Benjamin F. Chavis: Saving steel saves Black communities

For decades, Black Americans have dealt with systemic obstacles when it comes to economic opportunity. Between limited access to good jobs and the gradual decline of manufacturing in our communities, many Black Americans have struggled to provide for their families. Recently, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has made a bold and important stand by supporting the proposed partnership between Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel – a collaboration that will not only keep the U.S. manufacturing industry competitive and strong but also provide stable jobs and economic security for Black Americans and their families. The CBC’s recent letter to President Biden is a critical recognition of the economic realities facing workers, particularly in majority Black communities. At one point in time, cities like Gary, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Birmingham, Alabama, were the heart of America’s industrial strength. Today, these former industrial hubs are struggling to recover from economic decline and significant job losses. The collapse of the steel industry has left devastating effects – predominantly on the Black communities surrounding our once-thriving industrial cities. However, with the proposed partnership between Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel on the table, we have a chance to reverse that damage and restore the pathway to...