Melanated.Offsprings.Committed.Organized.Networking.To.Transform, Elevate & Empower
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~ Activism ~
​KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
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Bill Of Rights
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1st Amendment: Guarantees freedom of religion, speech, the press, assembly, and the right to petition the government.
2nd Amendment: Protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms.
3rd Amendment: Prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes.
4th Amendment: Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
5th Amendment: Guarantees rights in criminal cases, including protection against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and ensures due process of law.
6th Amendment: Guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial, the right to counsel, and the right to confront witnesses.
7th Amendment: Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases.
8th Amendment: Prohibits excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.
9th Amendment: States that the enumeration of specific rights in the Constitution does not mean that other rights, not specifically mentioned, are not also protected.
10th Amendment: Reserves powers not delegated to the federal government, nor prohibited to the states, to the states or the people.
11th Amendment: Prevents federal courts from hearing lawsuits against states by citizens of other states or foreign countries.
12th Amendment: Changed the method of electing the President and Vice President.
13th Amendment: Abolished slavery.
14th Amendment: Granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including former slaves, and guaranteed equal protection under the law.
15th Amendment: Prohibits the denial of the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
19th Amendment: Granted women the right to vote.
25th Amendment: Addresses presidential succession and disability, and the filling of a vacancy in the office of Vice President.
"Deprivation Of Rights Under Color Of Law"
- 18 U.S. Code § 242 -
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Whoever, under color of any law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom, willfully subjects any person in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, Possession, or District to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States, or to different punishments, pains, or penalties, on account of such person being an alien, or by reason of his color, or race, than are prescribed for the punishment of citizens, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if bodily injury results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include the use, attempted use, or threatened use of a dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and if death results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to death.
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(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 696; Pub. L. 90–284, title I, §â€¯103(b), Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 75; Pub. L. 100–690, title VII, §â€¯7019, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4396; Pub. L. 103–322, title VI, §â€¯60006(b), title XXXII, §§â€¯320103(b), 320201(b), title XXXIII, §â€¯330016(1)(H), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 1970, 2109, 2113, 2147; Pub. L. 104–294, title VI, §§â€¯604(b)(14)(B), 607(a), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3507, 3511.)
Additional US Laws That Benefit African Americans:
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Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, protecting African Americans' rights in employment, education, and public accommodations.
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Voting Rights Act of 1965: Protected African Americans' right to vote by prohibiting racial discrimination in voting practices.
In recent years, laws and initiatives have focused on addressing systemic inequalities:
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Inflation Reduction Act: (August 16, 2022) Aims to lower healthcare costs, provide affordable housing, and create jobs in clean energy, benefiting African American communities.
How To Deal With Law Enforcement?
​​​What Can We Do About Police Misconduct In the Black Community?
Education and Awareness
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Know your rights: Educate yourself and others on our civil rights and how to interact with the police.
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Document all incidents by recording police interactions of misconduct, whether it be of yourself or another Black person.
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Share stories and experiences to amplify the voices and stories of those affected by police brutality.
Supporting Victims and Families
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We need to help to raise funds for legal support to help Black families who are victimized!.
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Amplify voices of victims' families by spreading their stories on social media, members in the Black community and to elected officials!
Engaging in Non-Violent Direct Action
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Participate in peaceful protests: Join marches, sit-ins, and other non-violent actions to demand change.
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Engage in boycotts and economic withdrawals: Target businesses and institutions that perpetuate systemic racism.
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Use social media for awareness and mobilization: Leverage online platforms to amplify messages and mobilize action.
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Remember, stopping police brutality requires sustained effort, collective action, and a commitment to justice and equality.
Systemic Racism: Definition & Effects
What is Systemic Racism?
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Systemic racism refers to a complex network of economic, political, and social structures that perpetuate racial inequality in America.
This system:
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Disempowers and disenfranchises Black, Indigenous, and other people of color
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Maintains and expands advantages for white people
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Creates unequal opportunities in:
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Perpetuates discrimination within the criminal legal system
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Jobs
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Education
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Housing
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How Does Systemic Racism Affects Blacks in the U.S.?
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Systemic racism has a profound impact on the lives of Black people in the United States, affecting various aspects of their lives. Here are some examples:
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Economic Disparities
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Wealth gap: The median wealth of white families is $171,000, compared to just $17,600 for Black families.
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Unemployment: Black people face higher unemployment rates, with a rate of 6.8% compared to 3.2% for whites.
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Low-wage jobs: Black workers are more likely to be employed in low-wage jobs, with limited opportunities for advancement.
Education
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School funding: Schools in predominantly Black neighborhoods often receive less funding, leading to inadequate resources and facilities.
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Limited access to quality education: Black students are more likely to attend underfunded schools, which can limit their access to quality education and opportunities.
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Discipline disparities: Black students are more likely to face suspension, expulsion, and arrest, which can lead to a pipeline to prison.
Healthcare
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Limited access to healthcare: Black people are more likely to lack health insurance, which leads to shorter lifespans.
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Health disparities: Black people experience higher rates of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
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Maternal mortality: Black women are three to four times more likely to die during childbirth than white women.
Housing and Segregation
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Redlining: Black neighborhoods were historically denied access to credit and investment, leading to disinvestment and poverty.
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Segregation: Black people are more likely to live in segregated neighborhoods, which can limit access to resources, opportunities, and quality education.
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Housing discrimination: Black people face discrimination when renting or buying homes, making it harder to access safe and affordable housing.
Criminal Justice System
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Mass incarceration: Black people are disproportionately represented in the prison population, with Black men being six times more likely to be incarcerated than white men.
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Racial profiling: Black people are more likely to be stopped, searched, and arrested by law enforcement.
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Police brutality: Black people are more likely to experience police violence, which can lead to injury, death, or trauma.
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These are just a few examples of how systemic racism affects Black people in the United States. Addressing these disparities requires a comprehensive approach that involves policy changes, education, and community engagement.
How Can We Fix Systemic Racism As A Race?
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Learn about your rights: Educate yourself on your civil rights and how to assert them.
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Build community: Connect with other Black people and build strong, supportive connections.
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Develop leadership skills to become leaders and advocates for change we are waiting for!
Economic Empowerment
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Support Black-owned businesses to help build economic power within our communities.
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Invest in yourself: Invest in education, skills training, and personal development.
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Build wealth within our communities by buying Black, buying rental properties, savings, investments, and homeownership.
Advocacy and Activism
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Get involved in activism by joining organizations like the ACLU, the NAACP and grassroots movements within our communities.
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Contact elected officials and advocate for policies that benefit our communities.
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Self-Care and Wellness
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Prioritize mental health: Seek support for mental health and prioritize self-care.
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Build healthy relationships: Surround yourself with supportive, healthy relationships.
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Take care of your physical health: Prioritize physical health through healthy eating, exercise, and regular medical check-ups.
Community-Led Solutions
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Support Black community-led initiatives led by Black people, such as community gardens, schools, cultural centers and activism.
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Develop community-based solutions: Develop solutions to address specific community needs, such as food deserts or lack of access to healthcare.
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Build community power: Build collective power through community organizing and advocacy.
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Remember, addressing systemic racism requires a multifaceted approach that involves individual and collective action.​
How to Fix Systemic Racism:
Power Of The Black Dollar:
The Power of the African American Consumer Dollar
The African American consumer market is a significant force in the US economy. Here are some key statistics:
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Buying Power
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$1.4 Trillion: The projected buying power of African Americans in 2023, up from $1.3 trillion in 2020 (Source: Nielsen).
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10% of US Buying Power: African Americans account for approximately 10% of the total US buying power (Source: Nielsen).
Consumer Spending Habits
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$645 Billion: African Americans spent an estimated $645 billion in 2020 on various goods and services (Source: Nielsen).
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Over-Indexing: African Americans over-index in several categories, including:
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Beauty and Personal Care: 17% more likely to purchase beauty and personal care products (Source: Nielsen).
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Entertainment: 21% more likely to spend on entertainment, such as movies and concerts (Source: Nielsen).
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Wealth and Income
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$300 Billion: The estimated combined wealth of African American households in the US (Source: Federal Reserve).
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$43,800: The median household income for African Americans in 2020, up from $40,300 in 2019 (Source: US Census Bureau).
Economic Impact
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2.6 Million Jobs: African American-owned businesses employ approximately 2.6 million people in the US (Source: US Census Bureau).
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$150 Billion: The estimated annual revenue generated by African American-owned businesses (Source: US Census Bureau).
While the African American consumer market is significant, there is still a substantial wealth gap between African Americans and other racial groups in the US. Addressing this gap will require continued economic empowerment and access to resources.
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By understanding the power of the African American consumer dollar, businesses and policymakers can develop strategies to better serve this market and promote economic growth and equality.
Why Support Black-Owned Businesses
Empowering the Black Community: The Importance of Supporting Black-Owned Businesses
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As the world grapples with issues of racial inequality and economic disparities, it has become increasingly clear that supporting Black-owned businesses is crucial for the empowerment and advancement of the Black community.
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The State of Black-Owned Businesses
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According to a report by the National Bureau of Economic Research, Black-owned businesses are significantly underrepresented in the US economy. Despite making up approximately 12% of the population, Black-owned businesses account for only about 2% of all businesses in the country.
The Importance of Supporting Black-Owned Businesses
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Supporting Black-owned businesses is essential for several reasons:
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Economic Empowerment: By supporting Black-owned businesses, individuals can help inject capital into the Black community, creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and reducing poverty.
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Cultural Preservation: Black-owned businesses often reflect the unique cultural heritage and values of the Black community. By supporting these businesses, individuals can help preserve and celebrate Black culture.
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Role Models and Mentorship: Successful Black entrepreneurs can serve as role models and mentors for young people in the community, providing guidance and inspiration for future generations.
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Community Development: Black-owned businesses are more likely to invest in and give back to their local communities, contributing to community development and social cohesion.
Challenges Facing Black-Owned Businesses
Despite their importance, Black-owned businesses face significant challenges, including:
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Limited Access to Capital: Black entrepreneurs often struggle to secure funding and investments, hindering their ability to start and grow their businesses.
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Systemic Racism: Black-owned businesses may face discrimination and bias in areas such as lending, contracting, and government support.
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Lack of Networking Opportunities: Black entrepreneurs may have limited access to networking opportunities, mentorship, and business training.
Solutions and Call to Action
To address these challenges and support the growth of Black-owned businesses, individuals can:
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Seek Out Black-Owned Businesses: Make a conscious effort to seek out and support Black-owned businesses in your community.
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Invest in Black-Owned Businesses: Consider investing in Black-owned businesses or supporting crowdfunding campaigns.
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Advocate for Policy Change: Advocate for policies that support Black-owned businesses, such as increased access to capital and contracting opportunities.
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Mentor and Support Black Entrepreneurs: Offer mentorship, guidance, and support to Black entrepreneurs and business owners.
By supporting Black-owned businesses, individuals can play a critical role in empowering the Black community, promoting economic growth, and celebrating cultural diversity. Together, we can create a more equitable and prosperous society for all.
