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2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Racism is a tool of the wealthy used to keep poor people from uniting. [View all]Zorra
(27,670 posts)63. The History of Racial Economic Inequality
Feb 6, 2013
By Nicole Kenney, NAACP, special to BlackAmericaWeb.com
Poverty, unemployment, home ownership, wealth for each of these economic indicators African Americans fare worse than other racial groups. But why? During Black History Month the NAACP will delve into four major U.S. periods (Slavery, the New Deal, the Reagan Era, and the 2008 Housing Crisis) that have shaped many of African Americans economic realities. These stories are not of victimization African Americans have triumphed and excelled despite centuries of exclusion and oppression. By providing this historic framework, we hope there will be more appreciation for African Americans economic contributions to this country; greater understanding of the grave institutional economic challenges facing African American communities; and support for policies to remedy racial economic inequities in acknowledgement that helping the minority will ultimately help the majority.
snip---
Our country has made tremendous progress, which is evident with the inauguration of President Barack Obama into his second term. However, the racial wounds and vestiges of centuries of institutional racism and economic oppression remain. In 1865, just after Emancipation, African Americans owned .05% of the nations wealth; by 1990 African Americans only owned 1% percent. If wealth is the indicator by which we measure a person, a family, and a communitys economic security, then this stark disparity in wealth gives us insight into why African American communities continue to struggle.
We cannot achieve economic parity until we work to advance policy that explicitly includes African Americans and tackles the centuries of racial economic exclusion. Django Unchained and Lincoln have opened the door to having a thoughtful and honest conversation around slavery. Now, we must keep that door open, acknowledge slaverys economic impacts and discuss real solutions to closing the racial economic divide.
http://blackamericaweb.com/2013/02/06/the-history-of-racial-economic-inequality-part-1-slavery/
By Nicole Kenney, NAACP, special to BlackAmericaWeb.com
Poverty, unemployment, home ownership, wealth for each of these economic indicators African Americans fare worse than other racial groups. But why? During Black History Month the NAACP will delve into four major U.S. periods (Slavery, the New Deal, the Reagan Era, and the 2008 Housing Crisis) that have shaped many of African Americans economic realities. These stories are not of victimization African Americans have triumphed and excelled despite centuries of exclusion and oppression. By providing this historic framework, we hope there will be more appreciation for African Americans economic contributions to this country; greater understanding of the grave institutional economic challenges facing African American communities; and support for policies to remedy racial economic inequities in acknowledgement that helping the minority will ultimately help the majority.
snip---
Our country has made tremendous progress, which is evident with the inauguration of President Barack Obama into his second term. However, the racial wounds and vestiges of centuries of institutional racism and economic oppression remain. In 1865, just after Emancipation, African Americans owned .05% of the nations wealth; by 1990 African Americans only owned 1% percent. If wealth is the indicator by which we measure a person, a family, and a communitys economic security, then this stark disparity in wealth gives us insight into why African American communities continue to struggle.
We cannot achieve economic parity until we work to advance policy that explicitly includes African Americans and tackles the centuries of racial economic exclusion. Django Unchained and Lincoln have opened the door to having a thoughtful and honest conversation around slavery. Now, we must keep that door open, acknowledge slaverys economic impacts and discuss real solutions to closing the racial economic divide.
http://blackamericaweb.com/2013/02/06/the-history-of-racial-economic-inequality-part-1-slavery/
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Racism is a tool of the wealthy used to keep poor people from uniting. [View all]
hootinholler
Aug 2015
OP
"he did because it also included the COPS program and a violence against women act"?
George II
Aug 2015
#89
I never get tired of hearing that because in 1963 not many * Americans wanted to march with MLK
Sunlei
Aug 2015
#134
Exactly what does talking at mean? Does it mean that if I disagree with you I am talking at you?
jwirr
Aug 2015
#60
What is the purpose of focus groups and how are they pulled together ...
1StrongBlackMan
Aug 2015
#123
None of the other candidates have been running for president since their husband was president.
jwirr
Aug 2015
#43
Then she will 'graciously and enthusiastically' invite BLM onstage with her...
AgingAmerican
Aug 2015
#53
I keep trying to explain this to people. Nice to see someone else give it a try.nt
bravenak
Aug 2015
#101
How disingenous was that? Accusing you of using a rw talking points when you say.. "Hillary
Cha
Aug 2015
#135
Oh brother. Another white person telling us all about racism. Can hardly wait. n/t
jtuck004
Aug 2015
#5
Nothing wrong with him having an opinion. White folks have had opinions for several hundred
jtuck004
Aug 2015
#13
I think, just maybe, black people are not the target audience of this piece.
Ed Suspicious
Aug 2015
#22
Well then you need to avoid all politicians not just Bernie. Hillary has much to gain in this
jwirr
Aug 2015
#32
"then you need to avoid all politicians not just Bernie" > That's some sage advice right there.n/t
jtuck004
Aug 2015
#40
Me to - especailly after the crime bills that passed back then. I will take President Obama over
jwirr
Aug 2015
#70
Having read both these books, it's important to note how things intersect
DemocraticWing
Aug 2015
#142
Your post will be ignored because you are a Hillary supporter. And that's a shame because it is
Number23
Aug 2015
#119
"Americans who seek an egalitarian society do not tell black activists to keep their mouths shut
Cha
Aug 2015
#136
The economic justice thing for BLACK men was what was not acceptable in Memphis
JustAnotherGen
Aug 2015
#51
If I can get to NJ, will you marry me? Yeah, I'm married and you're married but I think we can make
Number23
Aug 2015
#116
Anyone who says that is flat out trying to suppress the Dem vote. And full of shit.
bettyellen
Aug 2015
#144