Family: treated as singular or plural, a group of one or two parents and their child or children living together as a unit. A group of people related by blood or marriage. Bank: a financial establishment that uses money deposited by customers for investment, pays it out when required, makes loans at interest, and exchanges currency. Government: the group of people with the authority to govern a country or state; a particular ministry in office. All three of the above have so-called responsibilities, and when they fail to uphold ethical values, we receive the rewards of the modern chaos.

The original purpose of creating a family, in a historical and anthropological sense, was to ensure survival, cooperation, and the continuation of the species. Families emerged as a way to meet fundamental human needs, including: reproduction and child rearing, economic cooperation, protection and security, social organization, and emotional support. Over time, the concept of family evolved, shaped by cultural, religious, and societal influences. I can not speak for the entire globe but for the U.S. the family has been ripped apart by the very same things previously mentioned; and not to forget the governmental influence to decimate particular family groups.

Many publicly and ignorantly criticize the Black communities’ decline in family values; they refuse to look at their very own family’s benefits for the Black community not having the accessibility of the inherited family interests. (I am not saying there aren’t any strong Black families left.) So many have 100% of the “Rights” afforded in America, while not a single one of those rights have been offered equally to the Black community. For instance, the right to own property and pass it down to family members. Land is the number one asset passed down from generation to generation; yet how many millions of acres of land was stolen from those without equal rights or protection?

There’s also “laws” protecting banking assets unless your family is (you’ve guessed it) Black American. For example, in today’s value, billions have been stolen and repurposed for white wealth and comfort. Banks played an integral role in systemic racism, either directly stealing Black wealth via fraud and mismanagement. e.g., Freedman’s Savings Bank 1865-1874, redlining and charging billions of higher interest rates to Black families, predatory lending, then stealing the land back, and federal government refusal to honor deposits. Examples: Wells Fargo, Bank of America and many others have been found guilty of forcing Blacks into horrible subprime loan conditions when qualified for the better rates. The Tulsa Race massacre (1921) and Black Wall Street, local banks refused to honor the accounts of Black residents then kept and repurposed the money with assets. (No jail time or repossessed assets from the many thieves, grandpa, grandma, mom, father, brother, sister, cousin…)

During the so called Civil Rights era, (where civility has yet to be found) the government needed more votes and to further separate and destroy the Black family; therefore It started creating ads for Feminism and new in-house washer’s that can make your life easier. The obvious choice was the Black woman as the device of destruction. The government knew that a strong Black family was capable of achieving unlimited great accomplishments, including strong valued children. There were many ads showing the ease of a White woman’s life and how she’s doing it on her own; not to mention what’s visible to see with your own eyes. (The problem was all those White women were actually married) The outcome has been many generations currently believing that the Black woman has held it together all on her own; but do you see what she’s been convinced to do? Then, on the other side of the coin, there’s many that believe Black fathers choose to be outside of their family’s home. All while American society has been working overtime to eradicate the Black father/male/manhood by crimminalizing them. Some would say that has a lot to do with forcing a gay reality on Black children.

How about the Urban Renewal and Property Seizure (Mid-20th Century). Banks and other financial institutions with government created projects have disproportionately displaced Black families. Often underpaid for seized property or refused to provide fair loans to relocate. (Central Park). Another example is in Chicago and other cities, contract-for-deed schemes (a predatory practice supported by banks) were used to exploit Black homeowners by selling properties at inflated prices and then foreclosing if payments were late. Recent Lawsuits and Settlements: Wells Fargo 2012: $175 million after being found guilty of steering Back and Latino borrowers into subprime loans. Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank of America all have gotten away with simple settlements for their discriminatory practices that harmed Black families’ wealth accumulation.

Now the mission is on, “You can do it all by yourself, and you’ll be rewarded if you ensure that no Black father/male makes it with you.” The irony is the father was a cornerstone within the Black community adding knowledge and protection; together, man and woman seemed unstoppable. Now again, the very same benefits afforded to White families had completely different rules for the Black families. If a White family needed assistance, “you’re doing what you gotta do.” Yet if a Black family asked for the same assistance, after hundreds of years of humanity stolen from them, the very same White family’s called them “lazy and beggars.” Despite non-Black foreigners receiving millions of free stolen land. Fast forward to the mid 1960’s, the government only allowed social benefits if the Black father was not in the house, raising his kids. In conclusion, the generations to follow started to believe the lie that Black men don’t raise their children when it’s the exact opposite of reality.

Does paying a simple fine out of the profits provide a lesson for anyone? I would easily say hell no, especially since the so-called convicted actually receives a tax break for their crimes against the humanity of the Black American community. Let me guess your family has had many conversations as to why Black families do not deserve reparations for things your family had no benefits on? The term “family” seems to be a historical get out of accountability free card for many. The ability for so many to believe their family has been so ethical and hardworking for them to live the lives afforded to them. (Not saying there aren’t hardworking White families) At the very same time, easily looking down upon and judging those that most likely in one way or another affected by your family’s deeds. What role has your family played in your thoughts of reality?

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