By Alice T. Crowe Black Americans have struggled to build wealth in America through property ownership. Owning land meant freedom. Government policies like redlining and restrictive covenants cheated Black families and communities out of wealth. Jim Crow’s color-coded paper maps were just one ruse in a trick bag of tactics used to normalize segregation and […]
Tag: Black Americans
Posted inWord In Black
Editorial: The right to vote is on trial… again
AFRO CEO and Publisher Frances “Toni” Draper warns that the right to vote is once again under threat as the Supreme Court reviews a case that could weaken the Voting Rights Act. She calls on all Americans to stay vigilant, reminding readers that protecting democracy demands courage, participation, and collective responsibility.
Posted inHealth
Community views sought on organ donation and transplantation survey
Community members are encouraged to share their perspectives on organ donation and transplantation through a new Word In Black survey, which seeks to address disparities affecting Black patients and families.
Posted inOpinion
What do Black Americans have to lose under the 47th president? Everything
Angela Hanks and Jeremy Edwards of The Century Foundation argue that while the 47th president once asked Black voters “What do you have to lose?”, his current presidency has left them with worsening unemployment, rising debt and greater economic vulnerability. They warn that Trump’s economic and social policies — from tariffs to cuts in healthcare, education, and food assistance — are disproportionately harming Black Americans and risk eroding hard-won progress.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
No. 47’s economic promises to Black voters fall woefully short
Black unemployment, income, and homeownership have all declined since Donald Trump’s return to office, leaving many Black voters disillusioned with his economic promises. Critics argue his policies disproportionately hurt Black Americans while benefiting wealthier households, even as Trump tries to frame himself as a champion for working families.
Posted inBUSINESS
Black wealth infrastructure as a safety net
Federal layoffs and industry cuts leave Black families most vulnerable to housing and income loss. Here are some things you should know about asset-building programs and fair lending reforms that offer pathways to lasting Black wealth and resilience.
Posted inCOMMUNITY
Gathering for joy and healing: The power of Black family reunions
Black family reunions are powerful intergenerational spaces for reconnecting, learning, and healing. Passed down through generations, these gatherings preserve history and joy despite centuries of separation and systemic oppression.
Posted inFinancials
The retirement gap: Why Black Americans face an uphill battle in saving for the future
Despite working for decades, many Black Americans reach retirement with significantly less savings than their White counterparts. A 2024 study finds that unequal access to employer-sponsored plans, lower wages and greater economic hardships have fueled this growing racial retirement gap.
Posted inPolitics
Black Americans hit hard as medical debt rule tossed
A federal judge has blocked a Biden administration rule that would have removed medical debt from credit reports, a move that would have helped around 15 million Americans. The decision hits Black Americans hardest, as they are disproportionately burdened by medical
Posted inBlack History
Bailey and Martell: Honoring the legends who shaped country music’s past, present and future
DeFord Bailey is known as a pioneer who helped shape country music, even though he and other Black artists were often sidelined. Their contributions challenge the idea that country music was ever a homogeneous space.
Posted inNational News
Black Americans face unequal burden as US inches closer to war
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — As the U.S. edges toward potential war with Iran, Black Americans face a familiar pattern of disproportionate sacrifice—overrepresented in combat, underrepresented in leadership, and underserved upon returning home. Experts warn that systemic inequalities in military service, veteran care and community investment continue to deepen the burden on Black individuals and families.
Posted inCivil Rights
Post-Floyd, Americans are more pessimistic about racial equality
The gap in perception is wide: while a majority of White Americans still believe racial equality is achievable, most Black Americans say they don’t think they’ll ever have equal rights in this country.