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What We Forgot for Greed: The Simple Truth The Brady Bunch Knew About Measles in the 1960s

DAMON K JONES
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What We Forgot for Greed: The Simple Truth The Brady Bunch Knew About Measles in the 1960s

I remember a time when childhood illnesses were just that—part of childhood. Watching The Brady Bunch, not in reruns but when it aired live, I recall the episode where all the kids caught the measles. There was no panic, no press conferences, no mandates. The kids stayed home, played board games, and recovered with a little rest and care. That wasn’t television fantasy — it reflected how America once handled common illnesses. Measles was a rite of passage, not a national emergency, because most children were healthy enough to handle it. Their immune systems were strong, and parents trusted them to bounce back without pharmaceutical intervention.

Today, that mindset is almost unrecognizable. A few cases of measles trigger media hysteria, government crackdowns, and public fear campaigns. Schools lock down, health officials rush to microphones, and headlines scream of “outbreaks” before a single child shows real symptoms. In a society where two cases can dominate front-page news, it’s clear this isn’t about health — it’s about control and cash flow. Every declared outbreak sets off a chain reaction where Big Pharma, government agencies, media outlets, and tech companies profit from public fear.

But here’s what no one wants to admit: the real crisis isn’t measles — it’s the weakened state of today’s children. We’ve raised a generation fed on ultra-processed foods, glued to screens, deprived of physical activity, and overexposed to synthetic chemicals. Childhood obesity rates have skyrocketed, bringing with them a host of chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, and inflammation that compromise immune function. These aren’t just lifestyle issues — they are direct assaults on the body’s natural defenses. A child burdened by excess weight and poor nutrition is far less equipped to handle what previous generations shrugged off as minor illnesses.

Decades ago, kids built resilience through real living — fresh air, whole foods, unstructured play, and minimal medical interference. They didn’t need a pharmaceutical schedule of 50+ vaccines by adulthood because their bodies were fortified by nature and nurtured by common sense. Today, we’ve replaced nourishment with convenience, movement with sedentary habits, and immune strength with dependency on drugs and injections. We didn’t suddenly discover that measles or other childhood illnesses were dangerous — we created conditions where even the mildest virus becomes a threat because our children’s systems are too compromised to respond effectively.

This shift didn’t happen by accident. There’s a multi-billion-dollar industry invested in keeping people sick, scared, and dependent. Pharmaceutical giants like Merck profit from every mandated shot. Hospitals and clinics bill for every test and treatment. Government agencies justify bloated budgets through emergency responses. Media companies feast on fear-driven clicks, while tech giants silence dissent to protect these lucrative narratives. Even schools and universities get their cut through compliance grants and research funding.

We’ve allowed a culture to flourish where health is no longer about vitality — it’s about managing decline. The body is treated as defective by design, needing constant pharmaceutical correction. Childhood has been pathologized, and normal immune responses are framed as crises requiring corporate solutions.

The truth is, what’s endangering our children isn’t just exposure to viruses — it’s exposure to a system that profits from their weakness. A system that feeds them processed junk, discourages physical activity, numbs them with screens, and then blames nature when their bodies falter. Instead of addressing the root cause — a toxic environment and a failing food system — we’re told the answer is more shots, more pills, and more fear.

In the 1960s, we didn’t need mass vaccination campaigns for measles because our kids were strong enough to handle it. Today, those same institutions that pushed processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, and over-medication are now selling us the cure for the problems they helped create — demanding trust while silencing anyone who questions the cycle.

If we’re serious about raising healthy children, we have to step outside this profit-driven model. That starts with real food, daily movement, sunlight, sleep, and rebuilding trust in the body’s natural ability to heal. It means rejecting the fear narrative and recognizing that nature isn’t the enemy — but corporate interests might be.

The measles didn’t change. What changed is that we’ve allowed a generation to grow up malnourished, overweight, overstimulated, and overmedicated — and then we act shocked when minor illnesses spark major crises. We could save billions in healthcare costs and avoid endless cycles of panic if we simply returned to common sense: let kids be kids, feed them well, let their bodies do what they’re designed to do, and stop letting fear drive every decision.

Sometimes the most powerful solution isn’t profitable. It’s just practical — like keeping kids home, giving them rest, and trusting that health doesn’t come from a syringe, but from how we live every day.

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not replace the guidance of a licensed healthcare professional. Readers are encouraged to do their own research and consult with trusted medical providers when making health decisions for themselves and their families.

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Measles History and Elimination.https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/history.html
  2. Los Angeles Times (2015). Disneyland Measles Outbreak Leads to California Vaccine Law.https://www.latimes.com/local/politics/la-me-pc-california-vaccine-bill-final-vote-20150625-story.html
  3. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Changing Patterns in Measles Mortality, U.S., 1960–2000s.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2605179
  4. ProPublica. Big Pharma’s Influence on U.S. Public Health Agencies. https://www.propublica.org/series/dollars-for-doctors
  5. New York Times (2019). NYC Targets Orthodox Jewish Communities in Measles Crackdown.https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/09/nyregion/measles-outbreak-vaccine.html
  6. Harvard Public Health Review. Ultra-Processed Foods and Chronic Disease.https://harvardpublichealthreview.org/ultra-processed-foods
  7. OpenSecrets.org. Pharmaceutical Industry Lobbying Statistics. https://www.opensecrets.org/industries/totals.php?ind=H04
  8. Smithsonian Magazine. The Brady Bunch Measles Episode and Its Cultural Legacy.https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/measles-brady-bunch-vaccine-history-180971076

Daryl DMC McDaniels Presents Yonkers Middle School Student Josiah Dominique With $60,000 Garden Of Dreams Inspire Scholarship

AJ Woodson
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Daryl DMC McDaniels Presents Yonkers Middle School Student Josiah Dominique With $60,000 Garden Of Dreams Inspire Scholarship

Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of the iconic Hip-Hop group Run-DMC surprised Josiah Dominique, a Yonkers Middle High School student, with a $60,000 Garden of Dreams Inspire Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded by the Garden of Dreams Foundation and is renewable for up to four years. The foundation annually awards 15 high school seniors $15,000 per year, totaling $60,000.

“Dreams do come true! Our very own talented and brilliant Yonkers Middle High Senior is a recipient of a $60,000 Garden of Dreams Inspire Scholarship. Thank you, Darryl McDaniels of Run DMC, for presenting the scholarship,” Aníbal Soler, Jr., Superintendent of Schools for Yonkers Public Schools, tweeted.

Madison Square Garden’s Garden of Dreams Inspire Scholarship Program is a major financial aid opportunity for high school seniors, particularly those affiliated with Garden of Dreams Foundation partners. Each year, 15 scholars receive a $15,000 scholarship, which can be renewed for up to four years, providing up to $60,000 in total towards their education. The scholarship is intended to help students like Josiah achieve their educational goals and realize their dreams. The Garden of Dreams Foundation aims to make a positive impact on the lives of young people by providing scholarships and other opportunities. 

Mount Vernon Public Library Sues Mount Vernon City School District Over Ballot Exclusion

AJ Woodson
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Mount Vernon Public Library Sues Mount Vernon City School District Over Ballot Exclusion

The Board of Trustees of the Mount Vernon Public Library (MVPL) filed an Article 78 proceeding on Monday, April 21st, against the Board of Education of the Mount Vernon City School District (MVCSD), accusing the District of unlawfully excluding a proposed library bond issue from the upcoming May 2025 school budget ballot.

The Library Board seeks to purchase the childhood home of author E.B. White, who wrote “Charlotte’s Web” and other classic children’s books, located at 101 Summit Ave, to develop a new children’s library branch. To fund the project, they submitted a Library Bond Issue to be placed on the May 2025 school budget ballot. The School District refused to include the bond issue on the ballot, which the MVPL is alleging violates New York Education Law.

According to the verified petition filed in Westchester County Supreme Court (see below), the School District was legally obligated under New York Education Law to place the bond issue on the ballot—but declined without explanation.

The MVPL Board of Trustees v the MVCSD Board of Trustees Petition by BLACK WESTCHESTER MAGAZINE on Scribd

The MVPL Trustees argue they followed all legal procedures and cite multiple Education Law provisions and prior legal precedents that assert the School District has no discretion to reject the submission. The MVPL argues that the MVC School District is legally required to include its bond issue on the school budget ballot under Education Law §§ 259 & 260.

According to the petition, the MVPL is asking the court to compel the MVCSD to include the Library Bond Issue on the May 2025 ballot. To require a corrected Legal Notice, including the Library Bond, to stop finalizing the ballot until the Court makes a decision, and to grant injunctive relief to prevent irreparable harm to the Library project.

The MVCSD has formally responded to a lawsuit filed by the MVPL (see document below), arguing that the Library failed to meet key deadlines required to place a bond proposition on the May 20 school budget ballot.

61625 2025 the Board of Trustees v the Board of Trustees Affirmation 12 by BLACK WESTCHESTER MAGAZINE on Scribd

In a court filing submitted on Wednesday, April 23rd, District Records Access Officer Lori Ann Perriello states that while the Library expressed interest in submitting the bond as early as February, it failed to provide final documentation—including a required environmental review—by the April 1 deadline. The bond proposition was therefore excluded from the legal notice approved by the School Board.

Without swift action, the library risks losing the property as the developer cannot hold it beyond June. The case raises concerns over governance, transparency, and the future of public investment in Mount Vernon’s youth services.

The Mount Vernon City School District voted to adopt the 2025-2026 budget on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The school budget vote is scheduled for May 20, 2025. Voters will also vote for MVPL & MVCSD Trustees on the same day.

The case is pending in Westchester County Supreme Court.

Stay tuned to Black Westchester for more on this developing story!

Forensic Expert Sam Antar Responds to Tish James: Exposes Decades of Fraud

DAMON K JONES
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Forensic Expert Sam Antar Responds to Tish James: Exposes Decades of Fraud

New York Attorney General Letitia “Tish” James is under intense scrutiny following revelations of alleged mortgage fraud tied to her Brooklyn property. In a follow-up interview on NewsMax with forensic accountant and former felon-turned-FBI consultant Sam Antar, new details emerged confirming that James may have misrepresented key financial documents for personal gain—despite her high-profile pursuit of former President Donald Trump for similar accusations.

Antar, whose initial investigation into James went viral after being shared by President Trump, outlined a pattern of fraudulent behavior spanning decades. The core issue centers on a Brooklyn residence James purchased 25 years ago. Public records show the property has a certificate of occupancy for five units, yet James allegedly reported it as a four-unit property—potentially to secure better mortgage terms, a move Antar labeled as clear fraud.

Read: Mortgage Fraud Allegations Rock New York AG Letitia James

The New York City Department of Buildings has since verified that the property is indeed configured as five units. Further evidence includes six active electric meters—one for each unit and a common area—corroborating the official records. Following these revelations, two formal complaints were filed, and tenants have begun voicing concerns about neglected conditions, including peeling paint, signaling possible violations of New York’s housing maintenance codes.

Adding to the legal firestorm, a criminal referral has reportedly been sent to the Department of Justice (DOJ). While the DOJ declined to comment on the ongoing matter, experts note that mortgage fraud carries severe penalties—up to 30 years in prison and fines reaching $1 million. Although such maximum sentences are unlikely, Antar emphasized that the statute of limitations remains active for many of the alleged offenses.

“This isn’t a one-time mistake,” Antar stated. “We’re looking at a 30 to 40-year pattern of deceit—false mortgage documents, inaccurate financial disclosures, and omissions in state filings since at least 2019.”

Political analysts suggest that Governor Kathy Hochul may soon be forced to distance herself from James, potentially pressuring her resignation to contain the fallout. “I expect Hochul to push her out,” Antar predicted, noting that while the state may avoid pursuing full charges, James’ position as Attorney General is becoming untenable.

Critics have highlighted the irony of James’ aggressive legal campaign against Trump, questioning how someone allegedly engaged in financial misconduct could lead such a case. “When you’re involved in crime, you usually keep a low profile,” Antar remarked. “Why she thought she could get away with this forever is beyond me.”

Interestingly, Antar revealed that his investigation into James was incidental. A Democrat himself, he had been examining the finances of multiple New York politicians when James’ irregularities surfaced.

As this bombshell investigation unfolds, questions remain about accountability within New York’s political system—and whether justice will be applied equally, regardless of office or affiliation.

Black Westchester will continue to monitor developments in this case.

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

DAMON K JONES
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0
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.

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