The Paradox of Progress: Why Trump's Election Could Be a Wake-Up Call for the Black Community
During the “good” times of Democratic administrations, Black America often found itself basking in a sense of symbolic progress. Representation in the highest offices of the land, increased access to mainstream spaces, and a rhetoric of inclusion made us feel like we had arrived. But beneath this veneer of success lies a stark reality: complacency. We’ve traded the advancement of the Black family and community for individual advancement.
We once relied on and cherished our own institutions—those forged in the fire of segregation and systemic exclusion. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) educated generations of leaders when no one else would. The Black Church wasn’t just a place of worship; it was a hub of activism, education, and economic empowerment. Black-owned banks funded our dreams when mainstream banks slammed their doors. Black businesses, not just side hustles or individual contributor ventures, created entire ecosystems of employment for Black people. These were the cornerstones of a resilient, self-reliant Black community.
But what did we do during the “good times”? We abandoned our own. We left our HBCUs for predominantly white institutions, even creating terms like “Black Ivies” to carve out spaces for ourselves in schools that were never designed for us. We forsook the Black Church, trading in its sense of community for the flashy appeal of mega-churches or pop-up non-Black religious organizations. We stopped banking Black, moving our money to institutions that had historically excluded us, chasing convenience over community-building.
And then there’s corporate America. Yes, it has enriched many of us individually, myself included. But what about ourfamilies? While we’ve climbed ladders and shattered ceilings, we’ve often failed to look back and build for others. The Black business owner who employed dozens of Black families is replaced by the corporate achiever who is alone at the table.
We’ve made similar choices in other areas, too:
Black Media: Once, we had publications like The Chicago Defender and Ebony that championed our stories unapologetically. Now, we rely on mainstream media to tell narratives they don’t fully understand.
Black Neighborhoods: Once thriving cultural hubs like Harlem or Bronzeville are gentrified beyond recognition, and we see owning a home in “non-Black” neighborhoods as the ultimate success.
Fraternal and Social Organizations: Institutions like the NAACP, National Urban League, and our Greek-letter fraternities and sororities once led the charge for civil rights and upliftment. Today, their influence wanes as we chase titles and accolades outside of these spaces.
Enter Donald Trump. His reelection may have been a shock to many, a stark reminder of the deep divisions within this country. For some, it signaled a continuation—or even an escalation—of the rollback of protections and progress we had long taken for granted. To many, it felt like a return to darker times, a reaffirmation that systemic barriers remain firmly in place. Yet, perhaps this is precisely the jolt we needed to awaken us from complacency. History shows that it is in the crucible of “hard times” that we have most often found our strength, coming together to forge solutions when none were offered. Perhaps now, in the face of this renewed adversity, we will again rise to reclaim our destiny.
The Solution: Applying Lessons from the Past
“Black Wall Street” Tulsa Oklahoma
Trump’s presidency underscored a hard truth: we cannot rely on others to save us. But this isn’t the first time we’ve faced this reality. Throughout history, Black Americans have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and ingenuity, especially under administrations that were indifferent or outright hostile to our progress. These moments of adversity often became catalysts for remarkable self-reliance and institution-building, offering lessons we can draw upon today.
During the era of Jim Crow segregation, when federal and state governments actively worked to marginalize Black communities, we built thriving institutions. The early 20th century gave rise to “Black Wall Streets” in places like Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Durham, North Carolina. These hubs of Black entrepreneurship and economic independence emerged despite—and perhaps because of—overtly racist policies under presidents such as Woodrow Wilson, who openly supported segregation.
HBCUs were also strengthened during these times. With little to no government support, Black educators and philanthropists like Booker T. Washington and Mary McLeod Bethune championed the creation and expansion of institutions like Tuskegee University and Bethune-Cookman College. These schools weren’t just centers of learning; they were incubators of leadership and innovation, producing figures who would go on to challenge systemic racism.
The Civil Rights Era offers another powerful example. Under the administrations of Dwight D. Eisenhower and later Lyndon B. Johnson, Black Americans leveraged grassroots organizing to push for monumental changes. Even as the federal government lagged in addressing systemic inequities, institutions like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) emerged to fill the gap. These organizations were deeply rooted in the Black Church and drew on its moral authority and infrastructure to mobilize millions.
Fast forward to the 1980s, during the Reagan administration. Reaganomics disproportionately hurt Black communities, but it also sparked a resurgence of Black activism and cultural expression. Movements like the Million Man March in 1995 under Bill Clinton, but organized in response to years of systemic neglect, were direct calls for Black men to take responsibility for their families and communities. The march wasn’t just a moment; it was a movement to reestablish Black-owned businesses, rebuild families, and recommit to self-determination.
A Blueprint for Today
These historical moments remind us that adversity often leads to action. Under Trump, as many of the policies and protections we relied on were rolled back, there was a growing realization that we could no longer afford to be complacent. The same spirit that built our institutions during Wilson’s segregation, Eisenhower’s indifference, or Reagan’s economic policies must now be rekindled.
How do we do this? We can look to these past successes for guidance:
Invest in Black Education: HBCUs have always been pillars of Black excellence. While they face financial challenges today, we can reinvest in these institutions by encouraging alumni giving, partnering with them to develop talent pipelines, and sending our children there rather than defaulting to PWIs.
Revitalize Black Businesses: We must move beyond supporting individual entrepreneurs and focus on creating businesses that employ and enrich entire communities. Just as the Black Wall Streets of old served as economic ecosystems, we need modern equivalents that prioritize collective advancement over individual gain.
Strengthen the Black Church: The church has historically been more than a place of worship; it has been a foundation for social justice and community building. Today’s Black churches can reclaim this role by providing not just spiritual guidance but also educational resources, financial literacy programs, and leadership development.
Reclaim Black Neighborhoods: Gentrification is erasing the cultural heritage of historically Black communities. By prioritizing homeownership, pooling resources, and supporting Black-led development projects, we can take back these spaces and ensure they remain hubs of Black culture and identity.
Build New Institutions: Just as our ancestors created the NAACP and SCLC to address the challenges of their time, we must create institutions that tackle today’s issues—whether it’s combating mass incarceration, promoting STEM education, or addressing mental health disparities in our community.
Books
"The Mis-Education of the Negro" by Carter G. Woodson
This seminal work explores how systemic barriers and cultural shifts have distanced Black Americans from self-reliance and community-building."Our Black Year: One Family's Quest to Buy Black in America's Racially Divided Economy" by Maggie Anderson
A modern exploration of Black economic independence and the challenges of supporting Black-owned businesses."Up From Slavery" by Booker T. Washington
Washington’s autobiography highlights the creation of Tuskegee University and his philosophy of self-reliance and institution-building."The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap" by Mehrsa Baradaran
This book examines the history of Black banks and their vital role in addressing systemic economic disparities."The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson
An essential narrative about the Great Migration and how Black Americans built thriving communities during times of displacement.
Articles and Reports
“The State of Historically Black Colleges and Universities” by UNCF
A report on the current challenges and opportunities for HBCUs. Available here.“Economic State of Black America 2023” by the National Urban League
Annual analysis of the economic progress and setbacks for Black Americans."The Forgotten Black Wall Streets" by Smithsonian Magazine
An overview of thriving Black business districts and their historical significance. Read here.“How the Black Church Built American Democracy” by PBS
This article explores the political and social role of the Black Church throughout history. Available here.
