THE ADVANTAGES OF UNITY

Unity among any group often yields substantial benefits, and this holds particularly true for Foundational Black Americans (FBAs). Defined as the descendants of enslaved Africans in the United States, FBAs have experienced a unique historical and sociopolitical journey that has shaped their identity and cultural heritage. In the contemporary landscape, fostering unity within this community can lead to many advantages, including enhanced political power, economic growth, cultural preservation, and social solidarity.

Political Power

One of the most significant advantages of unity for FBAs is the potential for amplified political power. When individuals within a community come together with a common purpose, their collective voice can influence policy and decision-making at various levels of governance. Historically, movements like the Civil Rights Movement showcased the effectiveness of unity in achieving civil rights legislation and advocating for social justice. By uniting, FBAs can engage more effectively in advocacy efforts, ensuring that their unique concerns—such as reparations, a hate crime bill, systemic racism, economic inequities, and educational disparities—are addressed. 

A unified FBA community can mobilize voters, establish political organizations, and influence the election of candidates who resonate with their demands. This collective political engagement not only increases representation but also fosters an environment where policymakers must take the interests of FBAs seriously. Through unity and organized movements, FBAs can work towards creating a political landscape that reflects their collective aspirations and demands.

A prime example of FBA unity occurred during the 2024 presidential election. Despite facing intense criticism from the liberal mainstream media, Donald J. Trump achieved a significant victory, securing control of the House, the Senate, the judicial branch, the executive branch, the popular vote, and the Electoral College. This victory was fueled by a small but determined percentage of FBAs who rallied together against the Democratic Party for neglecting their demands for reparations in California and for failing to address the migrant crisis in New York and in Chicago, not to mention the rest of the country.

By underestimating their intelligence and resolve, the Democratic Party was forced to learn a valuable lesson reminiscent of the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott, where FBAs stood firm on business, and secured the right to ride the bus with dignity. This illustrates the true power of unity, which is why those in power strive to divide FBAs through movies, music, social media, gender, politics, economics, religion, education, geography, and skin pigmentation.

According to scripture, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand." This is precisely why those in power have sought to divide our people. Remember, knowledge is power! By unifying, sisters and brothers, we can dismantle many, if not all, of the psychological, sociopolitical, and economic barriers that divide us.  

Economic Empowerment

Unity also plays a crucial role in economic empowerment. By pooling resources, practicing group economics, talents, and networks, FBAs can create sustainable businesses and support systems that benefit our communities. Historically, initiatives like the Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, demonstrated how focused economic efforts within the Black community could yield notable success and prosperity. Through unity, FBAs can establish cooperative enterprises, invest in each other’s ventures, and create a robust economic ecosystem that resists external pressures and hardships.

Economic unity can lead to improved job creation, wealth accumulation, and financial literacy. By supporting Black-owned businesses and investing in local entrepreneurship, FBAs can stimulate economic growth within their neighborhoods. This not only helps to bridge the wealth gap but also fosters pride and self-sufficiency among community members. Additionally, a unified economic front can advocate for better employment practices, fair wages, and equitable access to resources, thereby contributing to overall community well-being.

Cultural Preservation

The rich cultural heritage of FBAs is a cornerstone of their identity. Unity fosters an environment in which cultural traditions, languages, and histories can be celebrated, preserved, and passed down through generations. By working together, FBAs can create platforms for cultural expression, such as music, movies, festivals, art exhibitions, and educational programs that highlight their contributions to American society.

Moreover, unity in preserving cultural narratives can counteract misrepresentations and historical erasures that often occur in mainstream discourse. When FBAs unite to celebrate their history, they can reclaim their narrative and advocate for an education system that accurately reflects our experiences. This cultural solidarity cultivates a sense of belonging and strengthens community ties, ensuring that future generations appreciate and honor their heritage.