“Name It and Claim It”: Black Americans Must Work Together To Reclaim Our Power

By Dr. Brooks Robinson\Black Economics.org Photos: YouTube Screenshots\Wikimedia Commons Logically, and it should not be surprising, our late November 2024 release of an analysis brief on “group economics” revealed that Black Americans practiced the just-mentioned concept by spending a mere estimated 13.1% of our total “spending power” with Black Americanentrepreneurs during 2020.[i] The current splintering and fragmenting of the US along political lines is also mirrored along raciallines. Given the current high level of uncertainty and prospects for its continued intensity and longduration makes the following statement appear as a wise choice: Black Americans should preparefor a renewed surge of fighting in the undeclared, but over 400 year-long war in the US. We are not referring here so much to violent conflict; although that is certainly included. Rather,concern is focused on socioeconomic and political conflicts. Economically, we can do no better than ensure the functional/operational existence and practiceof Kujichagulia and Ujamaa, self-determination and cooperative economics, respectively, in our“areas of influence” (communities).[ii] Even before this preferred condition materializes, and to ensure it is sustained and expanded, it isimportant to “name it and claim it.”[iii] Such a positive affirmation and agreement on BlackAmericans’ practical goals and aspirations is essential for our success—knowing...