By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher, San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper
As Black History Month draws to a close, Black Americans, in many ways, are being steered backward towards segregation and inequality similar to what followed reconstruction after the Civil War. The attack on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is similar to the “Jim Crow” attitudes, but without the laws that were enacted to enforce them. The efforts to wipe out books, monuments, remove us from historical acknowledgements and recognition, while carrying the Trump label, are being met with little or no resistance by those in positions of authority to speak out and fight back.
As we enter the 2026 Primary season, now is the time to determine what will be our contribution to the Black History we are making today. Too many of us are still not registered to vote. Too many of us appear detached from the racism the Trump Administration is encouraging. Our silence gives consent. The immigration issue should be of concern to us. It will not be long before ICE will not care whether you are Somalian or just a Black American, without your passport.
Now the question is where do we go from here? We need to look very closely at how we are spending more than 2 trillion dollars a year as our contribution to the American economy and getting nothing back. Well, let’s look at how much we are spending with companies like Target and Pepsico, which owns Pizza Hut, KFC, Taco Bell, and the many soft drinks and power drinks produced by this company. Why are we still spending with McDonalds, Popeyes, and Jack in the Box? Are any of them hiring people that look like us? If you know differently please let us know. And what about the Blacks who have risen to positions of decision making. Why are so many afraid to do anything for their own when others in their positions do so all the time.
This Saturday is “No Kings Day”, as millions of Americans will take to the streets to protest Donald Trump and his policies. Will we be included? It’s up to each of us. We are still making Black History. Will it be as significant as our past?