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OP-ED: Black America Today

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I freed a thousand slaves, I could have freed a thousand more if they knew they were slaves. ~ Harriet Tubman

We have explored our facts about the Republican Party and our facts about the Democratic Party and I think it is also imperative that we gather the courage to honestly face our reality. And so this week let us honestly look at the state of Black America today.

We know the proverbial 72 percent of all Black children being born to unwed mothers but let us look deeper.

According to the 2012 US Census Bureau American Community Survey was 28.1 percent which was an increase from 25.5 percent in 2005. Black families with children under 18 headed by a single mother have the highest rate of poverty at 47.5 percent.

According to the US Census Bureau 11.5 percent of African Americans live in government housing or section 8 housing while 13.6 percent receive TANF (formerly known as welfare). Slightly over 25 percent of African Americans receive SNAP (formerly known as food stamps).

The Black American adult population is 26.4 million. Black owned business only produced $135 billion in annual receipts while 10 million Asians produced $506 billion. Blacks were also out produced by fewer Mexican Americans, Chinese and Asian Indians.

There are 6 Black CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. Respectively there are nine Asian CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and 10 Hispanic/Latino CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.

Between 2005 to 2012 Black homeownership rates fell from 46 percent to 42.5 percent. The median value of homes owned by Black Americans decreased from $126,000 in 2011 to $122,200 in 2012.

In 2005 the median net worth for African Americans was $12,124. However by 2009 the African American median net worth decreased to $5,677 which was lower than it was in 1984.

Blacks make up just 14 percent of the US population but are 37 percent of the US homeless population.

The latest report shows that the Black unemployment rate is 11.4 percent, more than twice that of whites at 5.3 percent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also shows that as of August 2014 the overall unemployment rate for Black youth (ages 16 to 19) is 32.8 percent. Some reports indicate that the unemployment rate for Black youth in Chicago Illinois is as high as 92. percent.

In 2009- 10 the national graduation rate for Black male students was 52 percent, New York state had the lowest graduation rate for Black males of 37 percent followed by the District of Columbia at 38 percent.

Karen Watson is author of the book, “Being Black and Republican in the Age of Obama”. Email karen.watson@gopbuzz.com

Karen Watson is author of the book, “Being Black and Republican in the Age of Obama”. Email karen.watson@gopbuzz.com

Of all adults arrested in 2012, 27.6 percent were Black. The percentage of black adults arrested for murder was 49.3 percent. Black juveniles accounted for 51.5 percent of all juveniles arrested for violent crimes. Blacks only make up 14 percent of the population.

These facts and trends for African Americans are deeply troubling. Albert Einstein said “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Join me next week as we begin to look at doing things differently.

 

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Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 18 – 24, 2026

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Oakland Post: Week of March 11 -17, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 11 – 17, 2026

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Advice

Women & Wealth: Tips for Navigating Your Lifelong Financial Journey

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Sponsored by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

We are in the midst of a seismic shift in wealth. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Great Wealth Transfer,” describes the unprecedented movement of assets from the Baby Boomer generation to their heirs – an estimated $105 trillion by 2048. And women are poised to inherit most of this.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management’s 2025 Investor Study found that women are not only set to receive significant wealth – they’re actively working to build it on their own. Ninety-three percent of women surveyed who are expecting an inheritance aren’t relying on it to reach their goals.

Here are a few tips for women to consider in their wealth-building journey:

Create a financial roadmap

A detailed, well thought out plan is important. J.P. Morgan’s study found that 90% of those surveyed with a plan feel confident about reaching their financial goals, compared to 49% without one.

Your plan should reflect your unique goals, priorities and circumstances. Consider your investment horizon and risk tolerance, and remember to revisit your plan regularly as life evolves.

Are you saving up for goals like buying a house, sending your kids off to college or retiring early? Where do you want to be in the next five, ten or twenty years? Everyone’s financial situation is unique, so it’s important to think about these questions and build a plan that is unique to your life.

Women tend to live longer than men on average. Many take career breaks or care for family members, which can influence long-term planning. It’s important to adjust your strategy with these factors in mind.

Where to start with investing

Don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Starting to invest doesn’t require a large sum, and beginning early can be beneficial. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to potentially grow over the years. Understand your overall financial situation, set clear goals and develop a long-term plan.

It’s important to also make sure you’re covered for unexpected expenses that come up before you start to invest. Build up a cash emergency fund, typically enough to cover three to six months of expenses, and pay down any high-interest debt.

Taking charge of your finances

The good news is that women are taking charge of their finances. J.P. Morgan’s research found that 75% of women respondents make financial decisions with their partner or take the lead themselves. For those who have a spouse or partner, it’s important for each person in the relationship to play an active role in the process.

Building wealth can be empowering for many women. The same survey found that 73% of women respondents said money gives them “security,” while 64% of Gen Z and Millennial women associated it with “freedom.”

The power of having a team

Some people find it helpful to work with a financial advisor, so you don’t have to tackle things alone. An advisor can help you craft a plan tailored to your needs and keep you on track throughout your lifelong financial journey. If you expect to receive an inheritance, you should also consult with estate planning and tax professionals.

No matter where you are on your wealth-building path, education is key. It’s so important to be an informed investor, and there are plenty of resources out there to help. You can find a library of free educational resources at chase.com/theknow.

As the landscape of wealth continues to evolve, women have a unique opportunity to shape their financial futures and those of generations to come. By staying informed and planning ahead, women have the tools to help them confidently navigate the Great Wealth Transfer and set themselves up for financial freedom.

The views, opinions, estimates and strategies expressed herein constitutes the author’s judgment based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice, and may differ from those expressed by other areas of J.P. Morgan. This information in no way constitutes J.P. Morgan Research and should not be treated as such. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions. For additional guidance on how this information should be applied to your situation, you should consult your advisor.  

JPMorgan Chase & Co., its affiliates, and employees do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any financial transaction.  

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