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RFK Jr.’s Fight Against Food Dyes: What It Means for Black Communities

DAMON K JONES
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RFK Jr.’s Fight Against Food Dyes: What It Means for Black Communities

Health conversations in America often skip over the root causes—especially when it comes to what’s being served in Black communities. Now, with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announcing a plan to eliminate eight synthetic food dyes by 2026, the spotlight is finally turning toward an issue we’ve lived with for decades: toxic additives hiding in plain sight.

These aren’t obscure chemicals tucked away in laboratories. We’re talking about Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1, and others—common dyes found in the snacks, drinks, and cereals lining the shelves of corner stores and supermarkets in our neighborhoods. From Skittles to Gatorade, these bright colors have masked a darker reality: products designed for profit, not health, and disproportionately dumped into communities of color.

For years, studies have hinted—and in some cases, shouted—that these dyes contribute to behavioral issues in children and pose long-term health risks. Yet, federal regulators and food giants stayed silent, even as other countries banned or restricted these same chemicals.

Let’s be honest—this isn’t just about food science. It’s about who gets protected and who gets neglected. Parents have access to organic alternatives and fresh produce in wealthier, often whiter neighborhoods. In Black and Brown communities, we’re handed processed, chemical-laden foods and told it’s affordable convenience.

Like him or not, RFK Jr.’s initiative is a long-overdue acknowledgment of a problem we’ve been forced to swallow—literally. But while Washington debates timelines and voluntary compliance, our children remain exposed.

Here’s where the conversation turns uncomfortable. While Black leaders are sitting at corporate tables with companies like PepsiCo, negotiating diversity hires or sponsorship deals, they’re ignoring the bigger issue. What good is a seat at the table if that table is serving poison?

Read: Don’t Just Boycott Pepsi for DEI — Boycott It for Poisoning Black Communities

It’s time for leadership to shift its focus. Don’t just walk away with promises of a few board positions or community grants—demand accountability. Demand that these corporations stop feeding our kids harmful chemicals under the guise of colorful treats.

This isn’t just RFK Jr.’s fight—it’s ours. True empowerment starts with protecting our health and demanding better from those who profit off our communities. We can’t afford to be distracted by symbolic victories while the real battles—like what’s in our food—go unchallenged.

Black Westchester will continue to call out these injustices because this is more than policy—it’s about survival. Read your labels. Educate your families. Support businesses offering healthier options. And remember, no corporation will value Black lives more than its bottom line—unless we force them to.

The phase-out of toxic food dyes is a start, but the real question is: Will we hold them accountable, or will we settle for crumbs while our children pay the price?

Rep. Comer Refers Andrew Cuomo to Trump DOJ for Criminal Prosecution After Tish James’ Report Exposed Nursing Home Cover-Up

DAMON K JONES
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Rep. Comer Refers Andrew Cuomo to Trump DOJ for Criminal Prosecution After Tish James’ Report Exposed Nursing Home Cover-Up

Biden DOJ Refused to Act Despite NY Attorney General’s Findings and Evidence of Cuomo Lying to Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is once again facing serious legal jeopardy as House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has officially referred him to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution. The referral accuses Cuomo of deliberately lying to Congress to cover up his administration’s role in New York’s COVID-19 nursing home tragedy—a scandal first exposed by none other than New York State Attorney General Letitia “Tish” James.

In January 2021, AG Tish James released a bombshell investigative report revealing that Cuomo’s administration undercounted nursing home COVID-19 deaths by as much as 50%. Her report confirmed what many had long suspected: the Cuomo administration manipulated data to conceal the deadly consequences of its March 25, 2020 directive, which forced nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients. This reckless policy contributed to the deaths of thousands of New York’s most vulnerable residents.

Despite James’ findings and mounting public outrage, Cuomo deflected blame, using a falsified New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) report to shift responsibility onto nursing home staff. Now, evidence gathered by the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic shows that Cuomo not only orchestrated this cover-up but also lied under oath to Congress about his involvement.

Biden DOJ Turned a Blind Eye — Now the Trump DOJ Must Act

After the Biden Justice Department refused to pursue charges, Chairman Comer reissued the criminal referral—this time to Attorney General Pam Bondi under the Trump administration. The referral cites overwhelming evidence that Cuomo knowingly made false statements during a June 2024 transcribed interview, where he denied any role in drafting or reviewing the NYSDOH report exposed by Tish James years earlier.

“Andrew Cuomo wasn’t just incompetent—he was deceitful,” said Chairman Comer. “Tish James’ own report uncovered the truth about the undercounted deaths, yet Cuomo continued to lie, even to Congress. Lying to Congress is a federal crime, and it’s time he’s held accountable.”

The Timeline of a Tragedy and a Cover-Up

  • March 25, 2020: Cuomo orders nursing homes to admit COVID-positive patients, triggering a wave of preventable deaths.
  • July 6, 2020: Cuomo’s administration releases a manipulated NYSDOH report, falsely blaming nursing home staff.
  • January 28, 2021: Attorney General Tish James publishes her report exposing that Cuomo underreported nursing home fatalities by up to 50%.
  • June 11, 2024: Cuomo lies under oath, denying involvement in drafting the NYSDOH report.
  • September 2024: Evidence surfaces of Cuomo attempting to influence witnesses and obstruct investigations.
  • October 30, 2024: Cuomo is referred to the DOJ for criminal prosecution.

Political Protection vs. Accountability

Despite Tish James’ detailed report and subsequent investigations, the Biden DOJ chose political protection over justice—allowing Cuomo to avoid consequences for years. Now, under new leadership, Comer is pressing for the Trump DOJ to enforce the law without partisan bias.

Cuomo’s fall from grace is stark. Once celebrated by national media and political elites as a pandemic hero—even winning an Emmy for his COVID briefings—he now stands accused of covering up one of the deadliest policy failures in New York history.

The Role of Letitia James and Ongoing Obstruction

While AG Tish James was the first major Democrat to publicly challenge Cuomo’s narrative, questions remain about why further state-level prosecutions never materialized. Meanwhile, current Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration has been accused of continuing to withhold critical documents related to the nursing home scandal.

The House Oversight Committee has already subpoenaed Hochul’s office, signaling that the investigation extends beyond Cuomo himself.

Justice for the Victims’ Families

For the thousands of families who lost loved ones in New York nursing homes, this referral represents a long-overdue step toward justice. It highlights not only Cuomo’s actions but also the systemic failures and political shielding that allowed this cover-up to persist.

“The truth was exposed by Tish James in 2021, yet Cuomo continued to lie—confident that his political connections would protect him,” Comer stated. “It’s time for accountability. No politician, no matter how powerful, should escape justice when lives were lost due to deceit and reckless governance.”

With the referral now before Attorney General Pam Bondi, the nation watches to see if Cuomo will finally face prosecution—not just for policy failure, but for allegedly lying to Congress and betraying public trust.

Why Cardinal Robert Sarah Could Be the First Black Pope

DAMON K JONES
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Why Cardinal Robert Sarah Could Be the First Black Pope

Europeans have held the papacy for centuries, reflecting the historical and cultural dominance of the Church’s power centers in Rome and beyond. However, as the Catholic Church evolved, the possibility of a non-European pope has never been more substantial. Among the contenders, Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea stands out as a formidable candidate who could make history as the first Black pope.

A Global Church Needs a Global Leader The Catholic Church is no longer primarily a European institution. Africa is one of the fastest-growing regions for Catholicism, boasting vibrant congregations and increasing clerical influence. The continent’s faithful are among the most devoted, and African clergy have gained recognition for their theological depth and dedication to traditional Catholic values. Cardinal Sarah, a native of Guinea, exemplifies this shift and bridges the Church’s past and its future.

A Man of Deep Faith and Conviction, Cardinal Sarah is widely respected for his intellectual rigor, spiritual depth, and unwavering commitment to Catholic doctrine. Throughout his tenure in various Vatican roles, he has advocated for upholding traditional Church teachings on family, sexuality, and liturgy. His steadfast adherence to orthodoxy resonates with many Catholics, particularly those who believe the Church has become too progressive in recent years.

A Conservative Counterbalance  In an era where the Church is grappling with doctrinal debates, Sarah is viewed as a stabilizing figure. His conservative stance on liturgy, morality, and social issues resonates with a significant faction within the Church, particularly those who are cautious about the rapid changes under Pope Francis. This may position him as a unifying figure for cardinals seeking to reaffirm traditional values while maintaining continuity in governance.

A Voice for the Global South If elected, Sarah would offer a new perspective from the Global South, a region that has been underrepresented in papal leadership despite its increasing influence. His life story—rising from humble beginnings in Guinea to become one of the most significant figures in the Vatican—represents the universality of the Catholic Church.

Overcoming Challenges Sarah’s biggest obstacle to becoming pope is his age (79) and his association with traditionalist movements, which some in the Church hierarchy might perceive as a regression from the reforms initiated by Pope Francis. Furthermore, while his rigid views on liturgy and social issues resonate with conservatives, they could alienate progressives who advocate for further reforms.

A Historic Moment The election of Cardinal Robert Sarah as pope would mark a significant milestone for the Catholic Church, representing a new era of inclusivity and global leadership. His theological depth, unwavering convictions, and African heritage make him a compelling choice for those seeking continuity and a transformative shift in papal leadership. Although the conclave is notoriously unpredictable, one thing is sure: if the Church aims to embrace its diverse future, Cardinal Robert Sarah stands out as one of the strongest contenders to lead the way.

Author’s Note:

In discussing the potential for a first Black pope in modern times, it’s essential to recognize a piece of history that is too often forgotten—or deliberately ignored. African popes have already led the Catholic Church in its early centuries. Pope Victor I (189–199 AD), Pope Miltiades (311–314 AD), and Pope Gelasius I (492–496 AD) were all born in Roman Africa and are widely acknowledged by historians as men of African descent. Still, history suggests they weren’t recognized as Black.

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Trump’s New FairTax: The Crossroads of Black Economic Revival or Collapse

DAMON K JONES
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Trump’s New FairTax: The Crossroads of Black Economic Revival or Collapse

If Congress passes the FairTax Act of 2025, Black America will face a defining moment that will either spark an economic awakening or accelerate financial collapse. This bill eliminates federal income taxes, payroll taxes, and the IRS, replacing them with a 23% national sales tax on nearly every new good and service we buy.

At first glance, it sounds like freedom—more take-home pay, no tax returns, no audits. But beneath the surface, this is a system designed to punish consumers and reward owners, savers, and investors. For a community conditioned into consumerism, this shift is more than policy—it’s a test of survival.

For too long, Black America has been trapped in a culture where success is measured by what we spend, not what we own. We’ve been targeted by corporations, misled by political elites, and distracted by symbolic victories, while the foundation of real economic power—ownership, investment, and financial literacy—has been ignored.

Supporters of the FairTax highlight the monthly rebate as protection for working families. Every legal resident household would receive a check designed to cover the taxes on necessities up to the poverty level. But let’s be clear—this rebate isn’t a pathway to prosperity. It’s a bare-minimum survival check. A family of four might receive around $575 a month. A single person, about $279: that’s enough to cover groceries and basic living expenses, but beyond that, every dollar spent is fully exposed to a 23% tax. For Black households already living paycheck to paycheck, striving for anything beyond survival will come at a steep price.

The numbers speak for themselves. Black America holds $1.8 trillion in spending power, yet only a mere two percent circulates within Black-owned businesses. The median Black household possesses just $24,100 in wealth, compared to $188,200 for white households—a gap driven not by income, but by ownership. Only thirty-four percent of Black households invest in the stock market, while sixty-one percent of white households do. In a system where spending is taxed and wealth is not, these statistics aren’t just data points—they’re a warning sign.

Read: President Trump’s Tax Cuts: What Do They Mean for Black America

But this isn’t the first time we’ve faced economic exclusion. After emancipation, when we were locked out of America’s financial systems, we built our own. From Black Wall Street in Tulsa to countless other self-sufficient Black communities, we proved that we could create thriving economies rooted in ownership, cooperation, and discipline when forced to rely on ourselves. We didn’t wait for government programs or corporate acceptance—we built, owned, and circulated our dollars.

Today, history is calling us to do it again. But this time, survival won’t come just from strategy—it must come from transforming our thinking. Economics can no longer be treated as a side conversation or something left to experts. It must become part of our faith, culture, and identity. Financial literacy should be taught in our homes, preached in our churches, and discussed in every corner of our community. Saving, investing, and supporting Black businesses must be viewed not as options but as obligations.

We must also stop looking to the Black elite for leadership in this fight. For decades, they’ve led us down a road paved with symbolism and personal gain, delivering speeches while delivering nothing for the masses. They’ve chased corporate seats and media visibility while leaving the people they claim to represent stuck in poverty and debt. When the FairTax takes effect, they won’t feel its weight, but every day Black families will.

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

The truth is simple. The FairTax Act will either force Black America to embrace economic independence, or it will expose the consequences of generations spent prioritizing consumption over ownership. If we continue to define success by what we wear, drive, or post online, this system will tax us into economic irrelevance. But if we return to the principles that once made our communities strong—discipline, cooperation, and a commitment to building—we can turn this challenge into a victory.

Booker T. Washington once said, “At the bottom of politics, even at the bottom of religion, there must be economic independence.” That wisdom is more relevant today than ever. Black America must decide: will we rise as owners, investors, and builders, or will we let a culture of spending and misguided leadership lead us to destruction?

We have done it before, and we can do it again—but only if we turn economics into faith, culture, and daily action before it’s too late.

OP-ED By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr: Target National Selective Buying Campaign Continues

Black Westchester
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OP-ED By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr: Target National Selective Buying Campaign Continues

To those companies who do embrace the inclusion of their diverse consumer base, we say this: Stand with us not just in words, but in deeds. Show your commitment by investing in our communities, supporting our businesses, and partnering with Black-owned media companies that have long carried the mantle of truth, justice, and advocacy.

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and Bobby R. Henry Sr. of the National Newspaper Publishers Association

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing the Black Press of America, hereby reiterates our profound disgust and unwavering opposition to the continued disrespect shown toward Black America by Target Corporation.

Two months ago, the NNPA launched a National Selective Buying and Public Education Campaign in response to Target’s blatant retreat from its stated commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This campaign is not simply about economic protest, it’s about justice, dignity, and the unyielding demand for respect.

As far back as October 2024, we sent a formal letter to Target CEO Brian Cornell detailing the company’s persistent refusal to invest in Black-owned newspapers and media outlets. That letter was met with silence. Silence, in the face of truth, is complicity. By ignoring our appeal, Mr. Cornell and Target have made clear that they do not value the voices, institutions, or the economic power of Black America.

Let us be clear: we will not shop where we are disrespected. Our dollars will not finance our own marginalization. The Black Press has, for over 198 years, amplified the stories and struggles of our communities when others would not; we continue to “plead our own cause.” Yet, in 2025, major corporations like Target continue to bypass us in favor of performative gestures and hollow statements.

We therefore announce the continuation and intensification of the target-TARGET national selective buying campaign. We call upon all freedom-loving people from across all segments of society who believe in economic justice, media equity, and corporate accountability to join us.

To those companies who do embrace the inclusion of their diverse consumer base, we say this: Stand with us not just in words, but in deeds. Show your commitment by investing in our communities, supporting our businesses, and partnering with Black-owned media companies that have long carried the mantle of truth, justice, and advocacy.

This is not just about advertising. This is about visibility. This is about representation. This is about the moral obligation of “Good corporate citizenship” by honoring its promises not with press releases, but with action.

The time for silence is over. The time for selective buying is now.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., is President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and can be reached at dr.bchavis@nnpa.org. Black Westchester is a proud member of the NNPA.

When Defenders of Sovereignty Are Branded as Threats: The Hypocrisy of General Langley’s Words on Burkina Faso

DAMON K JONES
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When Defenders of Sovereignty Are Branded as Threats: The Hypocrisy of General Langley’s Words on Burkina Faso

When General Michael Langley, head of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), labels Captain Ibrahim Traoré—the leader of Burkina Faso—as a “threat to his own people,” we must pause and ask: Who truly threatens Africa’s future—its sovereign leaders or foreign generals stationed thousands of miles away?

Let’s not ignore the facts: Captain Traoré has already survived multiple assassination attempts since taking power—an all-too-familiar fate for African leaders who reject Western control and fight for true independence. History tells us that when an African leader dares to stand on sovereignty, reclaim natural resources, and unite with neighboring nations against foreign influence, he becomes a target, not because he endangers his people, but because he threatens global interests.

Captain Traoré’s so-called “crime” is daring to reclaim Burkina Faso’s gold—not for multinational corporations or foreign banks, but to empower his nation. His bold plan to use the country’s wealth to fund infrastructure, development, and self-reliance exposes the uncomfortable truth: Africa’s poverty is manufactured, maintained by those who profit from its resources while keeping its people in chains of dependency.

But Traoré is not alone. Burkina Faso has joined forces with Mali and Niger to form the Alliance of Sahel States—a mutual defense pact designed to protect their sovereignty from both terrorist threats and foreign intervention. Together, these nations have expelled French troops, rejected Western military dictates, and charted a course toward self-reliance. This regional unity represents a direct challenge to AFRICOM and the broader neo-colonial grip on West Africa.

And that is why General Langley and others are sounding alarms.

The late Muammar Gaddafi wasn’t just demonized for his internal policies—he was targeted because he dared to dream beyond Libya’s borders. Gaddafi envisioned a United States of Africa, a continent united under one government, with a gold-backed currency designed to break free from the IMF, World Bank, and Western financial exploitation. That vision posed an existential threat to those who profit from a divided and dependent Africa.

Picture of  Muammar Gaddafi with all the African Presidents on it to show his unity and support for a United States of Africa

So, like Thomas Sankara before him—who called out Western debt traps and fought for African dignity—Gaddafi was labeled a dictator, destabilized, and ultimately assassinated. His nation was left in ruins, and his dream of African unity was buried under NATO bombs.

It’s only a matter of time before Western media outlets begin saturating headlines with familiar phrases:

  • “Authoritarian rule in Burkina Faso”
  • “Human rights concerns under Traoré”
  • “Democracy at risk in the Sahel”

These narratives aren’t about protecting African citizens—they’re about justifying sanctions, covert operations, or even military action to regain control over a region slipping from Western hands.

We must remember how similar rhetoric was deployed to:

  • Justify NATO’s destruction of Libya.
  • Excuse France’s decades-long exploitation through the CFA franc.
  • Cover up the failures of AFRICOM, whose presence has coincided with a dramatic rise in terrorism across the Sahel.

When African leaders choose sovereignty over submission, Western powers don’t respond with respect—they respond with regime change tactics, both economic and military.

Captain Traoré’s vision, alongside Mali and Niger, represents more than national pride—it’s a blueprint for African independence. And that’s precisely why he’s being labeled a threat.

The true danger isn’t Traoré or the Alliance of Sahel States—it’s the desperation of foreign powers unwilling to let Africa control its own destiny. General Langley’s statement is not a defense of human rights—it’s a defense of geopolitical interests.

As media narratives intensify, Africans and the global diaspora must stay vigilant. Question the headlines. Follow the money. Recognize the patterns.

Africa doesn’t need AFRICOM’s protection.
It needs the freedom to determine its future—without being punished for daring to do so.

Pope Francis: A Pontiff for a Changing World

DAMON K JONES
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Pope Francis: A Pontiff for a Changing World

Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has been one of the most transformative and, at times, controversial figures to lead the Catholic Church in modern history. As the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first non-European pontiff in over 1,200 years, Jorge Mario Bergoglio—now Pope Francis—has redefined the tone and priorities of the Vatican.

A Humble Beginning

Born in 1936 to Italian immigrant parents in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis’s early life was far removed from the opulence often associated with the Vatican. His reputation for humility, simplicity, and dedication to the poor followed him throughout his rise in the Church. As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he famously took public transportation and chose to live in a modest apartment rather than the bishop’s palace.

A Papacy Focused on Compassion and Reform

From the outset, Pope Francis signaled a shift from doctrinal rigidity to a focus on mercy, compassion, and social justice. His choice of the name “Francis”—after St. Francis of Assisi, known for his commitment to poverty and peace—was a clear indication of his priorities.

He has challenged global leaders on issues like economic inequality, climate change, and migration, positioning the Church as a moral voice on global social justice. His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ called for urgent action on environmental degradation, marking one of the strongest statements on climate responsibility by any religious leader.

Bridging the Gap—or Widening Divides?

While many have praised Pope Francis for modernizing the Church’s image, his papacy has not been without criticism. Conservatives within the Church accuse him of sowing confusion by softening stances on issues like divorce, LGBTQ+ rights, and interfaith dialogue. His famous remark, “Who am I to judge?” regarding gay priests, sparked both acclaim and backlash.

Moreover, his handling of sexual abuse scandals has drawn scrutiny. Although he has taken steps to address the crisis, critics argue that systemic change has been slow and inconsistent.

Global Influence Beyond Religion

Pope Francis has transcended the role of spiritual leader to become a significant geopolitical figure. He has mediated international conflicts, notably playing a role in the thawing of relations between the U.S. and Cuba in 2014. His outspoken critiques of unfettered capitalism, consumerism, and political populism have positioned him as a countercultural voice in global affairs.

Regardless of one’s view, Pope Francis represents a pivotal chapter in the history of the Catholic Church—one defined by navigating faith through the complexities of a rapidly evolving world. His papacy underscored a central tension facing many global institutions today: how to honor tradition while addressing contemporary challenges such as economic inequality, social justice, climate change, and human rights.

With his passing, the world is left to consider whether his calls for compassion, humility, and reform will inspire lasting change or remain as echoes within a system often resistant to transformation. Pope Francis challenged not only the Church but global leaders and societies to rethink priorities in a world too often driven by profit and power.

The true measure of his legacy will depend on whether those who heard his message choose to act—turning words into deeds, and ideals into impact. In a time of deep division and uncertainty, Pope Francis leaves behind more than a memory; he leaves a challenge to build a more just, humane, and compassionate world.

The Lie About Taxing the Rich — And Why It Hurts Black America Most

DAMON K JONES
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The Lie About Taxing the Rich — And Why It Hurts Black America Most

For decades, politicians have sold America a feel-good story: if we just tax the rich more, everything will get better. Schools will improve, wages will rise, poverty will shrink, and the economy will magically fix itself. But this narrative isn’t just misleading—it’s dangerous, especially for Black Americans.

We’ve been told that taxing the wealthy is a path to fairness and opportunity. In reality, it’s a policy that consistently shrinks opportunity, stifles business growth, and kills the very economic mobility that Black communities desperately need to build generational wealth.

The numbers tell a sobering story. According to the Federal Reserve, the median Black family holds just $24,000 in wealth compared to $188,000 for the median white family—an eightfold gap. Meanwhile, Census Bureau data shows that only 2.4% of U.S. businesses are Black-owned, despite Black Americans making up over 13% of the population. Even among those businesses, most are sole proprietorships with no employees, reflecting systemic barriers to growth, capital access, and market expansion.

So when politicians push policies to “tax the rich,” they aren’t just targeting billionaires—they’re suffocating the very entrepreneurial spirit that Black America needs to escape generational poverty. Higher taxes mean fewer investments, fewer jobs, and fewer Black-owned businesses surviving, let alone thriving.

History makes this clear. Herbert Hoover’s 1932 tax hikes deepened the Great Depression. Franklin D. Roosevelt raised taxes further and triggered a recession in 1937. Lyndon Johnson’s 1968 tax surcharge led to stagflation. George H. W. Bush’s tax increases preceded the 1990 recession. Barack Obama’s 2013 tax hike coincided with a sluggish recovery that left Black wealth and business growth stagnant.

By contrast, the economy expanded when taxes were cut under Coolidge, Kennedy, Reagan, and even Trump. Jobs were created, wages rose, and business formation increased. Between 2017 and 2019 alone, following corporate tax cuts, Black business ownership grew by 13%, and Black unemployment hit record lows.

This is why tax policy matters to Black America. We cannot afford policies that choke economic growth when we are already fighting against a legacy of exclusion from wealth-building opportunities. The solution isn’t more redistribution—it’s fostering an economy where Black ownership and enterprise can flourish.

Frederick Douglass understood this truth by famously saying: “Do nothing with us! Your doing with us has already played the mischief with us. If the Negro cannot stand on his own legs, let him fall… All he asks is to be allowed to do for himself.”

Black America doesn’t need the government to take more from others in our name. We need the government to get out of the way—to stop overtaxing, overregulating, and undermining the economic conditions necessary for us to build businesses, accumulate wealth, and pass it on to future generations.

Thomas Sowell reminded us that, “The real question is not whether the rich are taxed too little, but whether the government spends too much.” Every dollar drained from productive citizens to fund bloated government programs is a dollar that could have been invested in a startup, a storefront, or a family legacy.

We’ve been lied to. Taxing the rich doesn’t empower Black communities—it weakens them. The path to closing the wealth gap isn’t through punishing success but through creating more opportunities for success. That means policies that encourage ownership, investment, and entrepreneurship—not dependency.

While Black Americans collectively hold $1.5 trillion in spending power—enough to rank among the richest nations in the world—we are constantly distracted by leaders and politicians who preach envy of the wealthy instead of teaching the principles of wealth-building. Rather than focusing on cooperative economics, business ownership, and circulating our dollars within our own communities, we’re told to hate “the rich” as if poverty is a virtue. This mindset keeps us consumers, not producers. The truth is, as a people, we are not poor—we are poorly organized. Until we reject the politics of resentment and embrace an economic strategy, that $1.5 trillion will continue to enrich everyone except us.

True Black empowerment will never come from waiting on redistribution. It will come from ownership, enterprise, and economic freedom.

Sources:

  • Federal Reserve: “Survey of Consumer Finances” (2019, 2022)
  • U.S. Census Bureau: Annual Business Survey (2022)
  • IRS: Statistics of Income (2020)
  • Brookings Institution: “Examining the Black-White Wealth Gap” (2020)
  • Tax Foundation: Historical Tax Rates and Economic Outcomes
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics: Black Business Ownership Growth (2017-2019)
  • Frederick Douglass, Self-Made Men Speech (1865)
  • Thomas Sowell, Economic Facts and Fallacies (2008)

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Discusses How He’s Fighting Trump Administration, And Why He’s Running For Governor

AJ Woodson
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Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Discusses How He’s Fighting Trump Administration, And Why He’s Running For Governor

On Sunday, April 20th, the current mayor of New Jersey’s largest city, Ras J. Baraka, joined MSNBC’s “The Weekend” (see video below) to discuss his gubernatorial campaign and the destructive impacts of the Trump administration, particularly for African Americans.

Mayor Baraka, a Newark native, poet, and educator, spoke with Symone Sanders-Townsend and Michael Steele about the opportunities that his family found in New Jersey and how his background is the epitome of the American success story. Mayor Baraka then spoke about supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion as a matter of good government and protecting immigrant communities and due process.

The interview follows an unprecedented joint endorsement by six statewide progressive and labor organizations: Rutgers AAUP-AFT, 32BJ SEIU, New Jersey Citizen Action, Make the Road Action New Jersey, New Jersey Working Families Party, and the Workers United LDFS Joint Board. Polling continues to show Mayor Baraka as not only a leading candidate in the Democratic primary for governor of New Jersey, but as the most favorable candidate among voters. It also follows his 11th State of the City Address he delivered on Thursday, April 17th, from Prudential Hall in the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located at 1 Center Street.

Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced his candidacy in February 2024 at a Black History Month event in Trenton. If he wins, he’d be the first African American governor in the state of New Jersey and only the second Black governor currently in office, next to Gov. Wes Moore in Maryland. Only six Black governors have ever been elected in the history of the United States of America, with two during the post-slavery era, Reconstruction.

For more information on Mayor Ras J. Baraka’s campaign, visit his website and follow him on Instagram, Twitter (X), and Facebook.

Power, Pride, and Planting: The Hidden Gem of Harlem at Diversity Edible Farm Garden

Larnez Kinsey
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Power, Pride, and Planting: The Hidden Gem of Harlem at Diversity Edible Farm Garden

There’s a place right in the heart of our community that’s been growing power, pride, and purpose—and you’ve probably never even noticed it. It’s called Diversity Edible Farm Garden (DEFG), and if you haven’t been there yet, you’re seriously missing out. Nestled at 1673 Madison Avenue, right next to 71 East 111th Street, this is Harlem’s hidden gem, and it’s waiting for you to come and put your hands in the dirt.

Let me tell you—this garden is not just a space to grow vegetables. It’s a place where roots run deep, where history and culture intertwine with the soil beneath our feet, and every seed we plant represents the future of our community. This isn’t your average garden. This is a movement.

From the Ground Up: Power, Pride, and Purpose

This past weekend, Harlem came together for a Community Cleanup, and let me just say, it was everything. We rolled up our sleeves, shared stories, and worked side by side, not just to tidy up the garden, but to reclaim it. This garden isn’t just about planting food—it’s about planting community. It’s about nourishing each other and this land that’s been feeding us long before we were even born.

And here’s the truth: the power of this garden goes beyond the vegetables. When you walk through these rows, you’re stepping into a space where unity happens. You’re walking on the same soil where generations have planted, grown, and fought for a better future. Every harvest tells a story—a story of resilience, culture, and connection. From the kale to the collard greens to the tomatoes, these plants aren’t just for eating; they’re for remembering who we are and where we came from.

This Garden Needs You, Harlem

But listen, if this garden is going to thrive, we need you. I’m talking about the collective power of Harlem. Whether you’ve got a green thumb or you’ve never touched dirt in your life, we want you here. This garden is for everyone—newcomers, elders, kids, artists, activists—every single person who calls Harlem home.

We’re not just growing crops, we’re growing community, and when you step into this space, you’re part of something bigger than just your own backyard. Every weed we pull, every bed we prep, and every seed we plant is an act of empowerment. It’s a reminder that we have control over our own destiny, that we can take care of each other and our space, and that when we come together, we transform.

Every Harvest Tells a Story

What makes this garden special isn’t just the food—it’s what that food represents. Every time we harvest a vegetable, it’s a reflection of who we are as a people. When you bite into that fresh tomato or pick that bunch of collard greens, you’re not just tasting the earth—you’re tasting the history, the resilience, and the love that runs through Harlem. This garden is a reflection of us—strong, proud, and deeply connected.

So, What’s Next?

Now, I know you’re thinking, “I’ve got to be a part of this.” And I’m here to tell you, you can. Whether you come for a Community Cleanup, help plant seeds, or just show up to water the plants, you’re contributing to something that’s going to leave a lasting impact on Harlem. This is your chance to dig in, not just to the soil, but into the heartbeat of Harlem itself.

This garden is your garden, and it’s waiting for you to step into it. Harlem, let’s show up, let’s show out, and let’s grow together.

For more information, email diversityediblefarmgarden@gmail.com.

This isn’t just a garden—it’s a movement. And trust me, you don’t want to miss out. Let’s grow. Let’s connect. Let’s rise.

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