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OP-ED: Freedom is Not Free

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“The only two that have been willing to freely sacrifice their life for us is Jesus Christ and a soldier” ~ anonymous

General William T. Sherman’s famous quote that “war is hell” is not debatable. As we prepare to celebrate Veterans Day it is important that we be reminded that there has not been any American war or military conflict in which black men have not served.

Blackmen have valiantly fought and received honorary recognition from the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, the Spanish American War, both World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan.

Even though Congress passed legislation in 1776 that allowed black men to enlist in the Armed Services it would take until 1948 for President Truman to sign Executive Order #9981 that would officially end segregation in the military, and declare “equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the Armed Services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin.”

Per the latest US Census, 20.9% of all enlisted soldiers in the Army are black, 18.6% in the Navy, 10.6% in the Marine Corp and 16.6% in the Air Force respectively. The black population of 18 – 55 year olds with a minimum high school diploma is only 12.9%. When we think of our great nation and our freedoms it is all due to the cost paid by our military that have braved the cold and the heat and the hunger and that have been wounded in foreign lands for us all.

G. K. Chesterton stated that “the true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him but because he loves what is behind him.”

As you are reading this column be reminded that there are hundreds of thousands of our men and women serving in the military far away from their families and the comforts of their home defending us right now. The cost paid by these soldiers is beyond the potential loss of their life and health.

Per a January 2014 Stars and Stripes report, about 22 veterans a day take their own life, 62,619 veterans were homeless on a single night in the United States in 2012 – 2013, which represents 13 percent of all homeless adults, according to Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2012 Annual Homeless Assessment Report.

We must do better to care and protect those, who have given all to protect us. You can help by contacting any of the following organizations dedicated to helping members of our armed services: The VFW; The American Legion; The Navy League; Air Force Association and the Association of the United States Army are just a few.

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

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

The world is a dangerous place, be thankful for those who protect us so well. From the blood of Crispus Attucks, a black man who was the first to die for our nation at what has come to be called the Boston Massacre in 1770, to today’s brave black men and women in uniform who proudly serve our nation, we as a people have so much to be proud of, on this Veteran’s Day and every day, thank a veteran because freedom is not free.

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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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