Opinion

Op-Ed: The Talk

Published

10 years ago

July 26, 2016

For those of you who think we live in a world of equality let me explain why we must have “The Talk” with our African American youth.

Even though The Talk is a painstaking ordeal for us to explain the art and facts of survival to our children, especially our boys, we must teach them how they must conduct themselves at all times when they leave the confines of their homes.

The facts speak loudly and clearly about encounters with various elements of law enforcement. Therefore, the discussion must emphasize how they respond to the police could determine if they will return home safely.

When talking to family members, loved ones and friends, you should make it very clear that they should comply with the police and not give them any excuse to execute them for some frivolous asinine reason.

It is very important that you explain that not all of the police have ill intent, but they should not inflame or agitate the situation in any manner regardless of the reason for a stop by an officer.

It matters not what the reason is for their interaction with the police, what matters is whether you want to return home intact, not in a coroner’s van or an ambulance.

The Talk must also stress that things could go bad at any moment, especially if the stop is just a pretext for a more sinister reason, because boys must be counseled to not allow the police to get them to become emotional or caught up in a display of feelings.

The Talk must include the warning that “as right as you may be, it is of no importance,” because the most relevant fact is that you don’t lose your life and become yet another victim caught in the cross hairs of police criminality and abuse.

In light of the most recent nationally occurring events involving police officers’ use of force, The Talk should remind our youth that police departments are nervous, fearful, on a high alert and likely won’t hesitate to act without thought.

These acts of violence are tragic across the board, and we should not wish death upon anyone whether they be our men in blue or our people of color.

We have to be smart and not feed the negative public talk that leads to more death and pain.

The sooner that we talk to our God and pray and then have The Talk, then the sooner we can prevent our vulnerable youth, especially African-American boys, from becoming prey to those who misuse their authority.

So, have The Talk soon and be as explicit as possible.

Oakland Post

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Advice

Women & Wealth: Tips for Navigating Your Lifelong Financial Journey

Published

3 weeks ago

March 15, 2026

Oakland Post

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.  