-five years later, we all relived the death of the beloved Spike Lee character. In the movie, Radio Raheem’s death triggered a riot where the neighborhood pizzeria that refused to put pictures of black people on the walls was burned to the ground.

Thirty-five years later, Fear of a Black Planet still has the same impact. The album’s first official single, “Welcome to the Terrordome,” is as “angry” a hip-hop song as any recorded in the 1990s and later. Like the previously mentioned “Fight the Power,” the song is essential to the group’s legacy.

Chuck D uses the song “Terrordome” to express his annoyance with the news media and to focus on the scandal that engulfed the group in the second half of 1989. Since the group’s founding, Public Enemy has had a, let’s say, tense relationship with the media, and Chuck lashes out at them throughout all four verses of the song. In many respects, he is right when he says that the song was meant to mark the beginning of what the 1990s would bring for Public Enemy and rap music.

The Bomb Squad’s music is complicated, challenging, terse, and totally funky, and Chuck matches it with one impassioned pronouncement after another: on Hollywood’s racism, on miscegenation, on “real history / Not his story.”

It is also, without a doubt, the best musical moment of the Bomb Squad. In contrast to Millions, which was all about aggressiveness—layered aggression, but aggression nonetheless—Fear of a Black Planet touches on harsh funk, dub reggae, unrelenting beats, and sensual grooves without missing a beat.

The team, comprised of Hank and Keith Shocklee, Eric “Vietnam” Sadler, and “Carl Ryder” (Chuck D’s production nom-de-plume), takes their “wall of sound” production styles and cranks them up to the maximum, generating a belligerent and harsh aural assault. It’s even more openly hostile to traditional forms of hip-hop production than Public Enemy’s previous two releases.

“Fear…” is one of the best rap albums ever made, and at a time when sampling was affordable. It allowed Terminator X and the Bomb Squad to produce the most radical apocalyptic hip-hop assault on the ears. “Brothers Gonna Work it Out” swirls with immediacy, as does “Power to the People” and “War at 33 1/3.”

This album is so much more chaotic and dense “It Takes a Nation of Millions.” The beats are huge, and Chuck D is full of fury. The album ends with “Fight the Power,” the ultimate statement of purpose, from its pounding, atonal sound collage to its furious politics. Put “Fear..” on, and it’s always a long, hot summer. When hip-hop needed credence and a cornerstone for a new decade, “Fear…” provided just that, and P.E delivered the funk. This controversial release, in my opinion, is perhaps P.E.’s greatest hour.

In 2025, the Rhyme Animal Chuck D’s words are still relevant as White Fear of The Browning of American is shaping our democracy and society, it’s more intense and visible than ever. If we even needed a voice like Chuck D in Hip-Hop, it is now!

We’ll Always Love Big Poppa – We’ll Always Love Ya Big… 28 Years Later

AJ Woodson

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March 17, 2025

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We’ll Always Love Big Poppa – We’ll Always Love Ya Big… 28 Years Later

Biggie, Biggie, Biggie, can’t you see?
Sometimes your words just hypnotize me
And I just love your flashy ways
Guess that’s why they broke, and you’re so paid (uh)
Biggie, Biggie, Biggie (uh-huh), can’t you see? (Uh)
Sometimes your words just hypnotize me (hypnotize)
And I just love your flashy ways (uh-huh)
Guess that’s why they broke, and you’re so paid (ha)

Anyone who knows me will tell you I’m one of the biggest B.I.G. fans. As an emcee, I have always been a fan of and greatly appreciated flow; the dude was the master of the flow. He could say just about anything and make it sound so smooth for real. I can’t believe this year marks 28 years since the dude was taken away from us. That would mean it will be 29 years since Pac’s been gone later this year. I can’t believe their murders went unsolved for years. I can still remember the morning of March 9, 1997, like it was yesterday.

I had a video show called Street Vibes in New York that I wrote for, produced, and co-hosted with my man Naquan (who I managed as an artist at the time) and my man Steve Oakley. It was Soul Train Awards time. Anyway, like I said, it was the weekend of the Soul Train Awards, and everybody was heading to L.A.

I decided to stay home and chill get some rest, and chill with my girl at the time. My man Naquan went with his people. I’m at my girl’s crib, and my pager goes off at 5 something in the morning. I’m singing the beginning of Biggie’s joint Warning in my head.

We'll Always Love Big Poppa - We'll Always Love Ya Big... 28 Years Later 2

Who the hell is this? Pagin’ me at 5:46
In the mornin’, crack of dawn an’
Now I’m yawnin’, wipe the cold out my eye
See who’s this pagin’ me and why

I saw the words “Yo A, Hit me back with a number I can reach you at” across my screen. It was my man Naquan. So I page him back, and my cell rings.

“Yo Dawg, they just shot Biggie,”

Now, if it had been anybody else, I would have hung up the phone on some yo stop playing tip. But this was my man, like my little brother. His family was the first family I met when I moved to Long Island. I was 7 and he and my sister was 2, so we go back.

He says it again, “Yo, you heard what I said.”

Still in disbelief, I asked for details. Naquan and his boy Mike were just kicking it with Big and Puff in the parking garage, I believe he said. We were supposed to interview him for our video show that next week, when he got back from overseas. He wasn’t even supposed to be still in LA, but he wanted to chill a little longer for the Soul Train Awards.

I turn on Hot 97, and Busta Rhymes is just callin’ in telling Angie Martinez what Naquan is telling me. I’m filling him in on what the radio is saying, like what hospital they took him to, and Naquan is describing to me the atmosphere and how NY cats were bugging at the time.

Naquan heads to the hospital but they wont let him go to the floor BIG is on, they got it on lockdown, Im still bugging, I pull out the advance joint, Keep Ya Hands High with Philly artist Tracey Lee which was comin out in another week or two and played it a few times I just wanted to hear some new Biggie lyrics and Puff wasn’t tryna come up off of Life After Death advances for the press cause of all the bootlegging. The Hypnotize video had just been shot in Los Angeles, and I don’t think it was done yet if I remember correctly.

Sometime later, the announced he was dead. To be totally honest, I don’t remember much else. Everything was a blur. I remember feeling like someone had killed my brother or my cousin, and I was mad. I wanted answers, I wanted someone to pay. I still can’t believe it’s been 28 years, and writing this now, I’m getting a little choked up like it was yesterday all over again. He died at the age of 25, he has now been dead longer than he was alive.

Every step I take
Every move I make
Every single day, every time I pray
I’ll be missing you
Thinkin’ of the day
When you went away
What a life to take, what a bond to break
I’ll be missing you (I miss you, B.I.G.)

Speculations were flying around on who shot him. Retaliation for Pac’s death was the biggest one most thrown around. Most may not admit it now, but New York artists and their labels were scrambling to get an earlier flight back to the Big Apple, fearing they may be next.

Man BIG I know you said you was Ready To Die but we’ll Be Missing You and…

We’ll always love Big Poppa (We’ll always love you Big)
We’ll always love Big Poppa (Yeah)
We’ll always love Big Poppa (We’ll always love you Big)

Remembering Former US Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey

914 Politics

AJ Woodson

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March 16, 2025

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Remembering Former US Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey

Former longtime New York Rep. Nita Lowey, who served in Congress for 32 years and became the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, died Saturday, March 15th, at the age of 87, her family confirmed in a statement:

“With great sadness, we announce that former Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey died peacefully on March 15 at the age of 87, surrounded by her loving husband, children, and grandchildren, in her home in Harrison, NY. Nita has quietly and bravely battled metastatic breast cancer in recent years with the same tenacity and strength that she fought throughout her 32-year career in Congress for women, children and families in the U.S. and around the world.

“Nita was a beloved wife, partner, and best friend to her cherished husband of 64 years, Stephen Lowey. An adored mother to Dana (David), Jackie (David) and Douglas (Ellen). And devoted and beloved grandmother to Jillian, Daniel, Jesse, Jonah, Ilan, Rebecca, Jonathan, and Solene. Nita’s family was central to her life as she was to all of ours. We will miss her more than words can say and take great comfort in knowing that she lived a full and purposeful life.

“A public servant in the truest sense, she was guided by the Jewish core value of ‘Tikkun Olam,’ repairing the world. She was an indefatigable fighter and worked across the aisle to deliver results for her constituents and all Americans. She served on the House Appropriations Committee for 28 years, where she was elevated by her colleagues to serve as Chair. She sponsored life-changing legislation in the fields of education, medical research, and international relations.

“Her memory will forever be a blessing to all who had the honor of knowing and loving her, and to the millions of people whose lives she touched.”

A private family funeral and burial will be followed by a memorial service at a later date.

Lowey made history as the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, which she often said was one of her proudest achievements, “breaking the glass ceiling for women.” She held several Caucus memberships, including the House Pro-Choice Caucus, Hudson River Caucus, Isreal Allies Caucus, National Eating Disorders Awareness Caucus, and the Congressional Arts Caucus. During her tenure in Congress Lowey sponsored and cosponsored numerous bills including, the international Violence Against Women Act, Protect Access to Birth Control Act, The Heroes Act, and Further Continuing Appropriations Act.

Before running and winning a seat in the House of Representatives for New York’s 20th Congressional District (now NY-17) in 1988, Nita Lowey worked on Muimo’s 1974 campaign for Lieutenant Governor. For 13 years she served as the assistant Secretary of State in New York from 1975-1988. She served as a U.S. Representative from 1989 until 2021 after beating two-term Republican incumbent, Joseph J. DioGurdi. Her district was numbers NY-20 from 1989-1993, NY-18 from 1993-2013 and NY-17 beginning in 2013. She was succeeded by Mondaire Jones, the first African-American to be elected to represent the district.

She also decried sexual harassment and in 1991 was one of the group of female House members who marched to the Senate side of the Capitol to demand the Judiciary Committee hear Anita Hill’s accusation against Clarence Thomas in his Supreme Court nomination hearing.

More than once she occasionally upset fellow liberals. She voted early in her tenure for the The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 It is often blamed for the mass incarceration of Black Americans, extending tough-on-crime policies that overly criminalized Blacks, commonly known as the crime bill, that was sponsored by Joe Biden.

She is remembered by several local leaders

“It is with a heavy heart that we remember Congresswoman Nita Lowey, a principled and passionate public servant whose impact will resonate for generations to come. Her remarkable career was defined by a steadfast commitment to her constituents and an unyielding fight for justice and equality. As the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Nita broke barriers and set a powerful example for future leaders,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins shared on the passing of Nita Lowey. “Born in the Bronx and serving Westchester and Rockland Counties for over three decades, she was truly a New Yorker at heart. Congresswoman Lowey was not only a fierce advocate for her state, ensuring that New York secured vital resources in times of crisis, but she also championed global initiatives that transformed the lives of millions. To Nita’s family, her many friends, and all those who were touched by her generosity and spirit, we extend our deepest condolences. May they cherish their memories of her, knowing she left an indelible mark on our hearts and our nation.”

“Westchester County mourns the passing of former U.S. Congresswoman Nita Lowey. She was a tireless advocate for our County, a mentor, a friend, and always a beacon of hope. Serving as a U.S. Representative from 1989 until 2021, she championed integrity, honesty, and the values of good government. Lowey made history as the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, leaving a legacy of breaking barriers and improving lives. Her commitment to public service will continue to inspire and guide us,” County Executive Ken Jenkins shared.

“As Dean of the New York delegation, Nita Lowey was a mentor and friend to me and countless other Members of the House Democratic Caucus,” Democratic Minority Leader and fellow New York Democrat Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement. “So many of us sought Nita’s advice and counsel during our public service journeys, and it was always delivered with a smile.”

“Doina and I are saddened by the loss of Congresswoman Nita Lowey, a champion for the Hudson Valley who dedicated her life to the people of New York’s 17th district. A trailblazer who made history as the first Chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, Nita Lowey impacted the lives of every New Yorker and American. Her passion for our communities will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with her family, friends, and neighbors. May her memory always be a blessing for us all,” shared Congressman Mike Lawler who now sits in her former seat representing NY-17.

“She was my model for real government service — empathetic, effective & tough at the same time, Congresswoman Lowey left our nation better for her service.” shared State Senator Shelley Mayer, one of the numerous women Lowey mentored in politics.

“She was the definition of an excellent public servant: smart, warm. Principled and fearless. For over 30 years, she represented our home area in Congress with grace and fortitude. Nita Lowey has passed away… but she will be forever remembered. And forever praised,” U.S. Representative George Latimer (NY-16) shared in a statement sent to Black Westchester.

At her retirement in 2021, she represented New York’s 17th Congressional District (Westchester and Rockland counties), but due to the reshaping of district lines over the years, she also represented parts of the Bronx and Queens during her tenure.

Did the Target Boycott Work, or Did It Hamper Black Brands from National Distribution?

Black Economics

DAMON K JONES

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March 16, 2025

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Did the Target Boycott Work, or Did It Hamper Black Brands from National Distribution?

The recent boycott against Target, initiated in response to its rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, has raised critical questions about the effectiveness of economic protest and its unintended consequences. While the boycott was meant to hold Target accountable for ending programs that disproportionately benefited marginalized communities, the reality of its impact remains complex. Did the boycott successfully push Target to reconsider its policies, or did it backfire by leading to the removal of Black-owned brands from national distribution?

Additionally, research has shown that white women benefited the most from DEI initiatives, primarily due to corporate diversity hiring policies and procurement strategies that often favored gender-based diversity over racial diversity (Harvard Business Review, 2024). Despite this, white women were not at the forefront of the boycott, raising questions about whether the backlash was directed at the right target or if the focus on Black-owned brands was misplaced.

Read: The Failure of DEI: It Did Not Equate to Black Progress, So Why Keep Fighting for It?

The Timeline: From DEI Rollback to Boycott In early 2025, Target announced it would phase out its DEI programs, which had been instrumental in supporting Black entrepreneurs and ensuring their products had shelf space in one of the largest retail chains in the country (AP News, 2025). This decision sparked widespread outrage, prompting civil rights groups and prominent Black leaders to call for a boycott. The movement gained traction, with many urging consumers to take their business elsewhere in protest of what was seen as a step backward for corporate inclusivity.

While the boycott may have been intended to send a strong message, its unintended consequences quickly became apparent, particularly for Black-owned brands that had benefited from Target’s DEI policies. As sales declined, some entrepreneurs saw their products pulled from shelves. Kiara Imani Will, creator of LikeU Cards, publicly stated that her brand was removed from Target shortly after the boycott gained momentum (Reuters, 2025). Other Black entrepreneurs, such as the founder of Mielle Organics, voiced concerns that the economic fallout could lead to long-term setbacks in their distribution and growth (Reuters, 2025). Several Black-owned brands that once thrived at Target now face uncertainty due to the retailer’s rollback of its DEI initiatives. Black Girl Sunscreen, founded by Shontay Lundy, provides sun protection specifically designed for melanated skin. The Lip Bar, created by Melissa Butler, offers vegan and cruelty-free beauty products. McBride Sisters Wine Company, known for its “Black Girl Magic” wine collection, has brought diversity to Target’s beverage aisles. In the food sector, A Dozen Cousins delivers ready-to-eat beans inspired by traditional Black and Latino recipes, while Partake Foods specializes in allergy-friendly cookies and baking mixes. As these brands struggle with declining sales and distribution challenges, many entrepreneurs are urging consumers to continue supporting Black-owned businesses, whether at Target or through direct purchases, to ensure their long-term survival (Reuters, 2025)..

The Business Reality: Who Really Got Hurt? Target, like any major corporation, makes inventory decisions based on sales performance. When the boycott discouraged shopping, Black-owned brands—many of which were still stocked in Target stores at the time—saw a decline in sales. In retail, low sales can lead to product discontinuation, regardless of the cause. This raises a critical question: Was the removal of these Black-owned brands a direct consequence of the DEI rollback, or did the boycott itself accelerate the process by making these products less profitable?

The larger business reality is that Black people have yet to build institutions on the scale of Target or Walmart. This lack of infrastructure means Black-owned businesses are heavily reliant on major retailers for distribution, visibility, and customer reach. Without access to Target’s national supply chain, these businesses now face significantly higher costs in advertising, warehousing, and shipping. Instead of benefiting from Target’s existing logistics, they must now shoulder these expenses independently, which will inevitably raise the cost of their products. This puts Black entrepreneurs at a further disadvantage in an already competitive retail environment (Forbes, 2025).

Furthermore, the reality is that the Black consumer base only makes up 8.9% of Target’s customers, while white consumers account for 66.7% and Hispanic consumers 14.5% (Statista, 2025). If Black consumers are not purchasing Black-owned brands at a significant rate, then from a corporate standpoint, there may be little incentive for Target to stock Black ethnic products. Sales data largely drive retail decisions, and if a demographic is not driving substantial demand, companies will prioritize products that cater to their most extensive customer base.

Did the Target Boycott Work, or Did It Hamper Black Brands from National Distribution? 3

From a financial standpoint, Target may have had little incentive to keep stocking Black-owned brands if their sales numbers suffered during the boycott. If a significant portion of Target’s Black customer base stopped shopping there, it may have inadvertently justified Target to phase out products catering to that demographic.

Historically, boycotts have been a powerful tool in civil rights movements, from the Montgomery Bus Boycott to divestment campaigns against apartheid. However, the success of a boycott depends on clear goals and strategic execution. Other than giving some Black leaders air time on podcasts and YouTube shows and helping some raise money. But unfortunately, in this case, the boycott may have lacked a concrete demand beyond protesting the DEI rollback. Was the goal to force Target to reinstate its diversity programs? To increase Black-owned brand partnerships? Or simply to punish the company? Without an apparent, achievable demand, the protest may have caused collateral damage to the businesses it sought to protect (CNN, 2025).

Moreover, not all Black entrepreneurs supported the boycott. Some, like Afro Unicorn founder April Showers, publicly urged consumers to continue shopping at Target to ensure Black-owned brands remained viable. Their argument was straightforward: A national retailer provides unmatched visibility and sales potential that many small businesses cannot achieve on their own. If Target drops them, returning to retail shelves elsewhere can be an uphill battle (The Grio, 2025).

Furthermore, there was no clear leadership or consensus on the boycott’s ultimate goal. While it was positioned as a response to Target’s DEI rollback, Black consumers did not necessarily benefit the most from these initiatives. This raises a critical question: What was the intended outcome of the boycott? If the goal was to reinstate DEI programs that predominantly benefited white women, then the movement may have been misdirected. Without a defined endgame, the boycott risked harming Black-owned businesses more than Target itself.

What Comes Next? The Target boycott highlights the complexities of economic activism. While protesting against corporate decisions that undermine diversity is necessary, strategies must be carefully considered to avoid unintended harm. Suppose the goal was to pressure Target to recommit to DEI initiatives. What leverage remains now that the boycott has potentially decreased the viability of Black-owned brands within the store?

Rather than solely withdrawing economic support, a more effective strategy might be a dual approach: boycotting while simultaneously investing in alternative avenues for Black-owned businesses. Supporting Black entrepreneurs through direct purchases, community-based retail partnerships, and online platforms could ensure that these brands continue to thrive regardless of Target’s corporate decisions.

Additionally, Black entrepreneurs and leaders must work toward building large-scale institutions that rival retailers like Target and Walmart. Without independent distribution networks, national visibility, and streamlined logistics, Black-owned brands will continue to face steep barriers when major retailers shift policies. Investing in Black-owned supply chains, cooperative retail spaces, and direct-to-consumer platforms is essential for long-term success (Brookings Institute, 2025).

Conclusion: A Pyrrhic Victory? Ultimately, the boycott against Target may have sent a message, but at what cost? If Black-owned brands lose their national distribution, the movement may have inadvertently done more harm than good. The lesson here is that activism must be strategic and solutions-oriented. The next step should focus on long-term economic empowerment strategies that ensure Black businesses are not solely dependent on major retailers but can also flourish through independent channels. Only then can the movement claim a true victory.

References:

AP News. (2025). “Target Announces DEI Policy Rollback.”
Brookings Institute. (2025). “The Economic Barriers Facing Black-Owned Businesses.”
CNN. (2025). “The Effectiveness of Boycotts in Corporate America.”
Forbes. (2025). “The Cost of Independent Distribution for Small Businesses.”
Harvard Business Review. (2024). “Who Really Benefits from DEI Initiatives?”
Reuters. (2025). “Black-Owned Brands Dropped from Target Amid Boycott.”
Statista. (2025). “Consumer Demographics at Target by Race.”
The Grio. (2025). “Black Entrepreneurs Speak on the Target Boycott.”

The Mental Health Crisis Among Black Men Is a Crisis of Dependency, Lost Masculinity and Purpose

DAMON K JONES

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March 16, 2025

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The Mental Health Crisis Among Black Men Is a Crisis of Dependency, Lost Masculinity and Purpose

Black men in America are facing a silent crisis—an epidemic of mental health issues that is often ignored, misdiagnosed, or dismissed. While significant attention is given to systemic problems, the deeper cause is more personal: Black men are conditioned to be dependent and stripped of their masculinity, leaving them mentally and emotionally unprepared for life’s demands.

This is not merely a crisis of access to therapy or medication; it is a crisis of identity, responsibility, and resilience. Black men are suffering because they are no longer being raised to be leaders, providers, and protectors. Instead, they are conditioned to depend on external systems and adopt behaviors undermining their natural strength. The outcome is a generation of men burdened by depression, anxiety, and a loss of purpose.

For decades, Black men have been trapped in a cycle of learned dependency, stripped of the values of self-sufficiency, discipline, and leadership. Instead of being raised to take charge of their futures, many rely on government programs, institutions, or external validation to survive. The expansion of welfare programs coincided with the removal of Black fathers from the home, leaving boys without masculine guidance. Without a strong father figure, many internalize a passive, dependent mindset, believing the system—not their efforts—determines their destiny.

In schools, young Black boys are encouraged to be compliant rather than competitive, conditioned to follow instead of lead. On the other end of the spectrum, many internalize their father’s wounds, rejecting their vulnerability and turning to toxic expressions of masculinity—joining gangs, embracing crime, and becoming consumed by a broken culture that glorifies violence, materialism, and recklessness. With no grounding in spirituality, no moral compass, and no real sense of self, these young men become Frankensteins in their communities, shaped by societal neglect, family dysfunction, and cultural decay.

The workforce does little to correct this, merely preparing men to seek jobs instead of fostering ownership and independence. Rather than being taught how to build wealth, create businesses, or master skilled trades, many Black men find themselves stuck in low-wage positions, living paycheck to paycheck and never truly escaping economic instability. The result is a generation of men who are either too dependent to lead or too lost to build, neither of which secures the future of Black families and communities.

The decline of factory jobs stripped many Black men of economic stability, undermining their role as providers and weakening their sense of masculinity. Manufacturing once offered well-paying jobs that enabled Black men to support their families without the need for a college degree. When those jobs disappeared due to outsourcing and automation, Black men were left with fewer opportunities, forcing many into lower-paying service jobs predominantly held by women. This shift in the labor market lowered wages and disrupted traditional family structures. As women increasingly surpassed men in education and income, the role of men as financial leaders in the household diminished. The economic emasculation of Black men led to heightened tensions in relationships, a rise in single-mother households, and ultimately, a loss of identity and purpose. Without meaningful work that reinforced their masculine roles, many Black men fell into depression, anxiety, and hopelessness.

As financial independence dwindled, so did the psychological confidence of Black men. Stripped of their role as providers, many internalized a sense of powerlessness, further reinforced by a culture that discouraged masculine resilience. Beyond economic dependency, there is also a psychological conditioning that teaches Black men to externalize their struggles. Many are encouraged to view systemic barriers as insurmountable rather than challenges to overcome. While acknowledging history is essential, overemphasizing external obstacles can lead to stagnation. When a man believes he has no control over his circumstances, he falls into helplessness, which inevitably fuels anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. Without a sense of ownership over his own life, his mental health declines because he is not exercising his natural ability to conquer and create.

The erosion of masculinity has intensified this issue. Black men are not only being taught dependency but are also being deprived of the very traits that foster strength and resilience. Modern culture discourages leadership, discipline, and stoicism, labeling them as toxic rather than essential. Many young men, raised without strong father figures, inherit emotional instability from their mothers, leading to impulsivity, mood swings, and a lack of control. Rather than learning to regulate their emotions and channel their energy productively, they are left to navigate their struggles without the tools needed for mental fortitude.

Beyond emotional instability, many Black men are discouraged from embracing their inherent roles as leaders. Society has normalized passive, aimless lifestyles where men prioritize entertainment and pleasure over purpose and responsibility. The rise of hookup culture has further harmed the Black community, undermining family structures and leading to a new generation of fatherless boys who will grow up as lost as their predecessors. A man lacking purpose, strength, and discipline is destined to suffer mentally.

If Black men are to escape this crisis, they must reject dependency and reclaim their masculinity. This involves fully owning their lives, developing financial independence, and refusing to wait for external solutions. It entails embracing the strength that comes from masculine discipline—mental toughness, physical fitness, and emotional control. It also means restoring the roles of fathers and husbands, ensuring the next generation grows up with guidance, stability, and purpose. Additionally, Black men must rebuild a sense of brotherhood, creating communities where men uplift and challenge each other instead of normalizing complacency and weakness.

The mental health crisis affecting Black men extends beyond therapy and medication; it encompasses purpose, strength, and leadership. Dependency, combined with the erosion of masculinity, has led to depression, anxiety, and instability. However, the solution is evident: Black men need to rebuild their sense of self, reclaim their roles, and restore their mental resilience. The way forward demands individual discipline and a collective commitment to fostering strong communities of Black men who uplift one another and hold each other accountable. A man with purpose, power, and self-reliance is a man who cannot be broken.

Black men in America are facing a silent crisis—an epidemic of mental health issues that is often ignored, misdiagnosed, or dismissed. While significant attention is given to systemic problems, the deeper cause is more personal: Black men are conditioned to be dependent and stripped of their masculinity, leaving them mentally and emotionally unprepared for life’s demands.

This is not just a crisis of access to therapy or medication; it is a crisis of identity, responsibility, and resilience. Black men are suffering because they are no longer raised to be leaders, providers, and protectors. Instead, they are conditioned to rely on external systems and adopt behaviors that weaken their natural strength. The result is a generation of men plagued by depression, anxiety, and a loss of purpose.

For decades, Black men have been trapped in a cycle of learned dependency. Instead of being taught self-sufficiency, discipline, and leadership, many are raised to rely on government programs, institutions, or societal validation to get by. The expansion of welfare programs, for instance, coincided with the decline of Black fathers in the home. As men were systematically removed from their roles as providers, boys grew up without masculine guidance, learning that the system—not their own efforts—determines their future. In schools, young Black boys are encouraged to be compliant rather than competitive and are conditioned to follow instead of lead. The workforce does little to amend this, training men to seek jobs instead of cultivating the skills and mindset needed for ownership and independence. Instead of building wealth, many Black men are left living paycheck to paycheck, never truly escaping economic instability.

The decline of factory jobs stripped many Black men of economic stability, undermining their role as providers and weakening their sense of masculinity. Manufacturing once provided well-paying jobs that allowed Black men to support their families without needing a college degree. When those jobs disappeared due to outsourcing and automation, Black men were left with fewer opportunities, forcing many into lower-paying service jobs dominated by women. This shift in the labor market reduced wages and disrupted traditional family structures. With women increasingly outpacing men in education and income, the role of men as financial leaders in the household diminished. The economic emasculation of Black men led to increased tensions in relationships, a rise in single-mother households, and, ultimately, a loss of identity and purpose. Without meaningful work that reinforced their masculine role, many Black men spiraled into depression, anxiety, and hopelessness.

As financial independence dwindled, so did the psychological confidence of Black men. Stripped of their role as providers, many internalized a sense of powerlessness, further reinforced by a culture that discouraged masculine resilience. Beyond economic dependency, there is also a psychological conditioning that teaches Black men to externalize their struggles. Many are encouraged to view systemic barriers as insurmountable rather than challenges to overcome. While acknowledging history is essential, overemphasizing external obstacles can lead to stagnation. When a man believes he has no control over his circumstances, he falls into helplessness, which inevitably fuels anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. Without a sense of ownership over his own life, his mental health declines because he is not exercising his natural ability to conquer and create.

The erosion of masculinity has intensified this issue. Black men are not only being taught dependency but are also being deprived of the very traits that foster strength and resilience. Modern culture discourages leadership, discipline, and stoicism, labeling them as toxic rather than essential. Many young men, raised without strong father figures, inherit emotional instability from their mothers, leading to impulsivity, mood swings, and a lack of control. Rather than learning to regulate their emotions and channel their energy productively, they are left to navigate their struggles without the tools needed for mental fortitude.

In addition to emotional instability, many Black men are discouraged from embracing their natural role as leaders. Society has normalized passive, aimless lifestyles, where men focus more on entertainment and pleasure than purpose and responsibility. The rise of hookup culture has further damaged the Black community, weakening family structures and leading to a new generation of fatherless boys who will grow up just as lost as their predecessors. A man without purpose, strength, and discipline is bound to suffer mentally.

If Black men are to escape this crisis, they must reject dependency and reclaim their masculinity. This involves fully owning their lives, developing financial independence, and refusing to wait for external solutions. It entails embracing the strength that comes from masculine discipline—mental toughness, physical fitness, and emotional control. It also means restoring the roles of fathers and husbands, ensuring the next generation grows up with guidance, stability, and purpose. Additionally, Black men must rebuild a sense of brotherhood, creating communities where men uplift and challenge each other instead of normalizing complacency and weakness.

The mental health crisis affecting Black men extends beyond therapy and medication; it encompasses purpose, strength, and leadership. Dependency, combined with the erosion of masculinity, has led to depression, anxiety, and instability. However, the solution is evident: Black men need to rebuild their sense of self, reclaim their roles, and restore their mental resilience. The way forward demands individual discipline and a collective commitment to fostering strong communities of Black men who uplift one another and hold each other accountable. A man with purpose, power, and self-reliance is a man who cannot be broken.

Westchester’s Housing Crisis: How Systemic Segregation Keeps Black Families Locked Out

DAMON K JONES

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March 16, 2025

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Westchester’s Housing Crisis: How Systemic Segregation Keeps Black Families Locked Out

Let’s be honest—Westchester County is more segregated than the South. The harsh reality is that Black people in the South often own more homes and live better than those in Westchester. Yet, as long as a few Black individuals are promoted as success stories, the public remains blind to the fact that the average Black person is still looking in from the outside, staring through the glass window of Westchester’s promise.

Westchester County presents an alarming economic disparity for its Black residents. The median household income for Black or African American households is approximately $77,471—significantly lower than the county’s overall median income of $118,411, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This financial gap becomes even more glaring when juxtaposed with the skyrocketing housing market. As of February 2025, the average home value in Westchester County stands at $798,586, a 5.1% increase from the previous year, as reported by Zillow. Furthermore, single-family home prices have surpassed $1 million for the first time, making homeownership an increasingly unattainable goal for Black families, according to CBS News.

Affordable housing programs in Westchester exist but fail to meet the growing demand. Many developments labeled as “affordable” still price homes far above what the average Black household can afford. Predominantly White neighborhoods actively resist the construction of new affordable housing, reinforcing both racial segregation and economic inequality, as noted by New York State Homes & Community Renewal. This resistance is not just passive but actively upheld through exclusionary zoning laws and local legislation that work to maintain the demographic status quo, even in cities with significant Black populations.

In White Plains, where only 12.7% of the population is Black, New Rochelle, where 15.6% of residents are Black, Peekskill, where 15.8% are Black, Yonkers, where 15.84% are Black, and Fairview-Greenburgh, where 56.41% of the population is Black, local government policies continue to restrict multi-family housing developments and affordable homeownership programs that would enable middle-class Black families to enter these housing markets. By implementing zoning restrictions, limiting affordable housing projects, and failing to fund equitable housing initiatives, these cities have ensured that Black residents, even those in the middle class, remain boxed out of homeownership. Additionally, homebuyer assistance programs such as first-time buyer grants are often underfunded and come with restrictive eligibility requirements that disqualify many Black families. Without access to these crucial resources, the dream of homeownership remains elusive.

When advocating for more affordable housing, the focus should not be on Section 8 assistance housing but on developing housing for middle-class Black families who are shut out of homeownership. Westchester’s affordable housing efforts have disproportionately prioritized rental-based Section 8 housing rather than ownership opportunities, reinforcing long-term dependency rather than economic mobility. Developers, who hold significant political influence, continue to push for high-density rental housing projects over owner-occupied properties, as these developments secure long-term financial gains through government-backed housing subsidies. This dynamic ensures that predominantly Black communities, like Mount Vernon, see an increase in low-income rental housing rather than pathways to homeownership.

Mount Vernon, which has the highest Black population in the county, has built more low-income housing than affordable housing for middle-class Black residents. This approach has led to an economic downturn, eroded the tax base, and pushed Mount Vernon into financial crisis. Over the past 20 years, the city has become the dumping ground for Westchester’s poor population rather than a center for Black economic mobility.

Westchester is witnessing an exodus of its Black middle class to counties such as Rockland, Putnam, and Orange, where homeownership is more attainable. Rather than addressing this outmigration, the county has focused on increasing Section 8 housing in historically Black communities like Mount Vernon, effectively ensuring that those who remain are trapped in a cycle of renting. Many Black residents in Mount Vernon are paying the same amount in rent as families who have purchased homes in other counties north or west of Westchester, highlighting the county’s failure to provide equitable homeownership opportunities.

The housing crisis facing Westchester’s Black community today mirrors—and in many ways surpasses—the warnings outlined in the 1992 African American Advisory Board Report to then-County Executive Andrew O’Rourke. More than 30 years ago, the report detailed how the county’s high housing costs had put African Americans at a severe economic disadvantage. At the time, the median sale price of single-family homes had reached $301,650, while the county’s median household income stood at just $39,548. A family earning that income could only qualify for a home costing $100,000—about one-third of the median sale price. Rental costs were also rising, with average rents in 1989 reaching $605 for a studio, $763 for a one-bedroom unit, $941 for two bedrooms, $1,181 for three bedrooms, and $1,456 for four bedrooms. Over 34,000 rental units had been lost due to cooperative and condominium conversions, resulting in a 40% reduction in rental apartments in buildings with five or more units.

Fast forward to 2025, and the situation has only worsened. While the median household income for Black residents has increased to $77,471, it still falls significantly below the county’s overall median of $118,411. Meanwhile, home values have skyrocketed to an average of $798,586, with single-family homes now regularly surpassing $1 million. Rental costs have followed suit, continuing to climb beyond what many families can afford. The same systemic barriers that existed in 1992—lack of affordable housing, restrictive zoning policies, and displacement due to rising property values—have only intensified, further locking Black families out of homeownership and deepening the racial wealth gap.

Since 2000, Westchester County has neglected the housing crisis among middle-class workers, and this political failure has disproportionately impacted the Black middle class, who have been systematically boxed out of homeownership. While local officials tout their affordable housing efforts, these initiatives have overwhelmingly targeted the very low-income population rather than supporting middle-class Black families striving for homeownership. The lack of policies designed to create pathways for working-class and middle-class Black residents to own homes has left them as permanent renters, unable to build generational wealth. The county’s refusal to address exclusionary zoning laws or invest in affordable homeownership initiatives has further entrenched racial and economic disparities, ensuring that Black families remain locked out of Westchester’s housing market.

National reports indicate that homeownership will become increasingly difficult for future generations, but for Black children, the challenge will be nearly impossible, as noted by the Urban Institute. With rising home prices, stagnant wages, and systemic economic barriers, Black families in Westchester—especially those led by single parents—face an uphill battle in achieving the American Dream. Owning real estate is the gateway to generational wealth, yet many Black families are locked out of this opportunity. Homeownership is becoming less of a reality and more of an illusion. If deliberate action is not taken, future generations will find themselves trapped in a cycle where renting is their only option, further widening the racial wealth gap.

According to the Renaissance Club, a political Black think tank, their report Recommendations for Equitable Housing Solutions outlines several necessary actions to address ongoing disparities in Westchester County. The report suggests increasing affordable homeownership initiatives by providing financial incentives for developers to build affordable single-family homes and expanding funding for first-time homebuyer programs targeting middle-class Black families. It calls for zoning policy reforms, including eliminating restrictive zoning laws that limit multi-family and affordable housing developments and promoting mixed-income housing initiatives in predominantly White communities. To address systemic economic barriers, the report recommends implementing policies to bridge the wealth gap, such as down payment assistance and property tax relief for first-time Black homeowners, along with strengthening enforcement against discriminatory lending practices. Additionally, the report emphasizes the need to encourage economic mobility in Black communities by shifting the focus from rental-based Section 8 programs to homeownership opportunities and investing in financial literacy programs to support long-term economic stability for Black families.

Sources:

U.S. Census Bureau. (2023). Westchester County Household Income Data.
Zillow. (2025). Westchester County Housing Market Report.
CBS News. (2025). Westchester Single-Family Homes Surpass $1 Million in Median Sale Price.
National Community Reinvestment Coalition. (2022). Discriminatory Lending Practices Study.
Tax Foundation. (2024). Property Tax Rankings in the United States.
Westchester Index. (2023). Income Disparities in Westchester County.
Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors. (2024). Housing Market Trends in Westchester.
New York State Homes & Community Renewal. (2024). Affordable Housing Resistance in Suburban Areas.
Urban Institute. (2023). Future Homeownership Trends in Minority Communities.
Westchester County African American Advisory Board Report. (1992). Housing Crisis Analysis.

Pineapple: A Superfood for Black Health and Wellness

DAMON K JONES

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March 15, 2025

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Pineapple: A Superfood for Black Health and Wellness

In our community, health is wealth. From high blood pressure to diabetes, Black Americans face unique health challenges that require improved nutrition, holistic wellness, and a focus on natural remedies healing. While we honor the traditions of soul food and family recipes, we must also incorporate nutrient-packed foods that support long-term health. One overlooked powerhouse? Pineapple.

This tropical fruit isn’t merely a sweet treat—it’s a natural remedy that can enhance immunity, combat inflammation, aid digestion, and even promote heart health. It’s time we start giving pineapple the same recognition we give to other superfoods like kale and sea moss.

A Natural Immunity Booster for Our Community

Black Americans are disproportionately affected by chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory conditions. One way to stay ahead is by naturally strengthening our immune systems. Pineapple is rich in vitamin C—one cup provides more than the daily recommended intake. This means better protection against colds, flu, and infections, helping to keep our bodies strong throughout the year.

Fighting Inflammation: A Key to Longevity

Inflammation is the root cause of many health problems that affect our community, ranging from arthritis to heart disease. Pineapple contains bromelain, a potent enzyme that combats inflammation, reduces swelling, and alleviates pain. Pineapple could be a game-changer for your diet if you experience joint pain, digestive issues, or post-workout soreness.

Heart Health: Protecting Ourselves from Silent Killers

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Black Americans. Many of us have witnessed loved ones struggle with high blood pressure, strokes, and heart attacks. Pineapple can help. It’s high in potassium, which naturally lowers blood pressure, and bromelain, which helps prevent blood clots. Incorporating more pineapple into your meals could be a simple yet effective step toward improving heart health.

Better Digestion, Better Health

Many Black Americans face digestive issues, such as acid reflux, bloating, or food sensitivities. The bromelain in pineapple aids in breaking down proteins and enhancing digestion, making it an excellent choice after a heavy meal. If you’ve ever felt sluggish or bloated after eating, consider adding pineapple to keep your gut healthy and happy.

Glowing Skin and Strong Hair: Natural Beauty from the Inside Out

Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and hair. Rather than depending solely on costly beauty products, we should nourish ourselves from within. The vitamin C in pineapple aids in collagen production, helping our skin remain youthful and radiant. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also benefit acne and scalp health, making it a natural beauty enhancer.

Post-Workout Recovery: A Natural Way to Stay Active

Black health is about movement—whether it’s dancing, walking, or hitting the gym. However, muscle soreness can make it difficult to remain consistent. Pineapple, with its bromelain content, helps alleviate muscle pain and accelerate recovery. A fresh pineapple smoothie after a workout offers a natural way to stay energized and pain-free.

A Sweet, Healthy Alternative

We all love our sweet treats, but excessive processed sugar can lead to diabetes and other health problems. Pineapple is nature’s candy—sweet, satisfying, and filled with nutrients instead of empty calories. It’s a fantastic way to satisfy a sweet tooth without negatively impacting your health.

Reclaiming Our Health, One Bite at a Time

Black health and wellness begin with what we put on our plates. Pineapple isn’t just a tasty fruit—it’s a means for better living. From heart health to radiant skin, it’s a natural powerhouse that should be a staple in our kitchens.

Let’s begin embracing the foods that nourish, heal, and empower us. Pineapple is more than just a fruit—it represents a step toward reclaiming our health, one bite at a time.

The Impact of Black Doctors on Black Life Expectancy and the Need for Black-Centered Medical Care

DAMON K JONES

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March 15, 2025

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The Impact of Black Doctors on Black Life Expectancy and the Need for Black-Centered Medical Care

A growing body of research suggests that the presence of Black physicians within a community has a significant impact on the health and longevity of Black residents. A study published in JAMA Network Open highlights this connection, revealing that counties with a higher representation of Black primary care physicians (PCPs) experience increased life expectancy and reduced mortality rates among Black populations.

The Health Crisis in the Black Community

Black Americans face a disproportionate burden of chronic illnesses, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and maternal mortality. Limited access to quality healthcare, socioeconomic barriers, and systemic medical biases contribute to these alarming disparities. Studies show that Black patients often receive lower-quality care, are less likely to be prescribed pain medication for the same ailments as white patients, and have higher mortality rates from preventable diseases. These challenges underscore the urgent need for a healthcare system that is attuned to the specific health concerns and experiences of Black communities.

The Mental Health Crisis in Black Communities

In addition to physical health disparities, the Black community faces a growing mental health crisis. Black men and women experience high rates of anxiety, depression, and trauma, yet they often lack access to culturally competent mental health care. Systemic racism, economic struggles, and exposure to violence contribute to increased psychological distress, while the stigma surrounding mental health issues within the Black community further discourages individuals from seeking help. The lack of Black mental health professionals exacerbates the problem, as many Black individuals prefer to speak with therapists who understand their lived experiences. Expanding access to Black therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists is critical to ensuring comprehensive mental health support and breaking cycles of trauma and untreated mental illness.

The Findings of the Study

The study found that a 10% increase in the proportion of Black PCPs within a county was linked to an average gain of 31 days in life expectancy for Black individuals. Additionally, communities with a greater number of Black doctors exhibited lower overall mortality rates for Black residents. These results indicate that physician diversity plays a crucial role in mitigating health disparities and improving long-term health outcomes for Black communities.

Why Black Doctors Make a Difference

The presence of Black doctors significantly enhances health outcomes for Black communities in several ways. Black physicians are more likely to practice in underserved areas, which improves access to healthcare for residents who might otherwise face barriers to medical services. They also provide culturally competent care that aligns with the specific needs, experiences, and concerns of Black patients, fostering greater trust and adherence to medical advice. Additionally, higher representation of Black doctors is linked to closing the gap in mortality rates between Black and white populations. Many Black individuals have a deep-rooted distrust toward the medical system due to historical injustices and systemic disparities. Having healthcare providers who share their background can help alleviate these concerns, leading to improved patient engagement and better health outcomes.

The Need for Black-Centered Medical and Mental Health Care

To address the ongoing health crisis in Black communities, it is imperative to establish Black-centered medical care. This requires not only increasing the number of Black doctors but also creating healthcare models that prioritize the unique needs of Black patients. Black-led health clinics should be expanded in predominantly Black communities to provide specialized care. More research must be conducted on health conditions that disproportionately affect Black individuals to develop targeted treatment approaches. Policies must be implemented to eliminate racial bias in healthcare settings, ensuring equitable treatment for all patients. Furthermore, medical schools need to actively recruit and support Black students, creating pathways for them to enter the medical field and serve their communities.

Just as increasing Black physicians is essential to improving physical health outcomes, expanding access to Black mental health professionals is equally important in addressing the psychological well-being of Black Americans. More funding should be allocated to mental health programs that cater specifically to Black communities, ensuring that therapy, counseling, and psychiatric services are accessible, affordable, and free from racial bias.

Addressing the Shortage of Black Physicians and Mental Health Professionals

Despite the clear benefits, Black doctors remain underrepresented in the healthcare industry. Increasing diversity in medical schools is crucial, alongside providing financial and educational support for aspiring Black medical professionals. Equitable hiring practices in healthcare institutions must be encouraged to ensure fair representation. A collective effort from policymakers, medical institutions, and community leaders is necessary to address this shortage and strengthen the healthcare system for Black populations. Similarly, efforts should be made to encourage and support Black professionals pursuing careers in mental health, ensuring that Black communities have access to mental health care providers who understand their unique struggles.

Conclusion

The study underscores a crucial link between the racial diversity of healthcare providers and the health outcomes of the communities they serve. The ongoing health crisis in Black communities further highlights the urgent need for Black-centered medical care. By increasing the number of Black physicians and mental health professionals and developing healthcare systems that directly address the unique challenges faced by Black individuals, significant progress can be made in reducing racial health disparities and improving life expectancy for Black populations across the country.

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Snyder Et Alblack Rep in Primary Care Physician Workforce and Its Assoc With Population Life Expectancy and… by damonkjones on Scribd

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Sources:

The Health Crisis in the Black Community

The Mental Health Crisis in Black Communities

The Findings of the Study

Why Black Doctors Make a Difference

The Need for Black-Centered Medical and Mental Health Care

Addressing the Shortage of Black Physicians and Mental Health Professionals

Conclusion

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