07.09.2026_Defender-e-FULL

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Managing Editor Message

At theDefender,thisisalwaysa deeply sacredweekfortwodistinctreasons.First, it marksour annual “RestRevolution.”

We firmlybelieve that building astrong, effectivecommunity—and aresilient workforce—requires more than just talentand endlesshustle; it requires intention,balance,and radicalrest. In today’s nonstopgrindculture,pausingisanactof resistance.That is whyevery July,weshut down ournewsroomtogiveour team a well-deservedmentalhealthbreak

Butwenever leaveyou empty-handed. We usethisintentional pausetobring youa specialprint anddigital editiondesignedtoinform, empower, and inspire.

Whichbringsmetothe second reason this week is so vital: Thisyear, we arehandingyou aplaybook.

Welcometothe BlackBottomLine in theTrump Era

Let’sbeclear—thisisn’taTrump-bashingsession,though wecertainlycouldfillanentireeditiononthatalone.Instead, this is aclear-eyed, strategicplaybookonhow ourcommunitycannavigate,counter,andthrivedespitetheshiftingpoliciesimpactingBlackAmericans.Wearelivinginapolitical climatewhere the“Make AmericaGreat”machinery often feelsexplicitlyfocused on theeconomicand social demise of Blackpeople. During thesechallenging times, ourfocus at theDefenderremains squarely on you, ourreaders,and equippingyou with thearmor of actionable information. Last year,our specialedition focusedonour collective well-being.This year,weare shiftingour lens entirely to

Check out exclusivedigital features online:

• The newera ofprotecting the Blackvote inTexas

• Organizations thatfight forBlackrightstoknow

• Blackfolk,is it past time foranexitstrategy?

politicalstrategy, civilrights, andsystemic accountability.Weknowthatthe current politicallandscapeisamajorsourceofstress formanyinour community. From attacks on voting rights to shifts in global standings,fartoomanyBlackfamiliesareforced to navigate asystemthatfeels increasingly stackedagainst them

Butwealsoknowthepowerofinformation.Truefreedom starts with knowledge.

Thethreats we face today—from the erosionoflocal voting access to theweaponizationofpoliticalrhetoricagainstBlack publicfigures—aren’tjustheadlines.Theyarewarningsigns. Andtheyare adirectcalltoaction.

That’swhy theBlack Bottom Line is all abouthelping youmakestrategicmovesthatprotectourcollectivefuture. Whetheryou’relooking forwaystoprotect theBlack vote hereinTexas,tryingtoidentifytheorganizationsfightingfor ourrighttoknow,oranalyzinghowshiftingfederalpolicies impacteverythingfromyourgrocerybilltoourglobalstanding,wehavecuratedthiseditionspecificallyforyou.Inside, you’ll findsharp policy analysis,grassrootsmobilization strategies,and real storiesfrompeopleinour community whoare standingonthe frontlines.

We have putafull-court pressonthisinitiativebothin printandonline.IencourageyoutovisitDefenderNetwork. comtodig deeper into ourdigital trackers,voter guides, small-businessspotlights,andcriticalpoliticalcommentary

Ourannualnewsroombreakisareminderthattakingcare of yourself isn’tselfish—it’sessential.Protectingyourpeace is part of thestrategy. Take this week to rest,toread, andto buildyourplanfor theroadahead

• 5sidehustles thatcan helpyoubeatrising costs

• Hereishowto increase Blackvoterturnout

• UnderTrump,howdoesAmericarankglobally?

• Blackfarmersare struggling.Yourgrocerybill is proof

Houston leaders navigate federal cuts, policy shifts

ByTannistha Sinha

The decisions made in Washington on federalspending,immigrationenforcement, disaster relief, and housing programs can trickledowntoHouston,affectinglocalfundingforprojectsthatimpactresidents’lives.

For every one of those decisions, Houston’s leaders navigate laws and policies that couldpotentiallybringinfederaldollarsfor key projects.

But,aslocalleaderspointedout,theyare not always easy to navigate

“It is very challenging, the restrictions that come down, not just from the federal government,butfromthestateaswell,”said Houston City Council Member Dr Carolyn Evans-Shabazz. “It puts us in a position where we’re playing politics.”

Whatchanged?

Recent decisions by Congress have triggeredawaveoffederalspendingfreezesand agency rollbacks that have affected Harris County and Houston in several ways.

Harris County Commissioner Lesley BrionessaidthatwhentheTrumpAdministration cut nearly $600 million in federal grants, the county’sfinancialsecuritycame“underattack.”

“Fromrefugeehealthcaretofoodassistance forfamiliesandseniors,disasterpreparation and relief organizations, and legal services forimmigrants,thefalloutfromlosingthese funds creates ripples through our community,” Briones said “Federal cuts, combined withunfundedstatemandates,haveincreased countycostsandstrainedthesystem.”

Meanwhile, the administration’s proposed FY2027 federal budget would eliminate both the Community Development Block Grant Program, funded at $3.3 billion nationally in fiscal year 2025, and the HOMEInvestmentPartnershipsProgram, whichprovided$1.125billiontolocalgovernments for affordable housing.

ForHouston,whichCityCouncilMember Tiffany Thomas describes as an “entitlementcity”receivingroughly$50million in annual CDBG and HOME allocations, theseprogramsareessentialforaffordable housing and homelessness services.

“The demand on those limited funds is impacted,” Thomas said “Constituents throughoutthecitywantservicesforhomelessness. They want apartments, rehab for their home, services for youth aging out of foster care.”

Houston: Bythe numbers

The city’s health department, which Council Member Mario Castillo noted is “mostly grant-funded,” faces similar uncertainty. Programs like “See to Succeed,” which provide vision assessments and glasses to schoolchildren, depend on federal dollars.

“It’s tough when you see grants eliminated or when you see just broad swaths of funding go away,” Castillo said.

On environmental justice, the U.S. DepartmentofJusticeisretreatingfromits monitoringofillegaldumpinginHouston’s Black and Latino neighborhoods in 2025, part of a broader dismantling of environmental justice initiatives

“The previous administration definitely took a lot more seriously the environmental concerns our community has, and this administrationhasn’tshownanyconcernfor that,”Council Member Tarsha Jackson said

The local response

“HarrisCountycannotreplaceeveryfederaldollar,butweareusingeverylocaltool to protect services and invest in housing, healthcare,childcare,workforcepathways,

flood resilience, and infrastructure,” said HarrisCountyCommissionerRodneyEllis. Relationships, Council Member Mary Nun Huffman argues, are becoming as important as policy.

“Greg Abbott has been supportive of the city of Houston, and relationships do matter,” Huffman said “Because Mayor Whitmire was the dean of the Senate and he’d been in Austin so long and he formed thoserelationships,politiciansinAustinare trusting him to be financially responsible with the money that they give us.”

ForHoustonresidents,CouncilMember Alejandra Salinas said they are trying to navigatefederalpoliciesonacitylevel,but there is more to the equation

“We cannot just ever succumb to what the federal or state government wants becausetheygiveusfunding,”Salinassaid “We have to understand when it’s right to fightandwhennotto WhenHoustonians’ constitutional rights are being affected, you have to stand up if something is truly wrong,butdosoinawaythatensuresthat westillprotectHoustoniansandrecognize that the state and federal government are our partners.”

InFocus DN

Inside the bench Black Harris County judges drive reform

By Tannistha Sinha

The loudest arguments about fairness in the American justice system tend to occur outsidecourthouses,atprotests,oronsocial media. But some of the most consequential decisions shaping whether the system is actually fair happen inside it, including how a judge sets bail, reviews a plea agreement, schedules a docket, or builds a program from scratch

InHarrisCounty,agroupofBlackjudges has spent the better part of a decade doing exactly that work, navigating the space betweenwhatthelawallowsandwhattheir communities need Their experiences reveal that institutionalchangeisslower andmoreconstrained than advocacy from the outside Often, it is invisible.

“While there is a lot of advocacy work andworkthatcanbedonefromthedefense bar, it takes the judges and their role as the leaders to make those initial steps and take thoseinitialrisks,”saidTonyaJones,aHarris County Criminal Court Judge at Law No 15. “These are things outside of the norm in addressing some of the systemic issues that we have dealt with.”

Representationwithoutpower isnotenough

WhenJudgeShannonBaldwinofHarris County Criminal Court at Law No 4 ran forthebenchin2018, shewastoldbynearly everyoneshespoketo not to bother

Democrats did not win judicial elections in Texas, she was told She ran anyway and swept into office alongside 15 likeminded colleagues in what became a watershed moment for the county’s misdemeanor courts.

Harris County judges discuss the challenges of pursuing equity from inside the justice system Credit:Getty.

But winning a seat, she quickly learned, is different from wielding power.

“Forjudges,ourrealpowerlieswithinthe courtroom itself, meaning we can set policies and procedures where we can see the most change within our individual courts,”

Baldwin said

That courtroom-level influence turned out to be more consequential than it first appeared, Baldwin recalled She referred to hercolleagues’successinnegotiatingaconsent decree that became the foundation for Rule9,apolicythatmakespretrialdetention in misdemeanor cases the exception rather than the rule.

“The jails are literally empty for misdemeanorcourts,”Baldwinsaid “Weareavery small percentage of people having to fight their cases while they’re in custody.”

On the other hand, Jones, who was 32 when she was first elected, said that getting elected brought additional challenges.

VOLUME 95, NUMBER 38 - JULY 9, 2026

For judges, our real power lies within the courtroom itself, meaning we can set policies and procedures where we can see the most change within our individual courts.”

JUDGE SHANNON BALDWIN

“It is one thing to be the first African American in this seat, but it is an entirely differentthingtoaddressbeinginthispositionanddoingsomethingdifferentoutside

of what’s always been done,” Jones said. She describes her work as fighting against deep-seated institutional momentum.

“If we’re just shuffling people through the system and we’re not really addressing the underlying needs, we’re not getting to theroot,thenthepossibilityforrecidivism increases, especially in some of our most vulnerable and our younger population,” Jones explained “You’re fighting against the way it’s always been. Trying to get people to understand a new way of doing things can sometimes be a challenge.”

The work nobody sees Jones described how she scrutinizes plea agreements.

“I always inquire about what the offers are because I’m also ensuring that everybody is informed of what’s going on and that the offers that are being made are equitable, just, and fair,” she said Judge Sedrick Walker of Criminal Court at Law No 11 frameshisdiscretionary power similarly.

“If the law says the minimum punishment for a certain crime is 10 days, I cannot do less than 10 days,” he said “But I certainly don’t have to go way above…I can’texceedthemaximum,butIdon’thave to go all the way, even near the maximum. I take into account that person’s backstory, life story, employment situation, family situation, any substance abuse or mental health issues Within my discretion, I may be able to do a sentence or probation that is more productive for them to complete than just a high jail sentence.”

All three judges pointed to the Fresh Start program, a quarterly initiative run throughtheBayouCityCommunityCourt and funded by the judges, that allows residents to have their criminal records sealed free of charge

InFocus DN

Combats Black America defunding Moves to make in Trump era

By Aswad Walker

Media entrepreneur Roland Martin arguesthatTrumpadministrationpolicies aligned with Project 2025 have accelerated the “defunding of Black America” reducing support for education, housing, healthcare, civil rights, and economic opportunity

For generations, Black communities reliedonfederalprotectionsandcivilrights enforcementtobuildpathwaystowardeconomicmobility Asthosesupportsweaken, a pressing question emerges: What now?

Increasingly, Black leaders say the solution lies in rebuilding what Black communities have built before: our own systems.

Alternativefinancial ecosystems

“Capital without education leads to misuse Education without capital leads to frustration,”saysHoustonfinancialadvisor Angela CeZar.

CeZar argues that Black communities must build alternative financial ecosystems to generate and retain wealth internally. Her model includes community investmenttrusts,investor education, micro-lending pools supported bycivicorganizations,andwealth-building academies.

“Thegoalisnotjustaccesstocapital,but retention of capital. Not just financial literacy, but financial agency,” CeZar stresses

Rebuildingcommunity

For John Nicklos II, founder of Lead360 and chairman of Juneteenth Houston, the first step is simple: “Get to know your neighbors.”

Nicklos believes vital communal ties were lost during suburbanization

“We’ve always been communal,” he says “Black people docommunityreally well.”

Strong neighborhoods create informal support networks to weatherhardshipslikejoblossesorchildcare challenges.

“Whenthingshappenonthetoplinethat we can’t access, what we can do is support each other,” Nicklos says, recommending mutual aid circles and local resource-sharing groups

From neighborhood networks to community finance, leaders outline practical strategies for creating Blackcontrolled systems and sustainable futures Credit:FilipRankovicGrobgaard/Unsplash.

InvestinginBlackspaces

Nicklos also believes communities must prioritize preserving Black-owned public spaces He suggests businesses adopt a philanthropy model similar to church tithing.

“The same way that ingrained idea of paying tithes and offerings... we need to be investing in the reclamation, the revitalization, the restoration, and the preservation of our historical assets, our cultural spaces, our safe spaces,” Nicklos states

Community self-determination

Tamani Mwandani, founder of Black Gold Nation, believes the ultimate answer is self-determination.

“ThesolutionforBlackAmerica,regardless of the ailment, is community,” Mwandanistates,pointingtoahistoryofsurviving systemic exclusion through collective action

Mwandanicallsfor a focused economic strategy he labels “BlockOut,BuyOut, and Build Up.”

“We must absolutely block these businesses out of our communities, buy them out if possible, and/or build up what we need and replace them,” Mwandani adds, referring to a pointed boycott of Asian-owned businesses in the wake of

risinganti-Blacksentimentvoicedbyseveral Asian-American social media users. “Billionsareontheline,neededtodevelopour ownhousing,educationsystem,healthcare, foodproduction,andothercriticalsystems.”

Traditionofinstitution-building

This approach isn’t new. Historically, Black communities created mutual aid societies, insurance companies, business districts, and schools when mainstream institutions excluded them

Organizations like the Free African Society, formed in 1787 by Richard Allen (who founded the AME Church in 1816) and Absalom Jones, pooled resources for healthcare Blackentrepreneursestablished companieslikeNorthCarolinaMutualwhen traditional financial services were unavailable Independent institution-building has always been a core survival tradition.

Whatneedstobebuilt

Many leaders believe significant infrastructure gaps remain. Key areas requiring greater Black-controlled development include:

•Affordablehousingandcommunityland trusts

•Cooperativegrocerystoresandagriculturalcooperatives

•Healthcareandmentalhealthclinics

•Credit unions and independent educationalprograms

•Technology,mediaplatforms,and

•Communitysecurityinitiatives

Several people contend that reconnecting with the community is foundational to creating the systems that will enable Black people to survive and thrive moving forward.

Credit:TaylorTurtle/Unsplash.

Constructionoverresistance

In Houston, several organizations are alreadyleadingthiswork,includingProject Row Houses, the Emancipation Economic Development Council, the Houston Area Urban League, and Bread of Life, Inc.

Themessagefromadvocatesisconsistent: if traditional systems are disappearing, the response cannot simply be resistance It must also be construction Black America’s futuremaydependlessonwhatgetsrestored and more on what gets birthed and built.

TheBlack Bottom Line

In theTrump Era

ByAswardWalker

Economicmobilityisabout farmorethanincome. The abilitytobuy ahome, starta business,earnadegree,access healthcare,vote,andadvocate forone’s interestsall shape whetherornot familiescan buildwealthand passopportunitytofuturegenerations.

Thatrealityiswhyeconomistsandcivilrights scholars saypolicies emerging from President Donald Trump’ssecondadministration could significantlyaffectBlackeconomicmobility

Supporters of Trump’spoliciesargue that deregulationandmerit-basedpolicieswillspur economicgrowthforeveryone.Criticscontend thosepolicies,whichinclude cuts to diversity initiatives andcivil rights protections, disproportionately affect Blackcommunities that alreadyfacelongstandingbarrierstowealth.

Economicmobility:

Morethanapaycheck

FederalReserve data continue to show that themedianwealthofBlack families remains wellbelowthatofwhitefamilies.Blackhomeownershiprates lagnationalaverages, while Blackentrepreneurs aremorelikelytobe deniedfinancingandlesslikelytoreceiveventurecapital.

EconomistWilliam Darity Jr.has long argued that whereAmericans beginlifecontinuestoshapetheireconomicoutcomes.

Recentemploymenttrendshaveaddednew challenges.AscorporationsreducedDiversity, EquityandInclusion(DEI)programsandfederalagenciesdownsized,morethan300,000 Blackwomen reportedly lost jobs,leftthe workforce,orwerepushedoutofemployment during2025.Atthesametime,theU.S.Bureau

ofLaborStatisticsreportedthat567,000Black menlostjobsbetween November 2025 and February2026.

BecauseBlackhouseholdsaremorelikelyto relyondualincomesorsingleprimaryearners, policychangesaffectingemployment,housing, education, healthcare,businessdevelopment andvotingrightscan have broadeconomic consequences.

MichaelO.Adams,a professoratTexas SouthernUniversity,believesthatgrowingmilitaryexpenditures,drivenbythe“wareconomy” producedbythenation’scurrentwarwithIran alsodivertresourcesfromdomesticpriorities.

“Weneedmorereinvestmentintohealthcare,education,and economic development,” Adamssaid.

Solutions

•Build collective wealth throughinvestment clubs, credit unions,and cooperative economics.

•Diversify income with investing, side businesses,andfinancialliteracy

Housingremainsthe foundationofwealth

Homeownershipremains thelargest wealth-buildingassetformostAmericanfamilies. The Trumpadministrationhas opposed race-conscioushousing andreparativehousinginitiatives,includingchallengingahousing reparationsprograminEvanston,Illinois.Supportersofthose programs argue they address generationsofdiscrimination,whileopponents sayhousingassistanceshouldberace-neutral Supportersoftheadministrationalsoargue thatreducingregulationsandexpandinghousingsupplycould improveaffordabilityfor all buyers.Whetherthosebroadermarketbenefits

outweighthelossoftargetedassistanceremains amatterofdebateamongeconomists.

Solutions

•Pursueavailable localdown-payment assistanceand first-timehomebuyer programs thathaveyettobedefundedoroutlawedby theTrumpadministration

•Considermulti-generationalorco-buying arrangementstobuildequitysooner.

Blackbusinesses

facenewchallenges

Black-ownedbusinessesexperiencedrecord growthfollowingthepandemic,thanksinlarge part to government contracts, supplier-diversity programs,and technical assistance.These avenueshad been heavilyfundedbythe governmentuntil Trumpadministration policies cutthevastmajorityofthosefundingsources. Amongtheadministration’smostsignificant actionswereexecutive ordersrestricting DEI requirements in federalagenciesand federal contracting, alongwithrevokingExecutive Order11246 andparallelstate-levelrollbacks whichrequiredfederal(andstate)contractors topursueequalemploymentopportunity

Theadministrationsaysthese changes restoremerit-based opportunity. Many Black businessadvocates have alreadyreportedseeingreducedopportunitiesforminority-owned firmscompetingforpubliccontracts.InTexas, state-levelactions andlegal challenges have alreadyresultedinreducedaccesstogovernmentcontracts.Economicmodelsalsodemonstrate that ending affirmativeactionleads to severe downsizingand reducedparticipation forthesebusinesses

The Texascomptroller’s office restructured theHistoricallyUnderutilizedBusiness(HUB) program, decertifyingapproximately 15,000 MWBEsandseverelylimitingeligibilityforbillionsofdollarsinstatecontracts.Whileastate districtjudgetemporarilyblockedthechanges, litigationregardingtheirimpactremainsactive.

TheCityofHoustonhasfacedongoingfederallawsuitschallengingitsMinority,Women, andSmall Business Enterprise (MWSBE) programs

Houstonbusinessesalsoface higher operatingcosts tied to global instabilityand rising fuelprices.

“I’mnotsurepeoplerealizethetightmargins smallbusinessesoperate within,” said Judson Robinson,president andCEO of theHoustonAreaUrban League.“When theprice of oilneedlesslyskyrockets,theburdenonBlack peopleincreasesexponentially…iterasesprofit marginsandcanputyououtofbusiness.”

Solutions

•Expandintoprivate-sectorand business-to-businessmarkets.

•Strengthenrelationships throughBlack chambers of commerce andlocal business networks.

Educationandworkforce development

Highereducationremainsoneofthestrongestpredictorsoflifetimeearnings.TheTrump

BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS GROWTH DASHBOARD (2025-26)

administration has highlighted supportfor Historically BlackCollegesand Universities (HBCUs)and workforcedevelopment initiatives.Atthe same time,the Department of Educationannounced planstoeliminate roughly$350 millionindiscretionary fundingfor institutions servinglarge numbersof minority students, includingHBCUs Educationadvocates also argue that broader anti-DEI policies mayreduce programsdesignedtorecruit andsupport underrepresentedstudents.Administration officialscontendsuchprogramsconflictwith equal-treatment principles

So far, theimpactonactualBlack student enrollmentnumbers varies. Some Texasuniversitieshaveexperienced slight declines. However, many others have maintained relatively steady numbersdue to thestate’s long-standing“Top10%PercentRule,”which guarantees admissiontotop high school graduates. Some schoolsare nowusing “color-blind”recruitment strategies, focusing on broader socioeconomic factors,geography andgeneral underservedhighschools

Solutions

• Pursue technicalcertifications,apprenticeships, andhigh-demand skilled trades.

• Expand alumni giving andprivate mentoringtostrengthenHBCUs

Healthcareaffects economic security

Goodhealthisessentialtoeconomicmobility. BecauseBlack Americansare more likely to rely on Medicaid andother public health programs,reductionsinhealthcareaccess canincreasemedical debt,reduce workforce

participation,and limitwealth-building opportunities.

Solutions

• Usecommunityhealthcentersandpreventivecarewheneverpossible

• Buildemergency savingsspecifically for healthcareexpenses.

Political powershapes economic opportunity

Economic mobility is also tied to politica representation.Votinginfluencesdecisions on educationfunding,housing,infrastructure,and economicdevelopment.Civil-rightsadvocates arguethatweakeningfederalvotingprotections couldreduce Blackpolitical influence,while supporters of election-integritymeasuressay theystrengthenpublicconfidenceinelections. Whateverone’sperspective,politicalparticipationhelps determinewho controls public investment

Solutions

• Prioritize municipaland school board elections.

• Supportorrun forlocal offices that shape communityinvestmentdecisions

Bottom line

ForBlack America, economic mobility has neverdependedsolelyonindividualeffort. Publicpolicyalsoshapesaccesstoopportunity Decisionsinvolvingemployment,housing,business development, education, healthcare,and votingrightswillcontinuetoinfluencewhether Blackfamiliescannarrowlongstandingwealth gaps—orface greaterobstacles to building wealthforfuturegenerations.

The Pivot

Black families rewrite stability in uncertain times

By ReShonda Tate

For generations, the blueprint for the AmericanDreamwastreatedasafixedasset: Climb the corporate ladder, secure a mortgage, and anchor your wealth in a home It was a linear path to stability one that Blackfamiliesfoughthardtoaccessagainst decades of redlining and systemic bias

Butin2026,aquietrevolutionishappeningatkitchentablesacrossthecountry.Facing a combination of persistent inflation, a hyper-volatilehousingmarket,andcorporate restructuring,BlackAmericansareunilaterallyrewritingtherulesofeconomicsecurity

Thetraditionalmarkersof“makingit”are being traded for two higher-value currencies: Flexibility and autonomy

“The old contract is broken,” says Dr Cheryl Harrison, an economic sociologist focusingonminoritywealthtrends “Black families saw their parents give 30 years to corporate structures only to be downsized via an automated email. Simultaneously, the barrier to entry for homeownership has transformed from a milestone into an extreme financial burden The pivot we are seeing today isn’t a retreat; it’s a sophisticated, strategic realignment.”

Shedding the golden handcuffs: The corporate exodus

When Patricia Jackson was let go from her job in human resources, she initially thought her world was coming to an end. For more than eight years, she had climbedtheranksatahealthcare organization, doing work she genuinely loved. Then, in October 2025, corporate restructuring eliminated her entire department

With the national Black homeownership rate hovering around 44% amid high mortgage rates, some Black Americans are bypassing traditional home buying in favor of “rentvesting”—renting for flexibility while deploying capital into alternative, highly liquid investments. Credit:GettyImages

now creates luxury grazing experiences throughouttheHoustonarea.

“Whatbeganasahobbyduringoneofthe mostuncertainseasonsofmylifehasgrown intoabusinessbuiltoncreativity,hospitality, and community,” Jackson says “Instead of focusing on what I lost, I decided to invest inwhatIcouldbuild.”

The rise of independent economic ecosystems

Rather than diving straight back into a volatile job market, Jackson chose to bet on herself. For years, she had beencreatingcustomcharcuterieboardsfor family gatherings, holidays, and friends a creative outlet that had steadily grown in demand.

“I loved the artistry of it—the ability to bring people together around food, conversation, and connection,” she explains “As requests continued to grow, I kept asking myself, ‘What if this could become a business?’”

Instead of focusing on what she had lost, Jackson invested in what she could build. Shecompletedtherequiredfoodsafetyand managercertifications,securedlicenses,and navigatedlocalinspections.Thatleapoffaith became Board Affairs Charcuterie, which

Jackson’s pivot reflects a massive macroeconomic trend. According to recent Brookings Institution reports, the number of Blackowned employer businesses in the United States officially surpassed200,000forthefirsttime, fueledheavilybymajormetropolitanhubs

Formany,leavingcorporateAmerica isn’tjustaboutchasinghigherincome it is an escape from the hidden “racial tax”ofcorporateenvironmentsandabidfor structuralagility.

“We are seeing a generational realization that true stability cannot be given to you by an employer,” notes Harrison “If your income can be erased by a single boardroom decision, you aren’t stable—you are vulnerable.”

Redefining shelter: Renting by choice, Investing by strategy

The most visible fracture in the traditional dream is the housing market Federal Reserve and U.S. Census Bureau data show the national Black homeownership ratehoveringat44% Highmortgageinterestratesandstarkgenerationalwealthgaps

mean Black buyers are twice as likely to facemortgagerejectionscomparedtoother demographics.

In response, Black Gen Zers and Millennials are rejecting the emotional guilt of renting. Instead, they are embracing “rentvesting” renting a primary residence for lifestyleflexibilitywhiledeployingtheircapital into alternative investments.

By separating where they live from how they build wealth, families are avoiding lockinguptheirentirenetworthinasingle, illiquidpieceofpropertyduringanunstable economic cycle.

The strategic blueprint: Building autonomy

Ifyouandyourfamilyarenavigatingthis shifting landscape, constructing a modern foundation requires a tactical approach to security

1. Establish immediateaction.Thetraditional “three-month emergency fund” is insufficient in a fractional economy. Aim for a 6-to-9-month cash cushion held in a HighYield Savings Account (HYSA). Treat this cash not just as an emergency fund,butaspivotcapital— giving you the leverage to walkawayfromtoxicwork environments or invest in immediate opportunities

Key Resources for Modern Financial Strategy

2.De-riskyourprofessionalprofile. Diversifyyourincomestreamssothatnosingle source controls more than 70% of your householdrevenue.Convertyourcorporate

skills (project management, accounting, IT) intoanindependentLLCstructure,allowing youtotakeonfractionalcontractworkalongsideorinsteadofstandardW-2employment

3.Prioritizeliquidwealthoverfixed assets: Investment strategy. Avoid stretchingyourdebt-to-incomeratiotothe absolute maximum just to buy a house in an inflated market Prioritize high-liquidity investments—such as low-cost index funds, Treasury bills, or community-based investment syndicates—that can be cashed out or borrowed against within 48 hours if economic conditions shift

4.Protectyourunitwithlegalinfrastructure:Generationalsecurity.True stability relies heavily on legal protections. Establish an estate plan, draft a living will, andutilizecorporatestructures(likeLLCsor familytrusts)toshieldpersonalassetsfrom business liabilities. Do not leave your family’s financial legacy to the mercy of state probate courts.

The new definition of legacy Ultimately, this shift is transforminghowtheBlackcommunity viewstheconceptofalegacy.Itisno longeraboutleavingbehindaphysical house that descendants may or may not want to live in; it is about passingdownamindsetofcomplete adaptability.

“Ourwealthisbecomingmobile,” says Harrison “When you pass down a thriving digital business, a diversifiedportfolio,andtheskillstonavigatevolatile markets, you give the next generation somethingfarmorevaluablethanapieceof property You give them options.”

Chaka Howard

Builds successful business after corporate layoff

By Laura Onyeneho

The call came two months after Chaka Howardhadbeenpromisedshewassafe

AfternearlynineyearsincorporatemarketingatRedBull,survivingroundafterroundof layoffs, Howard was let go along with several colleagues.Thecompanyreplacedthemwith entry-levelhires.Itstung.ButHoward,aHoustonnativewhohadstartedhercareerasabrand ambassador and worked her way up to field marketing manager for some of the nation’s biggestbrands,didnotstaydownforlong.

Today,HowardistheownerofIndigoEvent Marketing, a full-service event production, brand staffing, and experiential marketing agency operating in every major U.S. market with more than 200 contract employees. Clients include Foot Locker, Anheuser-Busch, WhiteClaw,andtheHoustonlaunchofTravis Scott’sCactibeveragebrand.

“One hundred percent of my business has beenreferrals,”Howardsaid.“It’snotwhatyou know,it’swhoyouknow.”

HowardgrewupinHoustonandgraduated fromtheUniversityofHouston.Hercorporate careerspannedsomeofthemostrecognizable brandsintheconsumergoodsspace,including RedBull,Coca-Cola,andVitaCoco Buteven assheexcelled,shewatchedBlackcolleagues absorbadisproportionateshareofbudgetcuts andworkforcereductions

“Beinginmarketing,wheneverpeoplecut budgets,marketingisthefirsttogo,”shesaid. “Andbeingaminority,Iwasalwaysoneofthe firstonestogo,oritwasanotherpeerwhowas justexcellentatwhattheydid.”

Pick and choose your hard. Make a list of your pros and cons on both and go from there. And be grateful, for where you are, for what you’ve built, for what you survived.”

CHAKA HOWARD

Howardsawthewritingonthewallbefore thelayoffcame Anewvicepresidentarrived, flewtheteaminforamajortraining,andtold everyoneintheroomtheyweresafe Two days later, a wave of terminations rolled through. Two months after that, Howard gotthecall

“Therecanbeapromise,therecanbeanything,andthere’sjustnoguarantee,”shesaid “Thatisonethingthatmademyskintougher.”

ShehadalreadybegunbuildingIndigoon thesidewhileworkingacontractpositionafter Red Bull She kept it quiet until she slipped and mentioned it to the wrong person She wasletgofromthatjob,butthistime,shehad clientswaiting.

“I would have stayed there forever if that didn’t happen,” Howard said “That gave me the chance to say, I have all the tools that I need I have clients. Let me do this 100% on myown. ”

LaurenSuggs,aveterinarytechnicianwho metHowardin2016whenshewashiredonto Howard’s brand marketing team for Purina, saidthehustlewasalwaysthere.

“That woman is so motivated, she’s definitelygotfirewithinher,”Suggssaid “Ialways knewnomatterwhat,she’sgoingtobeokay.”

Suggs recalled the early days of Indigo as asteeplearningcurveforeveryoneinvolved Howardwashands-onineverydetail,making callstostores,managingstaff,andfillinggaps herselfwhenneeded

“She built it from the ground up,” Suggs said “She was not one of those business owners who’s hands off. She did not have a problem making phone calls to stores when itwasneeded.”

Thatcommitmenttoqualityrunsthrough every layer of the agency Howard pays her brandambassadorsweekly,whilemanycompeting agencies delay payments by a month or more She invests in team-building and ambassadorrecognitionprograms

“Ifsomethinghappens,they’renotgoingto putitbackonthatbrandambassador,”shesaid “It’sgoingtocomestraightbacktome.”

AsthecurrentpoliticalclimatehasacceleratedcorporateDEIrollbacks,withbrandslike Walmart,Meta,andFootLockerscalingback diversityinvestmentsandmarketingbudgets, Howardsayssheiswatchingtheshiftclosely.

Sheholdsaminority-ownedbusinesscertification,thoughsheacknowledgesshehasnot

yetfullyleveragedit.Moreimmediately,sheis feelingthetighteningofclientbudgetsacross severalofhermajoraccounts.

“A lot of things that we did last year, we didn’tdothisyear,”Howardsaid “Budgethas been a big thing lately But as times change, wehavetochange.”

Herresponsehasbeentodiversifyherclientbaseandleanintocollaboration,including partnering with other Houston-based entrepreneurstobuildnewrevenuestreamsoutside hertraditionalbeverageandretailverticals.She alsohasasharperunderstandingnowofwhen to say no Early in Indigo’s growth, she said yes to last-minute activations to avoid losing clients,evenwhenherteamwasnotpositioned todeliveratfullcapacity Thatlessoncosther.

“Theyhiredyoutobetheexpert,”Howard said “They’d rather you say no than take on something you can’t handle and embarrass themandembarrassyourselfevenmore.”

Owningabusinessishardinwaysthatare notalwaysvisiblefromtheoutside,including the reality that some months, her staff gets paidbeforeshedoes.

“Pickandchooseyourhard,”shesaid “Make alistofyourprosandconsonbothandgofrom there. And be grateful, for where you are, for whatyou’vebuilt,forwhatyousurvived.”

CANCELCULTURE

Activism and

Black athletes, a tricky proposition.

By Terrance Harris

Black athletes have always had to tread lightly when speaking up politically or for the culture.

The Black community expects them to speak up The other side has often pushed back with rhetoric like “Shut Up and Dribble!”

As challenging as activism has been in pastyearsanddecades,speakingoutnowin thishigh-stakesworldofsportshasbecome increasingly difficult for Black athletes in the current political environment they are navigating

“I think it’s more so heightened in this political climate where we have these individuals who are very sensitive and possessive, to put it politely,” said University of HoustonSociologyprofessorDr.BillyHawkins. “They don’t take kindly to criticism, questioning, or any of that.”

Black athletes who take a political stand, like former San Francisco 49ers quarterbackColinKaepernickandformerChicago BullspointguardCraigHodges,havefound themselves blackballed out of their profession.Today,thebacklashwhenspeakingup can almost feel like the world is crashing down on you.

In May, New York Giants second-year quarterbackJaxsonDartintroducedracially polarizing U.S. President Donald Trump at a rally. In the NFL, where the players are overwhelmingly Black, there were likely hundreds of players around the league and inhisownlockerroomwhotookissuewith Dart’s outward support of Trump.

His teammate, linebacker Abdul Carter, spokeup,sayingonsocialmedia,“Thought this shit was AI, what we doing man. ”

Suddenly, the story was much less about Dart’s controversial support of Trump and moreaboutCarter’sstand.Carter,whowas drafted by the Giants third overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Dart were taken 22 spots later in that same draft, also said that itwas“biggerthanfootball”andthatthetwo had talked and smoothed things out.

communicate with the media and to know which subjects it’s best to avoid.

Prairie View coach Tremaine Jackson, who is outspoken, has advised his players not to speak to the media about anything other than the game they are about to play or have played

We always tell them to steer clear of the trap questions. “When we are getting ready or the postgame we keep everything about the team, about the game and never about our opponent and never about anything political.”

Butthathasn’tstoppedothers,likeformer Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Boomer Esiason, from criticizing Carter for taking a stand.

“That’s the other thing when you talk about the ability to construct a narrative and the counter-narrative to control all of thosemovingparts,”Hawkinssaid “Evenin thiscase,whenit’snegative,it’softenreconfigured to work in their favor. That’s one of the challenges we have, especially when we talkaboutthepoweroftechnologyandthe media.”

That power is so alluring and, at the same time, can be detrimental to the Black athlete and the team that franchises and college programs have invested millions of dollars in training athletes and coaches to

“We always tell them to steer clear of the trap questions,” Jackson said “When we aregettingreadyforthepostgame,wekeep everythingabouttheteam,aboutthegame, and never about our opponent and never about anything political.”

University of Houston basketball coach Kelvin Sampson takes a slightly different approach Heismuchlessconcernedabout them speaking up and more concerned about them being politically aware and educated before speaking out.

“Overthecourseoftime,thingscomeup Iwilladvisethem,andIusuallyadvisethem withthefactualevidence,”Sampsonsaid.“I willpullsomethingupjusttomakesurethey are aware of it

“Idon’tevertellthemwhattosay.Thisis America.Youformyourownthoughts,but you need to know certain things.”

Whathasmadespeakingupinthename of activism, particularly at the collegiate

level, so problematic is that, in doing so, student-athletes can jeopardize lucrative and life-changing money that those at the highest level of college athletics can receive from NIL and revenue-sharing deals.

“It’satoughonebecauseyoucanbecanceled in a minute,” Hawkins said “Financially or whatever the case may be, that’s a big ask, especially when you are talking aboutindividualsatthestartoftheircareers.”

At the professional level, the backlash has been evident toward some Black athletes who speak up, while there seems to be greater tolerance for athletes like NBA starsLeBronJamesandStephenCurry,who have been outspoken about the actions in this current political climate. Players in the WNBAhavealsonotbeenafraidtoexpress their political views, sometimes wearing messages on their warm-up shirts to support their activism.

Butthereisnodoubtthatthecancelculture still exists.

“They see that, and they recognize how easy it is, regardless of your level of talent, youcanbesilenced,”Hawkinssaid “Wheneveryoustepuporstandoutofline,saythe wrongthing,supportthewrongcause,they see that as an example.”

TRUMP& POLITICS College StudentPerspective

By Jimmie Aggison

EightTexas Southern University students shared differingviews on howPresident Donald Trump’spresidencyhas influencedyoung people’s interestinpoliticsandgovernment.Whileopinionsvaried,manysaidthecurrentpoliticalclimatehasbecomeincreasinglypolarized,leavingsome youngpeoplediscouragedorfeeling unheard. Others said heightened attentiontopoliticsand social mediahas motivatedmorepeopletostay informed andparticipate in civicdiscussions.Several students emphasized theimportanceofvoting, stayinginformedabout politicalissues, and payingcloserattentiontolocalgovernment,whileothersexpressedconcernsabouttheeconomy,employmentopportunities,andtheinfluenceof social mediaonpolitical perspectives

Idon’treally try to focus on the presidencytoo much since politicsisreally crazy nowaday. But IfeellikePresident Trumpis agood businessman. Politically, Ihaven’tseenmuch lately.I don’t getintothat that much, but he’sdoing pretty good in my opinion.”

ANANIASRAY asophomore majoring in Administration of Justiceand planstoattendlaw school and, oneday,becomea criminaldefense lawyer Credit: JimmieAggison/Defender

It’schanged it to wherethey feel likenow it’sreally no room forchange.I feel liketheyfeel at this pointit’sjustwhatever Trump wantstodo. Whatever we feel is an injustice, it doesn’t really getanywhere becausewedon’t have anyone to really listen to us or really care about howwefeel.”

BRIANPAYNE

IfeellikeDonald Trump’s presidencyhas changed young people’sviewonthe presidency alot in anegativeway.It’s ridiculous, and it’salmost childish. If we were still back in 2014 -2016,therewould be none of this when Barack Obama wasstill president When BarackObama was president,everybody wastrying to vote becauseheknewwhat it meant to be president.He knewhow to step up and take care of this country. When people needed things done, he gotthem done. He took care of the country and took care not only of the people who were in need but people who said something and used their voice.”

JORDAN SANDERS is ajuniormajoring in music. Credit: JimmieAggison/Defender.

aseniormajoringin radio, television,and film. Credit: JimmieAggison/Defender

Ithink that alot of people are actuallyaffectedbysocial mediamoreand that interloops with Trumpand his homies like ElonMusk becausethey’ve startedtocontrolhow the algorithms work in social media. So, nowyou want engagement on social media becauseit’s ad-driven revenue. Since you want engagement, youneed polarizingalgorithms. Alot of people aregettingshown content that is very polarizing, making people swing one way or the otherinanextraordinary fashion. So,I think with young people,we’re trying to figureout what the actual truth of it all is now instead of just getting swirled around by the algorithm.”

KEYSHON WILLIAMS is agraduatestudent studying professional communications anddigital media. Credit: JimmieAggison/Defender

Ifeellikeit’spullingaway from people. People my age, yeah,we’re interested in politics, butwhile this crazy man is in office, what really discourages us is thechanges that are notbeing made. Having Trump in office, it’skind of makingajokeout of us if youreally want to be honest.For me,voting is important.Ifyou really want to makeachange, vote.That’sall youneedtodo: vote,educate yourself,and makea change.”

CHRISTIANYANCY agraduatestudent pursuing hisMBA Credit:Jimmie Aggison/Defender

Personally,I justfeellikethey feel likeit’strash now. They feel likemaybe theydon’t even need college anymorebecause it’s harder to getajob even withadegree likea masters.”

MEKLET ASSEFA agraduatestudent who is studying healthscience. Credit: JimmieAggison/Defender

Idon’treally appreciate anyofthe atrocitiesthat arehappeningoverseas. I canguaranteeyou that a lot of theyoungerpeople around my generation alsofeelthe same.I don’t thinkanythingthathe’s donewithin this year hasbenefited the economysocially or globally,and Ialsodon’t believe that running for athirdterm is legal.”

ELI HARRISON aseniormajoringinpolitical sciencewithplans to go into campaign management Credit: JimmieAggison/Defender.

Iactually think that over time we’vebeenabletosee people make theirdreams come true. We have to keep in mind that Trumpwas an outsider, and he wasacelebrity, ahugecelebrity that just happenedtohave accesstopeople who had the type of money to financehis cause. Becausehe’sanoutsider, he cansay thingsand make executiveorders, and he doesn’t feel the gravitas of hisdecisions He just knowsthat they’re well within hisrights,and he knows whichrules to breakand which ruleshecan bend.One thing I cansay is that it reallyshines alight on local government, whicha lot of people don’t pay as much attentionto. Theydon’t feel the effectsofthe presidency like theywould becausethe officesare in WashingtonDC. But in local government, youhavetolook forthe people who represent your causes.”

WINSTON CASHIN asenior. Credit: JimmieAggison/ Defender

Feature DN

POLITICALSTORM DEFENSE MOVES

Protectyourpeace

By ReShonda Tate

Between the 24-hour breaking news cycle, endless social media outrage loops, economic anxieties, and heated family group chats, the collective blood pressure of Black America is being pushed to its limits.

It feels like we are living in a permanent state of high alert.

But dealing with this emotional stress doesn’t just mean “going to lie down” or “turningofftheTV.”Truementalpreservationisn’taboutcheckingoutofreality—it’s about surviving it with your sanity intact. In fact, sometimes the best way to combat the anxiety of a chaotic political climate is toshiftfromareactive,doomscrollingstate to a proactive, intentional state.

Here is a guide to recognizing political burnout and implementing culturally relevant strategies to protect your peace without sacrificing your civic duty

Recognizing the signs of political exhaustion

Before you can fix the fatigue, you have to recognize it Emotional depletion doesn’t always look like sadness; in highstress environments, it often masks itself as everyday frustration

• Thedoomscrollloop: Checking your phone first thing in the morning and right before bed, feeling your chest tighten with every notification

• Hypervigilance:Feelingconstantlyon guard or waiting for the next “breaking news ” disaster to drop

• The low-key irritability: Getting unusually angry over a minor social media comment or a family member’s political take

• Physicalburnout: Unexplained headaches, jaw-clenching, tension in the shoulders, or disrupted sleep patterns

• Validation Check: If you are feeling overwhelmed,youarenotweak.Experiencing emotional exhaustion during periods of intense political and racial tension is a completely valid, normal response to an abnormal amount of stress

10 PRACTICALSTRATEGIES TO PROTECTYOUR PEACE

1. Implement the “Two-Strike” media rule

You don’t need to watch the same tragedy or political debate on a loop Once you have seen a news story twice to grasp the facts, change the station Turn off the TV, close the app, and let your nervous system reset.

2.Shiftfromreactiveto proactiveengagement

Channeling your anxiety into localized actioncanactuallyalleviatefeelingsofhelplessness.Insteadofshoutingintothevoidof the internet, channel that energy into a tangibleimpact:

•Volunteerforalocalcampaign

•Attendaneighborhoodcivicmeetingto understandwhythingsarehappening

•Joinagrassrootsorganizationfocusedon asingleissueyoucareabout(e.g.,literacy, foodinsecurity,votingrights).

3.Establisha“No-FlyZone”for content

Protectthetransitionsofyourday.Create strict boundaries around your technology: No news or social media within the first 30 minutesofwakingup,andnoscreens40minutesbeforebed.Fillthosespaceswithprayer, journaling,orsilence

4.Curateyourdigitalblocklist

Protectingyourpeacemeansrealizingyou donotoweanyoneadebateinthecomment section. Mute keywords that trigger anxiety, unfollow accounts that trade exclusively in outrage, and utilize the “block” button liberally.

5.DoNOTarguewithfolks onsocialmedia

You will not change someone’s mind in 280 characters, nor will you find nuance in a thread fueled by algorithms that profit off your anger. Engaging with trolls and badfaith actors drains your battery and yields zero return on investment If a post triggers the urge to clap back, close the app, take a deepbreath,andputyourphonefacedown Yourenergyisacurrency—stopspendingit on strangers who are committed to misunderstandingyou.

6.Leanintoculturallycentered communitysupport

We don’t have to carry this alone. Healing happens in community. Look for spaces whereyoucanunpackyourfeelingssafely whether that is a Black-led therapy circle, a local yoga class, a church prayer group, or a simple Sunday brunch with friends where politicsarestrictlyoffthetable.

7.Prioritizeradicaljoy asresistance

In a world that often capitalizes on Black pain,choosingjoyisarevolutionaryact.Prioritizeactivitiesthatmakeyoulaugh,feelsafe, and feel grounded, whether it’s listening to anold-schoolplaylist,cookingacomforting

meal,orsittinginthesun.Joyisessentialfuel forthejourney.

8.Practicethe4-7-8 breathingtechnique

When a news alert hits, and you feel your anxiety spiking, pause. Inhale through your nose for four seconds, hold your breath for sevenseconds,andexhaleslowlythroughyour mouthforeightseconds.Thisresetsyournervoussystemfrom“fightorflight”backtocalm.

9.Substituteconsumption withcreation

Whentheworldfeelstooloud,turndown the volume by creating something. Write in a journal, plant something in a garden, paint, knit, or work with your hands. Creating something tangible gives you a sense of agency when the outside world feels uncontrollable

10.Giveyourselfpermission torestwithoutguilt

Rest is not something you have to earn after you are completely depleted; it is a requirementtopreventdepletioninthefirst place Taking a weekend off from the news does not mean you don’t care about Black liberation—it means you intend to be alive andwelltoseeit