Black Wealth and Politics: The Conversation We are Not Allowed to Have.

#SupportBlackBusinesses

#BuyBlack

#Ownership

#GenerationalWealth

#BlackWallStreet

#FreeGame

These hashtags are not merely hashtags; each one represents a successful grassroots movement created by everyday Black Americans seeking to share vital information with their peers. These platforms have helped many generate income and become financially independent through real estate, investing, and entrepreneurship. Despite the extraordinarily successful outcomes of capitalism, our community not only overwhelmingly supports socialist policies; it shies away from conversations that challenge democratic socialist ideals. In fact, these conversations are often met with emotional and hostile responses. There is a disconnect between what we practice and what we support. But it's time to have the conversation about politics and their impact on our efforts to build generational wealth. We are the cash cow of the nations and a voting bloc for the party whose goal is to establish a society in which there is no private ownership. Many of us have become successful and are focusing on legacy and generational wealth; therefore, it is time to stop thinking of ourselves as oppressed people in need of help. We need to realize that those we vote for and support impede our ability to help ourselves.

We’ve been indoctrinated to believe that our community's disparities and the wealth gap can be remedied by increased government intervention. The entertainment industry, education, and the government have inundated us with the idea that bringing about “equality” entails the redistribution of wealth or, in other words, taxing the rich to help the poor. What they never tell us is that taxing the rich to help the poor only keeps the latter in poverty; it does not create a pathway for them to become financially independent. In fact, it diminishes their opportunities to do so.

For far too long, we have viewed ourselves as the oppressed, as people who need the government to level the playing field so that we can prosper. This, despite data that proves that Black Americans have experienced economic growth during times of little to no government intervention. Blackness is not a handicap: we don’t need them to make a way but, rather, move out of the way.

The Black Wall Street that we all speak of and celebrate was developed during a time of oppression that far surpasses anything we see today. Black people then had far fewer opportunities and less access than Black people in America today; for example, they had limited voting rights and were barely involved in the political system. I understand why some choose not to participate in the voting process, but, as it stands, major decisions are being made on our behalf that will take this country in a direction opposite of where we are trying to go. Yet, the vast majority of Black America votes for those who are making decisions that run contrary to our goals.

Politics has had (and will continue to have) a direct impact on how wealth in America shifts. For this reason, everyone should learn about the various political parties' ideologies and policies. CEOs and industry leaders who choose to participate in the political process do so to protect their interest, wealth, future endeavors, and legacy. The most successful people are the ones planning for their grandchildren's future: they participate in or, at the very least, are informed of decisions that will shape the world their offspring will live in. In contrast, we have been perceiving ourselves as oppressed and have been voting for those who will help us survive rather than those who will allow us to thrive. We have been making political decisions in alignment with this nation's history of violence towards Black people rather than present realities and opportunities. This is the result of psychological warfare and emotional manipulation by the media. They retell our stories (and the resulting traumas) even as they fail to present sustainable solutions that lead to economic independence. Yet, history proves that economic independence is one of the most effective weapons against oppression.

What many fail to realize is that the so-called help and equality offered by socialism have a devastating impact on those it promises to help. Though it may meet basic needs, it stops short of providing quality education and other primary tools that help low-income families rise above their income status and break the cycle of poverty. It is often the middle/working class that is left to pay increased taxes as the wealthy relocate their families and businesses to states with lower taxes. Through over-regulation and high taxes that disincentivize businesses and job creation, socialism limits access to opportunities that would otherwise serve as stepping stones. This is currently happening in places like Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City. You will find that while these cities are known for their diversity, they are racially segregated, and it is mostly minorities who live in poor neighborhoods until gentrification forces them out. You will also find a high cost of living (usually the result of high property taxes), which makes it difficult for low-income families to rise above their economic status and their dependence on public assistance. Do you live in a major city that makes you feel trapped? Socialist policies are what created that trap.

Socialism is oppressive in nature. It has lured frustrated societies worldwide with promises of meeting the needs of the poor only to give more power to the corrupt, the people who create the problems in the first place. Therefore, we should be wary of placing trust in these people as they cannot be trusted to faithfully represent our interests and make decisions that concern our hard-earned money.

The strategy behind creating wealth is learning a skill/trade, monetizing it or building a business around it, owning property and appreciating assets, and investing. Though successfully implemented by millions of people from various backgrounds, this strategy has never been presented to us by our leaders and so-called advocates. If statistical data has proven this strategy to be successful in bringing families out of poverty, why are politicians creating obstructions to it? Furthermore, why are we supporting them? It is time we start connecting our values and interests with our political decisions. It is time to take an unbiased look at the political parties and their policies, as well as research what has historically worked and failed. We can no longer position ourselves to be manipulated by the word racist because the reality is that racism exists at all levels of the political spectrum. Systemic oppression is experienced economically. Simply put, it boils down to money and the restriction of economic opportunity. This should be