Economic Realities and Truth.

On many times, white bigots say that since other ethnic groups from Europe over 100 years ago got themselves up by their own bootstraps, then black Americans must do the same. What these bigots omit is that over 100 years ago, these immigrant ethnic groups received loans, subsidies, and other benefits to live and work in America. They didn't get a total free ride and I respect the contributions of immigrants in America. Black Americans were in this land involuntarily centuries ago via ships and chains. Slavery ended not too long ago in America. Slavery only ended legally in 1865. Even after 1865, there were vagrancy policies and the peonage system in the United States, which was virtual slavery that lasted into the early 20th century. Many of my third great grandparents were slaves in America. Also, black Americans made monumental institutions and contributions throughout American history. Therefore, as black people, we should always defend our human dignity greatly. We must always work hard and reject pessimism, but we shouldn't poor shame or shame others because of their conditions. We inspire change as human beings.

There is an immigration crisis in the world. When you have one child who died at Christmas Eve, then you know that you have a problem. Trump is a habitual liar on this issue. The truth is that a wall across the whole border doesn't work and it's impossible. You have mountains and rivers in the U.S./Mexico border. Also, drug traffickers dig hole hundreds of feet underneath the Earth to come into America. No wall can stop that. Some people come into America across oceans. Therefore, we need a more progressive, compassionate solution to enhance immigration. We have a reality where people have visas and DACA children desire educational opportunities. Republicans aren't the only party responsible for this. For decades, both major parties haven't done enough to deal with the issue of immigration. Trump talks about the border, but he also wants to reduce legal immigration too. So, his rhetoric is against immigration in general since he's a xenophobe.

It is important to mention about wealth too. Many black people experience wealth disparities. This has been going on as a product of discrimination, redlining, and corrupt payday loan practices against black Americans. White households own 90% of the national wealth in America while Black households own 2.6% of the national wealth in America (according to Demos.org). Most of that wealth among black people in households belong to the African American Baby Bombers or older black Americans. Many black people rely on credit or living paycheck to paycheck for survival in the States literally. Income exists, but household wealth represents a key indicator of power. That is why when you see a select number of black celebrities and the black upper class making economic money, we have to realize that these people are very talented and worked hard. Yet, the vast majority of black people work just as hard and are working class or poor. Most black people aren't rich. The book Color of Law by Mehrsa Baradaran explains this fully as many black people didn't have access to capital. Wealthy monopolists are consolidating wealth while the poor and working class suffer. It is hypocritical for these conservatives to praise government spending billions of dollars to cause large car companies to stay afloat (or support government bailouts), but they refuse to allow the government to invest billions of dollars to build the black community. The black community needs respect and investments. We should both create our independent institutions, work collectively with each other, fight for economic rights, and honor investments (since our ancestors worked in this land for free without just compensation. We are entitled to justice). That is why we need to use politics and policies along with understanding economics in getting solutions. Fairness and liberation are always promoted by me.


Sister Koryn Hawthorne experienced her birthday recently. She is now 21 years old and she is a young gospel singer. Abbeville, Louisiana is the place of her birth. Her debut studio album, Unstoppable, was released on July 13, 2018, and it earned her multiple awards nominations, including a Grammy nomination. She appeared on the show called The Voice and she has a great voice. Ever since she was 9 years old, she took singing seriously as a future career. In November 2018, Hawthorne took the stage on Soul Train Awards, performing her hit single "Won't He Do It." She will continue to do her thing in terms of her walk plus music in years plus decades to come. I wish Sister Koryn Hawthorne more blessings. Brother John Amos had a birthday yesterday. He is 79 years old. He was born in Newark, New Jersey. He was gifted to act in a plethora of roles. He has shown non-stereotypical images of black men on TV shows and in the movies from Good Times to other shows. He grew up in East Orange, New Jersey. Amos also played on the Colorado State Rams football team. Following college, he was a Golden Gloves boxing champion. Amos is a veteran of the 50th Armored Division of the New Jersey National Guard and Honorary Master Chief of the United States Coast Guard. He was in the miniseries Roots. Also, he has six children. I wish Brother John Amos more blessings.

I certainly heard of the stories of the people suffering as a product of the partial government shutdown. One person is struggling to pay for medical bills and another person is living paycheck to paycheck. Trump is stubborn to not have any compromise except for his futile wall. It is important to keep the pressure on, so this shutdown will end immediately. The stock market is fluctuating massively and we see new changes in the American atmosphere. Likewise, we are resilient as Americans. We brought humans to the Moon, promoted voting rights, and stood up against injustice throughout the centuries of American existence. A lot of great people live in America. I see these people everyday. Now, we reject naivete. Racism is still a problem in America. Racism is the lie that one's color or physical characteristics determine the worth of a person. Racism is systematic too from the criminal justice system to the job market. That is why we must eradicate racism in the world. Our intentions are clear. We want justice and true liberty. Along with that, we want to see our Brothers and our Sisters to reach their highest potentials.

By Timothy