Our response to the 47th president’s DEI budget cuts
An opinion piece argues that Black communities should respond to the 47th president’s cuts to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by relying more on collective economic power and self-funded institutions rather than federal support. The author contends that showing up at the voting polls, strategic spending and community investment are key to preserving Black history, culture and opportunities. The post Our response to the 47th president’s DEI budget cuts appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
Black News 
By Dr. John E. Warren
It is an established fact that President Donald Trump is out to erase Black history and all our contributions to this America now preparing to celebrate 250 years.
As programs and dollars continue to vanish, too many of us are concerned about the loss of federal dollars that have financed so many of our projects. The real issue is not how much are we losing in programs and dollars, but rather what are we willing to do to replace those losses?
Let us not forget that Black people spend over $4 trillion a year in this country. The question is not whether we have money, but rather what we are willing to adjust our spending on so that we can finance our own programs and projects?
Did we not use our churches as places of learning and cultural interaction before government grants became available? Our churches need to reestablish food pantries and libraries and programs for our children and seniors. We seemed too concerned about creating non-profits rather than using our own dollars to finance what we need and releasing some of what we want.
We still have to test those coming to us for help. Not everyone is honest, neither is everyone a crook or thief. As a matter of fact, not every church is church-worthy. As the Bible says, we “must try the spirits” to know who and what we are dealing with.
Bottom line. We defeat Trump by going to the polls and voting our interests. We defeat those who support and think like Trump by not placing them in office. And, we defeat Trump and those who think like and support him by putting our votes and our dollars together as we prepare now for November’s General Election. Let’s not be distracted by Iran, Epstein or Trump. Our focus right now is the governor’s races, congressional seats and reclaiming our share of this dream.
The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the AFRO.
The post Our response to the 47th president’s DEI budget cuts appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
