The Black Tax

When I look back over an account of recent headline news events from last week, one of the biggest was the resignation of decorated U.S. Army General Stan McChrystal. As I became more familiar with the story, I asked myself is this a permanent life concept and element for people of color. I mean, here you have the President of the United States of America, being undercut and criticized by a subordinate. I was left asking myself whether or not, we as African Americans, will always have to do twice the work and be twice as good to receive half of the credit? It seems that at times no matter what we do as minorities there will be a sense of second guessing our talents, leadership and skill set. If you look at our own President, he is Ivy League educated, charismatic, articulate, polished, calm and prepared, yet every decision he makes seems to be second guess, more so than maybe any other U.S. President.

The concept of the Black Tax is no new dynamic. It suggest that we as African Americans pay a greater price, a premium even, above what is acceptable by industry standards. There are some that have taken this literal and others who have dissected the underlying ideologies associated. From a literal perspective, there has been this notion that African American are subject to the Black Tax with respect to interest rates for variable forms of financing and credit for items to include but not limited to Automobiles, homes, land, business lines of credit, recreational equipment, etc. From a not so literal perspective, the Black Tax refers to the closed door derogatory conversations and enhanced expectations often placed against levied against African Americans. The aforementioned occur in corporate America, public service platforms and of course, academia. We are asked to produce equal or above results with at times what appears to be less support, and reduction in resources. I equate The Black Tax to poker or another type of high visibility card game. While there will be wins at the table to build your confidence and keep you playing/spending, the bottom line is that the house will not lose. This idea is very similar to The Black Tax as in both scenarios; you are being invited to a fixed game, to an extent.

This is further capsulized even more when we examine how black boys have been isolated by the educational system in this country. Moreover, we have to be honest with ourselves and recognize the fact that black boys are one of the largest demographics of our society to be placed in alternative education programs (i.e. Special Education). All of these things bring about a sense of frustration, disenfranchisement and down right anger. It is however, our charge to make the most of a challenging situation as our ancestors have done for generations. I am a believer in the optimism for tomorrow being spring-boarded by the challenges of today. So what do we do moving forward?

I am not foolish enough to believe that because we have an African American President racism is history and that we have ascended to a place of cultural and racial peace in this nation. This is in no way, shape or form the situation, and in fact, many would say that it is the exact opposite. Notwithstanding that, there exist some golden opportunities for us as people of color. We must absolutely gain a unitary voice in some major areas of influence to our community. Additionally, we must be infused with a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, wherein we find value in developing creative ways to pay the Black Tax, while also slashing the socio-economic gap created by the tax.

There must be a sharing of resources and information in unique and dynamic way as to strategically position ourselves for success as a community and as individuals. We must be engaging and open to one another while also reveling in a sense of pride and confidence in one another. Many of us ascend to a certain place professionally and are fearful to pull another brother or sister up with us. One of the reasons that other ethnic groups have segmented a certain amount of wealth and influence in our nation is because of their steadfast desire to help their own. It is now time for us take that dramatic stand so that our children are given the pride and promise of a greater tomorrow.

I am in no way a social extremist, nor is this about being labeled as anti-anything. I am however an African American man who desires to see my people unify in a more efficient and effective manner. I want to continue to be a people of perseverance, who, like the God we serve, begins to do things exceedingly and abundantly, regardless of a tax that has been instituted to cripple us. I challenge all of you to be more resourceful with one another this week in your knowledge, care, disposition and affinity for one another. The challenges will not be met overnight but we can take progressive steps beginning now. Let us accept both the good and the bad, but which is more, Grow from the experiences.

Be Good, Be Kind and Be You,

Donrich L. Young