Literature

The following are selected Analyses, Articles, Book Reviews, Briefs, Commentaries, Essays, Notes, Notifications, Pamphlets, Reports, Research, Responses, and Working papers on a variety of Black economics topics.

Essay: “Moving South Again?” (December 6, 2024) (240 KB) [MSA120624.pdf] This essay revisits and lodges another cautionary warning concerning Black America’s second Great Migration. This topic is addressed in our 2020 volume Exodus and in a March 2024 analysis brief entitled “Moving South.” These two earlier submissions featured “economic efficiency” arguments. However, this essay builds a new “structural” argument concerning the hurdles that are likely to be confronted if and when Black Americans capture population and/or political majorities in key Southern states.

Essay: “From Acting to Knowing” (November 29, 2024) (222 KB) [FATK112924.pdf.] This stimulating essay suggests that Black America is at an “outcome determination” juncture. It advises that we move from pretending and acting to performing actions that convey a “knowing” to ensure our success. Also, Baba Asinia Lukata Chikuyu responded to this submission with a powerful and brief essay.

Analysis Brief: “Should Federal Government Spending Be Reduced?” (November 22, 2024) (235 KB) [SFGSBR112224).pdf] This analysis brief assesses whether the new Trump Administration’s proposed policy actions to improve government efficiency by slashing spending can be justified simply by observing growth and spending statistics. While not balking at “economic efficiency” enhancing efforts, the brief reveals that much of the concern about the level and pace of Federal Government spending likely derives from textbook-type fiscal policy actions intended to address downturns in, and overheating of, the nation’s economy.

Essay: “No Longer A Credible Threat: No. 2” (November 15, 2024) (203 KB) [NLACTNO2111524.pdf] This potentially anger and disappointment inducing essay explains how Black Americans have engineered ourselves into a non-credible threat position. The November 5, 2024 election results confirm this state. Also, the essay clarifies the likely nature of Black America’s future unless we purposely transform our non-credible threat state. Also, see a response to this essay from Mr. Q. Greene of Palmares Research here.

Essay: “The Science of Loss Reversal” (November 8, 2024) (228 KB) [TSLR110824.pdf] This essay recounts the quick-cutting hurt produced by the rejection of Black Americans broadly, but especially of Black American females, during last Tuesday’s Presidential election. It discusses the science required to reverse this loss and the hurt.

Brief Essay: “A Price for Everything” (November 4, 2024) (212 KB) [APFE110424.pdf] This brief essay offers a “new” economic perspective on, and paradigm for, resolving conflicts, problems, and issues broadly. Black America should consider motivating and supporting adoption of this new perspective/paradigm.

Analysis Brief: “Producing Our Own Health Wealth” (November 1, 2024) (221 KB) [POOHW110124.pdf] It presents the top 10 causes of death for Black Americans and their selected contributing risk factors during 2021 (the latest available official statistics). Did you know that there are two key contributing risk factors that are associated with seven of the top 10 leading causes of death. Working to control these two key risk factors with proper and active responses can help ensure that Black Americans enjoy greater health wealth, more nonfinancial and financial wealth through saving on healthcare, and a considerably higher level of wellbeing.

Essay: “The Socioeconomics of Gnosis” (October 25, 2024) (181 KB) [TSOG102524.pdf] This essay adopts a pseudo philosophical perspective concerning how Black America’s knowledge/awareness (gnosis) has affected our decision making. It suggests that improved gnosis can help improve our future decision making and outcomes.

Essay: “An Injurious Imputation” (October 11, 2024) (214 KB) [AII101124.pdf] This essay discusses a seemingly innocuous imputation known as depreciation, which serves as one of many examples of how the US economic system is organized to disadvantage Black Americans and to advantage White and other Americans, who are permitted to more freely fulfill the nation’s mantra: “America’s business is doing business.” Also, the depreciation imputation is another reason the US Government is indebted to Black Americans and should act expeditiously to forge a speedy path to mutually agreed Black American Reparations.

Analysis Brief: “RS-PS-G-D” (September 27, 2024) (201 KB) [RS-PS-G-D-092724.pdf] It is a series of analytical statements that await your review, rationalization, and agreement/disagreement. It provides a simplified and relevant analogy of the status quo and the related challenges for Black and non-Black Americans. It proposes a method for addressing the challenges, but stops short of offering an implementation strategy.

Analysis Brief: “Reinforcing and Permanentizing Economic Inequality” (September 6, 2024) (201 KB) [RPEI090624.pdf] This analysis brief considers economic inequality gaps between Black and non-Black Americans and the unending unearthing of strategies by non-Black Americans (including government) that reinforce and permanentize these gaps. Heretofore, non-Black Americans can boast an unbeaten record in this regard. We urge Black Americans to train to combat economic inequality and secure a win, which can spark a reversal of fortune.

Essay: “That is Not the Cause: What is?” (August 30, 2024) (207 KB) [TINTCWI083024] This essay explores the Black American “predicament” and what it takes to resolve it—if it is viewed as bothersome.

Brief Essay: “Feminization → Nullification → Weaponization” (August 23, 2024) (200 KB) [COLSFNW082324.pdf] This brief essay places Black American males’ feminization, nullification, and weaponization in stark relief. Conditions are likely to deteriorate further before they turn for the better. Black males are responsible for envisioning and materializing this potential favorable future.

Essay: “So Much with So Little” (August 16, 2024) (257 KB) [SMWSL081624.pdf] This “feel good” essay reminds Black America that we are an amazing people, and that our future can offer even greater rewards.

Essay: “Kamala Harris and the Unending Onslaught of Economic Attacks Against Black Americans” (August 2, 2024) (221 KB) [KHUOEABA080224.pdf] This essay discusses the expanding use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to impose undue pain on Black Americans through price discrimination, and how we can address it through our political economy posture during this presidential election cycle.

Essay: “A Black American Economic Green Book” (July 26, 2024) (203 KB) [ABAEG.pdf] This essay discusses a mechanism that, when developed properly and utilized frequently, can easily shoehorn Black Americans into a more intensified practice of “group economics,” which can produce improved outcomes and increased wellbeing for Black Americans. Also, the essay includes a reference and link (URL) to a related and newly released BlackEconomics.org assessment of the State of Hawaii (https://www.BlackEconomics.org/BELit/hawassess072624.pdf, 648 KB).

Assessment: Black Americans and Hawaii: An Assessment with Emphasis on Housing Related Industries, Homelessness, and Climate Change. (July 26, 2024) (648 KB) [HAWASSESS072624.pdf] This is the first in what is expected to be assessments of selected US states and muncipalities from a Black American perspective. The intent of the assessment is to clearly identify locales (states and muncipalities) that provide favorable/unfavorable environments for Black Americans. Black Americans can use this information to strategically target our economic activity to enhance our outcomes and wellbeing.

Brief Analysis: “It Is Not That Simple” (July 5, 2024) (223 KB) [IINTS070524R] This brief analysis cautions those who advise Black Americans and the advised to conduct systematic and serious analyses before formulating and promoting actions for Black Americans that can affect our future significantly.

Commentary: “The New Political Economy of the Black Vote” (June 28, 2024) (255 KB) [TNPEOTBV062824.pdf] This commentary advises Black (Afrodescendant) Americans to be wise about forthcoming voting choices to avoid being the recipients of targeted punishment and pain that may be imposed if our votes are not mainly on the winning side.

Brief Analysis: “Then or Now” (June 21, 2024) (243 KB) [TON062124.PDF] This brief analysis invites readers to think the unthinkable: Violent conflict on US soil. We remind readers of the current non-Black-to-Black population ratio and provide a refresh on that ratio for the Civil War Era. We ask: Why did Black Americans not seize liberty shortly after the Civil War when the non-Black-to-Black ratio was “favorable”? Then we note that the ratio is slightly more favorable today than in 1865. The important question posed is: Would Black Americans take on a self-defense challenge today if violent conflict erupted?

Analysis Brief: “The Gift that Keeps on Giving: Black America’s RDIS” (June 14, 2024) (299 KB) [TGTKOG061424.pdf] This analysis brief takes racial discrimination as given and explores how it produces losses persistently for Black Americans and windfalls for non-Black Americans. A simple hypothetical example and rough and partial estimates for 2022 based on real-world statistics are presented. Importantly, the analysis brief differentiates between income and consumption losses/surpluses. Those engaged in formulating Reparations Claims may find it worth a read.

Analysis Brief: “Comprehending Context Fully” (June 7, 2024) (318 KB) [FCC060724.pdf] This analysis brief discusses the importance of knowing context fully so that appropriate action can be taken in response to conditions that Black Americans confront. The most important question answered is: Why have Black Americans not done more to improve our condition? In the spirit of solutions, it serves up a strategy for motivating improvements in Black Americans’ outcomes based on implementation of the Long-Term Strategic Plan for Black America. Also, consider reading Baba Asinia Lukata Chikuyu’s comments concerning this analysis brief.

Commentary: “From 100 to 66 in 60 Years” (May 24, 2024) (245 KB) [100to66in60(052424).pdf] This commentary shines a reminding spotlight on adverse Black American institutional outcomes as a key contributor to our fragmentation, which countervails our forward progress.

Brief Essay: “The Irrelevance of Adam Smith’s TMS (May 17, 2024) (249 KB) [TIAS051724.pdf] This essay discusses how transformation of the Western World mind that became possible in the late 19th century rendered a classic work by the “Father of   Economics,” Adam Smith, irrelevant for 21st century society. It calls for a new and replacement philosophy that can produce a socioeconomic system that: (i) Reflects moral sentiments, justice, and humanity; (ii) generates real human progress; and (iii) enables a blossoming of love for our Earth home and its people.

Analysis Brief: “The PBC and You” (May 10, 2024) (261 KB) [TPBCAY051024.pdf] This analysis brief explores the political business cycle (PBC) concept and the current PBC to comprehend where we are and our near-term expectations.

Report Brief: “Can Statistics Help Pay the Black American (Afrodescendant) Reparations Bill? (May 3, 2025) (502 KB) [CSHPTBARB050324.pdf] This report brief continues our exploration of potential sources of US Government saving that can be used to extend Reparations to Black Americans (Afrodescendants). In this case, we argue that the US Government’s statistical enterprise could offer up small saving, which could be used to produce larger saving required to fund Reparations.

Analysis Brief: “Can Crime Pay the Black American (Afrodescendant) Reparations Bill?” (April 26, 2024) (234 KB) [CCPTBARB042624.pdf] This analysis brief shares new and exciting research results concerning a new strategy for paying Reparations that would not entail increased taxes, expanded Federal Government debt, or the prospect of worrisome inflation.

Response: “Responses to Questions about a Path to Economic Equality” (April 12, 2024) (208 KB) [RESPONSES_QAAPTEE(041224).pdf] These responses should assist Black and Non-Black Americans in comprehending more completely the conditions/circumstances under which “economic equality” might be achieved. Your questions and/or comments concerning our responses are welcomed.

Commentary: “Questions about a Path to Economic Equality” (April 5, 2024) (205 KB) [QAAPTEE(040524).pdf] This commentary presents nine questions that should assist Black and Non-Black Americans comprehend more completely the “economic equality” conundrum confronting the nation today. We plan to provide our succinct responses to the questions in our next submission. In the interim we welcome your responses to the questions.

Analysis Brief: “Moving South” (March 29, 2024) (391 KB) [MS032924.pdf] This analysis brief provides a thorough analysis of the current and likely future economic and meteorological conditions faced by Black Americans in the Southeastern portion of the US. The evidence provided should enable Black Americans to determine whether it is logical/rational to continue the ongoing reverse migration South.

Commentary: “Failure” (March 15, 2024) (216 KB) [FAILURE031524.pdf] This commentary suggests an assessment of human history and deep introspection to determine why humans are failure prone, how we should respond to this condition, and how we may improve our future outcomes.

Q&A: “Taking Charge of Our Destiny” (March 8, 2024) (213 KB) [TCOOD030824.pdf] This Q&A concerns a markedly underdiscussed and under-researched factor that undoubtedly contributes in a very significant way to landing Black America at the bottom of the US socioeconomic hierarchy. Can Black America rise successfully without addressing this factor? Read on…

Analysis Brief: “Tools for Fighting Inequalities” (March 1, 2024) (317 KB) [TFFI030124.pdf] It builds on a February 16, 2024 release and presents easily assembled statistical tools that can identify inequalities using representativeness principles. It suggests that pinpoint economic strategies can address injurious  inequalities and incentivize relief. It urges Black Americans nationwide to develop and implement these tools and strategies. Failure to do so will signal our acceptance of inequalities.

Analysis Brief: “Government Revenue and Expenditure Inequality” (February 16, 2024) (247 KB) [GRAEI021624.pdf] It calls attention to Black America’s failure to call vociferously for, and to act urgently on, the elimination of an important governmental inequality; especially at the local level. There is a large volume of literature and discussion on resolving Black-White income and wealth inequalities. However, discussions are somewhat muted concerning inequality in governments’ non-compensation operational and capital expenditures across geographical subdivisions. Relatively low levels of governmental expenditures in our areas of influence can contribute to a reduction in our production of high-quality human and cultural/social capital, which can reduce prospects for favorable life outcomes.

Brief Essay: “The Importance of Being Confident” (January 12, 2024) (207 KB) [TIOBC011224.pdf] This brief essay is in the “Economics of Religion” tradition and employs a compendium of 34 questions to explain, in large measure, how and why many Black Americans exist in unfavorable conditions today. Answers to the questions illuminate a path to improved outcomes for Black Americans.

Brief Essay: “Innovation” (December 29, 2023) (225 KB) [INNOVATION122923.pdf] This brief essay uses the Internet as a test case by considering the benefits of innovations through full benefit-cost analyses.

Essay: “Something New Under the Sun” (December 22, 2023) (208 KB) [SNUTS122223.pdf] As Black America plans to greet 2024, this essay reminds us that we must experience something extraordinary if we are to persevere, preserve ourselves, and help preserve the world.

Essay: “You Produce Billionaires” (December 14, 2023) (260 KB) [YPB121423.pdf] This essay restates the obvious differently. It forces consumers to recognize their integral roles in producing billionaires. Also, it suggests posing important questions about the nation’s socioeconomic and political frameworks.

Report Brief: “A Direct Measure of a Black American Reparations Amount” (November 25, 2023) (346 KB) [ADMOABARA.pdf] Most existing estimates of Black American Reparations are indirect measures. The direct measure that we propose is derived from estimates of US Government (USG) spending. The USG is the most culpable party because it facilitated, approved, and/or failed to take sufficient action to prevent developments that have precipitated the Black American Reparations demand. A Reparations amount derived directly from USG spending should be considered as decisions are made about Black American Reparations.

Brief Report: “The Economics of Citizens’ Limited Influence on Government Fiscal Operations” (October 5, 2023) (271 KB) [TEOCLI100523.pdf] This brief report provides a high-level view of selected aspects of the US Government fiscal state, explores citizens’ limited influence on fiscal outcomes, and urges preparation for potential unfavorable future fiscal developments.

Brief Essay: “Racism: A Non-Reinsertable Mutant Genie” (September 29, 2023) (249 KB) [RANRMG092923.pdf] This brief essay discusses the difficulty of envisioning a multi-play strategic game that results in racism’s disappearance from the national and global landscapes.  

Brief Essay: “Should Black America Strike Too?” (September 22, 2023) (226 KB) [SBAST092223.pdf] This brief essay explores potential benefits of national Black American sit-down strikes, reasons why they have not occurred, and warns that time is running out to employ this strategy to improve our socioeconomic wellbeing.

Analysis Brief: “Eliminating Excuses” (September 15, 2023) (268 KB) [EE091523.pdf] This Analysis Brief continues BlackEconomics.org’s suggestion of strategies that should enable Black America to generate new saving for investment and wealth building. In this case, the proposition is to adopt a more judicious posture on tourism spending.

Analysis Brief: “De-Dignification and Economic Exploitation of Black Americans” (September 1, 2023) (272 KB) [DDAEEOBA090123.pdf] This analysis brief explores the political economy of unfavorable air travel experiences in US airports that are de-dignifying. Also, it analyzes the likely economic exploitative effects of AI (algorithmic) enabled price discrimination practices employed by airlines that may cause Black Americans to pay higher quality-adjusted fares than non-Black Americans.

Brief Essay: “Doing It Wrong All Along” (August 25, 2023) (239 KB) (DIWAL082523.pdf) The essay builds a case for adopting a strategy of cooperative business formation, which can assist Black Americans in creating jobs and income, accumulating financial and nonfinancial assets (wealth), and in realizing independence, self-determination, liberty, and improved well-being faster than a strategy of sole proprietor business formation.

Brief Essay: “Black Americans Have Choices” (August 18, 2023) (230 KB) [BAHC081823.pdf] This brief essay reminds Black Americans that we do not have to walk unconsciously into cleverly designed, developed, and disguised “gas chambers” of the 21st century that are associated with adoption of technological innovations. The latter have brought humans to the precipice of global climatological disaster, they are herding many Black Americans toward obsolescence, and they are reducing our population growth.

Essay: “Providing Retirement Benefits for Descendants of Former Slave Masters” (August 11, 2023) (255 KB) [PRBFDOFSM081123.pdf] This essay highlights how Black America continues to support and buttress the descendants of former slave masters through retirement benefit payments.

Essay: “Begging for Everything Except Salvation” (August 11, 2023) (234 KB) [BFEES081123.pdf] This essay contends that Black America continues to count on others to do for us what we should do for ourselves. Our begging posture may prove to be disastrous at a crucial point because it may lead us to not prepare to act to ensure our rise when wide-open opportunities arise. Also, please consider comments (150 KB) on this essay from Baba Asinia Lukata Chikuyu.

Essay: “Can Black Americans Afford College?” (August 4, 2023) (260 KB) [CBAAC080423.pdf] The topic question is considered in a multigenerational plan context where Black America seeks greater independence and liberty. It focuses on those Black Americans who do not qualify for and/or cannot afford traditional bachelor’s degrees. It discusses occupations that are captured quite cheaply, that provide for a favorable economic life, and that can help enable Black America’s quest for the aforementioned independence and liberty.

Book Analysis: “Time to Search Ourselves” (July 28, 2023) (248 KB) [TSO072823.pdf] It continues our recent writings on Reparations by raising critical concerns about Black America’s approach to Reparations. If Black America does not chart a near perfect course to Reparations, then we will not receive Reparations, or what we receive may not produce desired outcomes. Also, see the following response to this book analysis by Baba Asinia Lukata Chikuyu, which highlights “Black America’s Ignorance about Reparations” (286 KB) [BALCRTTSO072823.pdf].

Commentary: “Asking Why” (July 21, 2023) (257 KB) [AWHY072123.pdf] Light reading about the important role of asking why during scientific inquiry; the related importance of knowledge (particularly Afrikan-centered knowledge); and how a new and free digital publication, Long-Term Strategic Plan for Black America, was developed by A Long-Term Strategic Plan Panel using scientific inquiry and Afrikan-centered knowledge.

Commentary: “Reparations and the Contributions of Lazy Economists” (July 14, 2023) (243 KB) [RATCOLE.pdf] This commentary discusses a logical but somewhat uncommon approach for undertaking difficult challenges like Reparations. It poses ten fundamental questions, the answers for which should provide a clear path to securing Reparations. It warns that Black Americans must be willing to suffer and die for Reparations, just as we suffered and died for all important and seemingly favorable historical achievement in the US.

Commentary: “Rejoice!!!” (June 30, 2023) (219 KB) [REJOICE063023.pdf] Highlights reasons why the June 29, 2023 SCOTUS Affirmative Action decision should be a long-term future cause for Black American rejoicing.

Commentary: “We Get What We Accept” (June 16, 2023) (233 KB) [WGWWA061623.pdf] Seeks to confirm the topic statement by providing evidence that Black America’s current condition “is what it is,” in part, because we reflect a willingness to accept it.

Brief Essay: “A GD Saturday Can Kickstart Reparations” (June 2, 2023) (260 KB) [AGDSATCKR.pdf] Describes an idea around which Black Americans can unify to kickstart Reparations and build a long-term and strategic Reparations plan.

Analysis Brief: “South Asian Immigration: Implications for Black America” (May 26, 2023) (232 KB) [BSAST052623.pdf] Recounts the socioeconomic support extended by Black Americans to early South Asian immigrants; expresses the recognition and concern that that support has all been forgotten by South Asians, who are stealthily climbing to the top of the US socioeconomic heap; and suggests a Black American response.

Commentary: “Don’t Ask the Wrong Question about Raising the FDC” (May 12, 2023) (255 KB) [ATWQ051223.pdf] It invites interrogation of the background and rationale for US (Federal) Government debt and continuing requirements to raise the Federal Debt Ceiling (FDC). When enquiring about the FDC, we should not fail to consider the need for broader change.

Commentary: “Frogs: Reaching a Deadly Boiling Point Via Chilling Realities” (April 28, 2023) (242 KB) [FRADBPVCR.pdf] Connects frog symbolism and the “boiling frog syndrome” to the Black American condition, but explains that an escape route is forthcoming.

Analysis Brief: “Economics Before Education?” (April 14, 2023) (245 KB) [EBEFOREE.pdf] Offers an analysis of a well-known pundit’s proposed approach/plan for Black America’s path to power and self-determination.

Brief Essay: “Self-Enslavement: The Psychoeconomics of Sports Games” (April 7, 2023) (254 KB) [SETPOSG040723.pdf] On the heels of March Madness 2023, this brief essay examines Black America’s unconscious self-enslavement to sports games and our consequent absence from the more important strategic games that shape socioeconomic outcomes. Also see a response to this essay from Mr. Bennett Johnson.

Analysis Brief: “Black America’s Consumption, Income, and Wealth” (March 31, 2023) (264 KB) [CIW033123.pdf] Building on earlier work, considers Black America’s income, wealth, and consumption gaps versus non-Black Americans; pinpoints well-known actions that could reduce these gaps; and urges more direct action by Black Americans to reduce the gaps.

Analysis Brief: “Aiding and Abetting: Contributing to Our Own Demise” (March 24, 2023) (293 KB) [AAA032423.pdf] An analysis of certain unintended consequences to which Black athletes contribute when attending small town colleges/universities that have highly ranked football and basketball programs.

Commentary: “A Doubly Rigged Game” (March 17, 2023) (205 KB) [ADRG.pdf] Explains how Black Americans engage in a doubly rigged US economic and financial game that is very difficult to win, yet we continue to participate in the game. Suggests that alternatives should be considered.

Analysis Brief: “Monopolists Will Discriminate” (March 3, 2023) (244 KB) [MWD.pdf] Provides selected evidence that public monopolies in the form of municipal police departments are likely to exhibit practices that are driven by the local political economy, but that also reflect racial discrimination.

Analysis Brief: “Cutting Lifelines” (February 10, 2023) (343 KB) [CL.pdf] Highlights Black America’s heavy economic dependence on government and how this may affect our willingness to move from talk to action on achieving self-determination.

Commentary: “The Economics of the Tyre Nichols Case” (February 3, 2023) (236 KB) [TEOTTNC.pdf] Defines the loop in which Black America is ensconced and which is replicated by the Tyre Nichols case; analyzes the special economic implications of the case; and characterizes the future if Black America fails to identify and implement a strategy to exit the loop. Also consider Baba Asinia Lukata Chikuyu’s Response to this commentary.

Commentary: “The Military Too!” (January 27, 2023) (215 KB) [TMT.pdf] This commentary reinforces the fact that Black Americans may benefit from war and military service at the margin. However, we are not benefiting from DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) to the extent that we should through active-duty military service where we are grossly underrepresented as officers. Also see BlackEconomics.org Co-Contributor Lindsey “Rob” Robinson’s Response to this commentary. He provides “doable recommendations” that can ameliorate existing problems with identifying, retaining, and promoting Black officers in the US military.

Commentary: “What Manner of Mind?” (January 20, 2023) (224 KB) [WMOM.pdf] The commentary explores the Western World mind that has generated vast  material wealth and power. But it has also produced untold atrocities the end of which remain far in the future. It suggests that the world should embrace a widespread participatory approach to shaping a humanistic path forward.

Commentary:  “Guaranteed Prosperity” (January 6, 2023)  (254 KB)  [GUARPROSP.pdf]   Integrates two of our very recent commentaries and suggests a direct path to prosperity for Black Americans if we exercise courage, faith, unity, and work.

Commentary:  “The Declining Significance of Protests” (December 23, 2022)  (232 KB)  [TDSP.pdf]  Discusses how traditional protests (marches, sit-ins, etc.) are increasingly unimpactful in resolving socioeconomic inequalities, and how the “nuclear option” (sit-down strikes) may be lost as an option over the next ten years. Economic boycotts are not discussed.

Brief Essay:  Counterfactuals  (December 9, 2022)  (303 KB)  [COUNTERFACTUALS.pdf] This essay urges those who analyze Black American inequality gaps to focus on a critical counterfactual that may provide a solid comparison against which all of the gaps should be weighed.

Note:  Mini Dataset: Socioeconomic and Political Profiles of I-20X States”  (December 2, 2022)  (227 KB)  [MDSSPPI20X.pdf]

Commentary:  “Adding ‘People’”  (November 25, 2022)  (227 KB)  [ADDPEOP.pdf]  Discusses the importance of Black Americans informing interested parties that we are a “People,” which carries significant and favorable implications.

Commentary:  “The Door is Open: Pass H.R. 40 and S. 40 Now!”  (November 18, 2022)  (229 KB)  [PHR40S40NOW.pdf]  Urges a Democratically controlled US Congress to pass Reparations Bills in both houses before the party loses its majority status.

Analysis Brief:  A Clearer View  (November 11, 2022)  (271 KB)  [ACV.pdf]  This analysis brief places US military spending under a microscope and characterizes the nature of that spending, reveals the business leaders and firms that elicit and benefit from the spending, and shows that Black Americans benefit minimally from military spending.

Analysis Brief:  “Is Mississippi Configured for Black Self-Determination?”  (October 28, 2022)  (264 KB)  [IMCFBSD.pdf]  Also, please see a related Response (120 KB).

Commentary:  “Are Black American ‘Self-Determiners’ ‘Liberals’ or ‘Conservatives’?”  (October 14, 2022)  (234 KB) [ABASDLOC.pdf]  Offers insights on the underlying characteristics of Black American “Self-Determiners” and what this means.

Analysis Brief:  Why is Black American Homeownership Constrained?”  (October 7, 2022)  (310 KB)  [WBAHC.pdf]  Provides an analysis of why Black Americans’ homeownership rate is well below the 50 percent mark.

Brief Essay:  Welcoming Black South Asians into the Black World”  (September 30, 2022) (246 KB)  [WBSAIBW.pdf]  This essay highlights the relationship between Black Americans and Black South Asians. It argues that significant long-term benefits could accrue if the three billion global Black population formed an alliance.

Brief Essay:  “The Black Economics of Uncertainty”  (September 9, 2022)  (261 KB)  [TBEOU.pdf]  Discusses how the multiplicity of uncertainties of Black American life in the US compound to affect our well-being adversely.

Commentary:  “Never Say Never!”  (September 2, 2022)  (250 KB)  [NSN.pdf]  Is intended as a warning to Black Americans to prepare for potential unfavorable conditions that could unfold in the US in response to increasing fragmentation and political strife.

Analysis Brief:  “The Essential Role of Black Banks in Black Economic Development”  (August 26, 2022)  (314 KB)  [TERBED.pdf]  Provides a succinct explanation of how banking institutions generally operate from a consumer perspective, and highlights how Black banks can accelerate Black economic development.

Commentary:  “A ‘Greater Fool’ Economy”  (August 12, 2022)  (212 KB)  [AGFE.pdf]  Discusses the nature and attitudes of many investors, especially with respect to certain types of financial and nonfinancial assets. 

Commentary:  “Concerns about CHIPS”  (August 5, 2022)  (241 KB)  [CACHIPS.pdf]  This commentary highlights provisions of a new law that, inter alia, provides funding for growing the semiconductor industry and boosting science and technology human capital development efforts in the US.

Commentary: “Fortuitous Unity and Trust”  (July 29, 2022)  (247 KB)  [FUT.pdf]  Explains fortuitous conditions under which Black Americans may enter deeper unity and trust, which represent a prerequisite for success in achieving Black liberty.

Commentary:  “Black Americans’ International Relations”  (June 22, 2022) (239 KB)  [BAIR.pdf]  Elaborates on Brittney Griner’s incarceration in Russia and the inability of Black American to intervene. 

Commentary:  “Black America is No. 1”  (July 22, 2022)  (239 KB)   [BAN1.pdf]  Shows that categories in which Black America is No. 1 are not all favorable.

Commentary:  “Another CWBA Problem”  (July 15,  2022)  (275 KB)    [CWBAPROB.pdf] Explains shortcomings of Ice Cube’s efforts to configure an economic development program for Black America.

Commentary:  “Mindset”   (July 8, 2022)  (223 KB)  [MINDSET.pdf]  Offers guidance to Black Americans on the type of perspective (mindset) that should be adopted as we gain greater control of directing our economic activity.

Analysis Brief:  “Black Americans and Public BCCCTs”  (July 1, 2022)  (323 KB)  [BCCCTS.pdf]  Raises a very important question of Black American participation on public boards, commissions, committees, and councils at all levels of government.

Commentary:  “More on Food Inflation”  (June 24, 2022)  (319 KB)  [MOFI.pdf]  Follows up an earlier BlaclEconomics.org release on the current bout of inflation and provides additional analysis.

Commentary:  “To Be Forearmed”  (June 10, 2022)  (267 KB)  [TBFOREARMED.pdf]  Discuss expectations concerning food inflation in the US.

Commentary: “A Fundamental Misunderstanding”  (June 3, 2022)  (229 KB)  [AFUNDMIS.pdf]  Accuses the California Task Force on Reparations of reflecting a fundamental misunderstanding of Reparations requirements in their recent report.

Commentary:  “The ‘Great Replacement’ or ‘Great Elimination’ Theories”  (May 28, 2022)  (235 KB)  [GRT-GET.pdf]  Argues that White Supremacists’ may fly a Great Replacement Theory flag while actually supporting a Great Elimination Theory.

Commentary:  Learn to Hate”  (May 17, 2022)  (232 KB)  [LTH.pdf]  Seeks to convince Black Americans that it is in our best interest to learn to hate.  

Analysis Brief:  “Black Names in the Halls of Congress”  (May 13, 2022)  (357 KB)  [BNITHC.pdf]  Using “Black names,” explores selected evidence concerning  members of the Congressional Black Caucus employment of Black American staffers.

Analysis Brief: “More Evidence Concerning CBC Members’ Ineffectiveness” (May 6, 2022) (295 KB) [MECCBCMI.pdf]

Commentary: “Planning Our Rise” (April 29, 2022) (236 KB) [POR.pdf]

Brief Analysis: “Black American Taxes: Comparing What We Pay” (April 15, 2022) (331 KB) [BATCWWP.pdf]

Brief Analysis: “Housing for Families in Poverty: An Alternative Paradigm” (April 8, 2022) (238 KB) [HFFIP.pdf]

Commentary: “The Real Insanity of ‘March Madness’” (April 1, 2022) (233 KB) [RIMM.pdf]

Special Release: “Law and Economics: Excerpts from a Letter Concerning Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson” (March 22, 2022) (491 KB) [LAEEFL.pdf]

Commentary: “Welcome to More Misery” (March 18, 2022) (201 KB) [WMM.pdf]

Commentary: “What Should Black Americans Do About Climate Change?” (March 11, 2022) (261 KB) [WSBADACC.pdf]

Brief Working Paper: “Are Black Americans Rational Economic Agents? The Case of General Sales and Property Taxes” (March 4, 2022) (360 KB) [ABAREA.pdf]

Commentary: “Dark Clouds or Sunshine? The Black Economics of War” (February 25, 2022) (241 KB) [DCSTBEOW.pdf]

Commentary: “Acting on Adverse Redistricting: ‘One Thing Leads to Another’” (February 18, 2022) (275 KB) [AOROTLTA.pdf]

Notification: “Cleaning Our Way to Black Liberation” (February 18, 2022) (202 KB) [COWTBL.pdf]

Commentary: “Reparations and Procrastination” (February 4, 2022) (244 KB) [RANDP.pdf]

* In connection with this commentary on Reparations, Mr. Bennett Johnson of Evanston, Illinois submitted “The Freedom Plan – A Proposal for Reparations” (February 5, 2022) (42 KB) [BJFP.pdf]. This submission does not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of BlackEconomics.org.

Commentary: “What Can Three Black Economists Do?” (January 21, 2022) (428 KB) [WC3BED.pdf]

Note: “Is Black America Progressing?” (January 14, 2022) (435 KB) [IBAP.pdf]

Essay: “A Historical Critique of Black American Leadership” (December 21, 2021) (602 KB) [LEADERSHIP.pdf]

Commentary: “Wisdom, Ability, Incentives” (October 22, 2021) (419 KB) [WAI.pdf]

Essay: “Government Expenditure and a Decision to Emigrate” (October 15, 2021) (485 KB) [GEDE.pdf]

Commentary: “How Can There Be Joy?” (October 8, 2021) (392 KB) [HCTBJ.pdf]

Commentary: Rob Robinson’s Commentary on September 30, 2021, New York Times Article: “More Than Half of Police Killings are Mislabeled, New Study Says” (October 1, 2021) (392 KB) [PWABMW.pdf]

Commentary: “How Long is ‘Not Long’?” (September 24, 2021) (387 KB) [HLINL.pdf]

Essay: “Drivers But Not Beneficiaries of Health Output” (September 17, 2021) (414 KB) [DBNBHO.pdf]

Commentary: “Homogeneity, Heterogeneity, Discrimination, and Reparations” (August 27, 2021) (394 KB) [HHDR.pdf]

Essay: “Executing Existing Power” (August 17, 2021) (416 KB) [EEP.pdf]

Commentary: “What Do Black Americans Know About Climate Change?” (August 11, 2021) (398 KB) [BAACC.pdf]

Commentary: “CBC Not Positioned to Optimize Black America’s Well-Being” (August 2, 2021) (378 KB) [CBCNOTPOS.pdf]

Commentary: “Racism in Death” (July 26, 2021) (409 KB) [RID.pdf]

Commentary: “Should the Late George Floyd Be a Black American Hero?” (July 19, 2021) (402 KB) [SGFBAH.pdf]

Report Brief: “Black American Employment Representativeness” (July 4, 2021) (447 KB) [REPRESENTATIVENESS.pdf]

Essay: “Cherry Picking the SS COLA and More” (May 21, 2021) (438 KB) [CPSSCOLAM.pdf]

Report Brief: “Seven Truths About Black American Billionaires” (May 14, 2021) (449 KB) [STABAB.pdf]

Essay: “New Black-NonBlack Wealth Inequality Metrics” (May 7, 2021) (395 KB) [NBNBWIMS.pdf]

Commentary: “Work Awaits Black Studies Programs” (April 17, 2021) (369 KBS) [WABSP.pdf]

Commentary: “Everybody: Do Something!” (April 8, 2021) (389 KBS) [EDS.pdf]

Commentary: “Agenda Setting” (March 29, 2021) (383 KB) [AGENDASETTING.pdf]

Pamphlet: “Love and BlackEconomics” (March 25, 2021) (436 KB) [LOVEANDBE.pdf]

Commentary: “$27 Million is Not Enough” (March 13, 2021) (424 KB) [27MINE.pdf]

Commentary: “What Does ARPA 2021 Mean for Black Americans?” (March 12, 2021) (369 KB) [WDARPA.pdf]

Commentary: “Destructive Competition” (March 3, 2021) (364 KB) [DC.pdf]

Commentary: “The Economics of Fear” (February 17, 2021) (218 KB) [TEF.pdf]

Essay: “Why Joe Biden Should Not Be President” (December 12, 2020) (254 KB) (WJBSNBP.pdf)

Report: “Black Boycott of Retail Sales Successful Again” (October 17, 2020; released January 1, 2020) (256 KB) [BBRSSA.pdf]

Commentary: “Forget Equality: Demand and Take Independence” (September 27, 2020; released January 1, 2021) (221 KB) [FEDTI.pdf]

Essay: “Never a Slave!” (September 14, 2020) (281 KB) [NAS.pdf]

Commentary: “Push Back: ‘A Contract with Black America: Addressing Racial Inequalities’” (August 5, 2020) (297 KB) (ICPB.pdf)

Commentary: “Revise the Narrative” (August 1, 2020; released January 1, 2021) (215 KB) (RTN.pdf)

Commentary: “Gathering the Dust.” (June 28, 2020) (223 KB) (GTD.pdf)

Commentary: “The Look of Change: Reparations, Separation, and Nation Formation” (June 13, 2020) (268 KB) (TLC.pdf)

Commentary: “Monologue on George Floyd’s Murder by Rob Robinson” (May 29, 2020) (260 KB) [MOGFM-RR.pdf]

Book Review: “From Here to Equality: Reparations for Black Americans in the Twenty-First Century” (May 10, 2020) (280 KB) [BR-FHTE.pdf]

Commentary: “USDS Likely to Trump SSS” (April 25, 2020) (233 KB) [USDSOVERSSS.pdf]

Commentary:  “Just Don’t Take It!”  (February 2, 2020)  (238 KB)  [JDTI.pdf]

Commentary:  “MLK’s Great Transformation:  How to Benefit”  (January 18, 2020)  (226 KB)  [MLKGT.pdf]

Essay:  “It’s All about Perspective:  Black America’s Nation Formation”  (January 11, 2020)  (265 KB)  [IAAPBANF.pdf]

Commentary:  “What Can Black America’s Current Cultural Capital Produce?”  (November 30, 2019)  (237 KB)  [WCBACCCP.pdf]

Commentary:  “Economic Litmus Test”  (November 9, 2019)  (189 KB)  [EL.pdf]

Commentary: “Census Tracts, Opportunity Zones, and Tax Breaks”  (July 27, 2019)  (278 KB) [CTOZTB.pdf]

Commentary:  “HR 40 and SB 1083: More Time, Money, and Direction”  (June 22, 2019)  (199 KB) [MTMD.pdf]

Commentary:  “Five Bites at the Rotting Apple”  (May 12, 2019)  (237 KB)  [FBATRA.pdf]

Commentary:  “No Longer a Credible Threat”  (January 21, 2019)  (220 KB)  [NLACT.pdf]

Commentary:  “No Donations without Revelations”  (November 10, 2018)  (86 KB)  [NDWR.pdf]

Report:  “Results of Bank Black Protest Actions”  (October 20, 2018)  (85 KB)  [ROBBPA.pdf]

Essay:  “Work Stoppage Protests”  (October 19, 2018)  (71 KB)  [WSP.pdf]

Essay:  “We Made a Difference”  (June 24, 2018)  (164 KB)  [WMD.pdf]

Essay:  “Have You Read the US Constitution?”  (January 29, 2018)  (99 KB)  [HYRUSC.pdf]

Commentary:  “Enlightening Black America”  (October 1, 2017)  (88 KB)  [EBA.pdf]

Commentary:  “A Better Mouse Trap”  (May 28, 2017)  (190 KB)  [ABMT.pdf}

Essay:  “The Black-White Wealth Gap is Greater Than You Think!”  (April 15, 2017)  (165 KB)  [NPISH.pdf]

Essay:  “Black America’s Trade Losses”  (December 11, 2016) (206 KB) [BTL.pdf]

Essay:  “Will US Black and White Household Incomes Ever Converge?”  (December 18, 2015)  (171 KB)  [WUBWHEC.pdf]

Essay:  “Is Expanding Entrepreneurship an Answer for US Afrodescendants Today?”  (December 7, 2015)  (174 KB)  [IEETA.pdf]

Report Brief:  “Black Americans: Happy with Life in US”  (September 25, 2015)  (196 KB) [BAHLUS.pdf]

Commentary:  “New Strategy for Resolving Baltimore’s Crisis” (April 24, 2015)  (131 KB)  [NSFRBC.pdf]

Research:  “A Broad Three-Point Reparations Program for US Afrodescendants Versus CARICOM’s 10-Point Program”  (March 25, 2015)  (204 KB)  [BTPRP.pdf]

Commentary:  “We’re A Nation, Not a Community.”  (September 5, 2014)  (148 KB)  [WANNC.pdf]

Commentary:  “What Can the CBC Do?”  (August 16,  2014) (75 KB)  [CBC.pdf]

Report Brief:  “22 Reasons Why Black Businesses Fail” (August 1, 2014)  (111 KB)  [22REASONS.pdf]

Report Brief:  “Black America Doesn’t Benefit from the Nation’s Economic Growth”  (May 10, 2014)  (87 KB)  [BADNEG.pdf]

Commentary: “Fear May Cause Discrimination” (February 7, 2014) (116 KB) [FMCD.pdf]

Commentary:  “The Economics of Nonviolence:  Gandhi, King, and Mandela”  (December 13, 2013)  (75 KB)  [TENGKM.pdf]

Report Brief:  “Black Churches and College Scholarships” (October 1, 2013)  (77 KB) [BCCS.pdf]

Working Paper:  “Income Tax Compliance and the Black-White Disposable Income Gap”  (March 17, 2012)  (214 KB)  [ITCBWIG.pdf]

Working Paper:  “All it Takes is One”  (February 21, 2012)  (120 KB)  [AITIO.pdf]

Commentary:  “Those Who Make Nothing”  (November 5, 2011)  (56 KB)  [TWMN.pdf]

Working Paper:  “Why Do Inefficient Black Churches Survive?”  (January 2011)  (217 KB) [IBC.pdf]

Essay:  “The Marriage-Job Paradox”  (July 26, 2010)  (71 KB)  [TMJP.pdf]

Essay:  “Nation Formation: Part III”  (June 2010) (81 KB)  [NFIII.pdf]

Essay:  “Nation Formation: Part II”  (June 2010) (82 KB)  [NFII.pdf]

Essay:  “Nation Formation: Part I”  (June 2010) (82 KB)  [NFI.pdf]

Commentary:  “The Color Black”  (November 15, 2009)  (72 KB)  [TCB.pdf]

Commentary:  “The Impossibility of Equality without a Gift”  (November 7, 2009)  (72 KB)  [TIEWG.pdf]

Research:  “Why Do Blacks Live Where They Live?”  (July 19, 2009)  (79 KB)  [WDBLWTL.pdf]

Essay:  “MLK: Messianic or Satanic?”  (19 KB)  [MLK.pdf]

Working Paper:  “What Could Have Been: Macrosimulating the Economic Injury Caused by Desegregation”  (April 13, 2007)  (43 KB)  [MEICBD.pdf]

Working Paper:  “HBCU’s Institutional Advantage: Returns to Education”  (This paper was ultimately published as Chapter 13 in Understanding Minority-Serving Institutions, M. Gasman, B. Baez, and C. S. V. Turner, Editors, SUNY Press) (165 KB) [MSI.pdf]

Working Paper:  “Income Inequality and Ethnicity: An International View” (August 2002)  [IIE.pdf]

Article:  “Disparity in Present Value Net Social Security Wealth”  (1994) (13,008 KB) [BRSOCSEC.pdf]