The fireworks are going off, the champagne is flowing and there are all sorts of celebrations going on. It's a new calendar year, but it's safe to assume the same old White Supremacy will do what it does best.The question you should ask yourself is: "What can I do this year to improve my life that also takes away a percentage of my financial support for businesses that don't support Black people?"
It's not going to be easy, but the fight for change is challenging most of the time. Write down the easiest goal for you to accomplish after finishing this post, and place it in an area to be a constant reminder to you.
Can you commit to saving money for something a lot more beneficial than an overpriced purse?
Can you commit to taking a step back from buying expensive high heels, sneakers or some other form of expensive splurge?
Can you commit to giving the high priced weaves and hairstyles a break?
Can you commit to a budget that involves taking care of necessities first?
Consider the possibility of owning a home. If you're able to gain discipline from your commitment to do better, you never know where the gained resources can take you. There are good used vehicles out here, and saving could actually land you in one without payments if you do what you need to do. I know a sista who tried to justify renting cars on a weekly basis and she could've had a used or even lower priced new car in a years time.
I wouldn't mind splurging on something I want, but before that happens I need to take care of what I need and even then the splurge will come from money set aside for just that. Everyday we get a little older and we don't know what tomorrow may bring, also emergencies happen. You need money for those just incase situations, so in 2018 take a step back and make some new moves that actually benefit you.
Collectively, Black people are on the lower end as far as income is concerned. It's not just Black women (for the Black feminists in the room), it's Black people as a group. Our income doesn't compare, White Supremacy has a lot to do with that, but reckless spending doesn't help.
Also, consider having something to pass down to the next generation. Eliminate the possibility of your child(ren) starting at the same point as you. Don't play "that's on them", gear them up or don't have kids because it's a horrible cycle that increases the chance of them being in a vulnerable position for money. Having kids to subject them to the same life you had growing up as far as the bad is concerned, is something to be greatly ashamed of. Don't serve your children up to be suckers for someone else's company, if they can work for the family company or you can support them with a new endeavor then do so.
Here are more things we need to do in 2018:
Stop co-signing culture vultures. If you're struggling and you help a low key anti-Black person get to the position where they can make money with something created by your people, you deserve to feel bad. Look at how Justin Bieber came to fame, and with the same voice he sung about killing "Niggers". Pull back, don't co-sign, don't buy, don't praise culture vultures and then wonder why the door is slammed if your face. Research what Black groups are doing, turn your support and your conversation to them. Don't debate with non-Black people about it either.
Don't go broke dumping money into a church. I know that some of you want to remain faithful with your tithe, but how committed are you to the Bible? Some brothas & sistas are faithful to that tithe, but how many churches are actually faithful to the community? Some preachers line their pockets and neighborhoods will remain looking like garbage with no hope. You would think that some of these preachers would speak out for the community in times of injustice, but some are busy rubbing elbows with the members of local government and will instead tell you to stand down. If your preacher is a prominent member of the community and there is no valid proof of them making a real impact on the community, you might be better off saving that money. If the church is the people, consider coming together with other brothas and sistas for a prayer and worship group. Be a support group for each other with those tithes and even use those tithes to help others in need.
In closing, in 2017 we saw a great deal of two faced coons and backstabbing feminists who were able to demonize the community. These same people turned around even on the same day and came right back after the job was done. In 2018 and beyond, it has to be clear that they aren't allowed back in. They have to be exiled because they're enemies (Amber Philips is a prime example).
It's 2018 (Happy New Year), it's time to tighten up and wise up.
