#NNPA BlackPress

Financial Expert: Trump’s Tariffs Could Bring Economic Pain to Black and Brown Communities

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Mexico and Canada each send more than 80 percent of their exports to the United States, and retaliatory tariffs from these countries could have severe consequences

Published

10 months ago

February 3, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico—America’s largest trading partners—have already begun to rattle markets and consumers. The policy, which imposes a 25 percent tax on all imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods, is being framed as an aggressive move to curb migration, drug trafficking, and China’s role in fentanyl production. However, the economic consequences are already being felt, with financial markets in turmoil and everyday Americans bracing for price hikes in critical sectors such as fuel, food, and automobiles.

Financial expert Allan Boomer, a seasoned Wall Street veteran with more than two decades of experience, discussed the economic fallout in an interview with the Black Press. Boomer, who spent years advising institutional clients and managing multi-million-dollar investment portfolios at Goldman Sachs before founding his firm Momentum Advisors, assessed the current financial landscape. “The markets are constantly moving,” Boomer said. “The Dow was down a bunch earlier today, but it’s already rebounding somewhat. Still, what the market is really bracing for is an all-out trade war.”

Boomer pointed to the deep economic ties between the United States and its neighboring trading partners. “Mexico and Canada each send more than 80 percent of their exports to the United States, and retaliatory tariffs from these countries could have severe consequences,” he said. “The ultimate loser in this situation is the consumer. Ultimately, this results in higher prices.” Gas prices in the Midwest have already risen by as much as 50 cents per gallon, as Canada and Mexico supply over 70 percent of crude oil imports to U.S. refineries. The auto industry is also seeing immediate effects, with tariffs threatening to add as much as $3,000 to the price of some vehicles. Meanwhile, grocery costs are expected to rise, as Mexico supplies more than 60 percent of America’s vegetable imports and nearly half of its fruit and nut imports.

“We’re going to feel this in Black and brown communities,” Boomer said. “Any community that spends money as a high percentage of their wealth—whether Black, white, or Latino—is going to be hit hard. But for Black and brown people, who statistically spend the most as a percentage of wealth, the impact is going to be severe.” Boomer questioned the broader strategy behind Trump’s trade policies, noting that while the administration touts these tariffs to strengthen the U.S. economy, the reality may be different. “This is a president who said he would strengthen the United States at the expense of our partners,” Boomer said. “But what you’re seeing is that it’s really at our own expense. We import a bunch of things—lumber, oil, tequila, avocados—and these tariffs have big knock-on effects in our economy on a day-to-day basis.”

Trump has positioned tariffs as a tool to pressure Canada and Mexico to make policy concessions. “Trump is looking to leverage these tariffs for some sort of win,” Boomer said. “For example, he’s pointing out that U.S. banks can’t operate in Canada, and he’ll try to push for some small victories, but the question is, does anyone care?”

With markets in flux and fears of an economic downturn growing, Boomer advised investors to think long-term. “You can’t invest just for today—you have to invest for tomorrow and for 10 years down the road,” he said. “Right now, we’re in a really challenging political climate, but in the next two years, with the midterms, we might see a backing off of these extreme positions.” Boomer encouraged investors to consider where they put their money. “I’d be wary of companies that are backing off their DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives,” he said. “I just don’t think companies that aren’t inclusive in hiring are going to do well in the long run.”

He also urged investors to be mindful of who is managing their money. “Am I investing in funds managed by diverse professionals or am I turning my money over to non-diverse money managers?” he asked. “These are things people should be paying attention to in this climate.” National Urban League President Marc Morial addressed broader concerns about Trump’s policies on federal assistance, which could leave millions of Americans without critical support, including food assistance, education funding, small-business grants, and VA benefits for veterans.

“This administration’s reckless action has already stirred widespread chaos and may cause recessionary impacts such as increased poverty, job losses, and economic stagnation,” Morial said. “This is not a blueprint to ‘Make America Great Again.’ This is not putting ‘America First.’ This is leaving millions of Americans behind.”

Stacy M. Brown

Posts by Stacy M. Brown

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#NNPA BlackPress

LIHEAP Funds Released After Weeks of Delay as States and the District Rush to Protect Households from the Cold

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The federal government has released $3.6 billion in home heating assistance after a delay that left states preparing for the start of winter without the program’s annual funding.

Published

4 days ago

December 1, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The federal government has released $3.6 billion in home heating assistance after a delay that left states preparing for the start of winter without the program’s annual funding. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, helps eligible households pay heating and cooling bills. The release follows a shutdown that stretched 43 days and pushed agencies across the country to warn families of possible disruptions.

State officials in Minnesota, Kansas, New York, and Pennsylvania had already issued alerts that the delay could slow the processing of applications or force families to wait until December for help. In Pennsylvania, more than 300,000 households depend on the program each year. Minnesota officials noted that older adults, young children, and people with disabilities face the highest risk as temperatures fall.

The delay also raised concerns among advocates who track household debt tied to rising utility costs. National Energy Assistance Directors Association Executive Director Mark Wolfe said the funds were “essential and long overdue” and added that high arrearages and increased energy prices have strained families seeking help.

Some states faced additional pressure when other services were affected by the shutdown. According to data reviewed by national energy advocates, roughly 68 percent of LIHEAP households also receive nutrition assistance, and the freeze in multiple programs increased the financial burden on low-income residents. Wolfe said families were placed in “an even more precarious situation than usual” as the shutdown stretched into November.

In Maryland, lawmakers urged the Trump administration to release funds after the state recorded its first cold-related death of the season. The Maryland Department of Health reported that a man in his 30s was found outdoors in Frederick County when temperatures dropped. Last winter, the state documented 75 cold-related deaths, the highest number in five years. Rep Kweisi Mfume joined more than 100 House members calling for immediate federal action and said LIHEAP “is not a luxury” for the 100,000 Maryland households that rely on it. He added that seniors and veterans would be placed at risk if the program remained stalled.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore used $10.1 million in state funds to keep benefits moving, but noted that states cannot routinely replace federal dollars. His administration said families that rely on medical equipment requiring electricity are particularly vulnerable.

The District of Columbia has already mapped out its FY26 LIHEAP structure in documents filed with the federal government. The District’s plan shows that heating assistance, cooling assistance, weatherization, and year-round crisis assistance operate from October 1 through September 30. The District allocates 50 percent of its LIHEAP funds to heating assistance, 10 percent to cooling, 13 percent to year-round crisis assistance, 15 percent to weatherization, and 10 percent to administrative costs. Two percent is used for services that help residents reduce energy needs, including education on reading utility bills and identifying energy waste.

The District’s plan lists a minimum LIHEAP benefit of $200 and a maximum of $1,800 for both heating and cooling assistance. Crisis benefits are provided separately and may reach up to $500 when needed to resolve an emergency. The plan states that a household is considered in crisis if it has been disconnected from energy service, if heating oil is at 5 percent or less of capacity, or if the household has at least $200 owed after the regular benefit is applied.

The District’s filing notes that LIHEAP staff conduct outreach through community meetings, senior housing sites, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, social media, posters, and mass mailings. The plan confirms that LIHEAP applicants can apply in person, by mail, by email, or through a mobile-friendly online application and that physically disabled residents may request in-home visits.

As agencies nationwide begin distributing the newly released funds, states continue working through large volumes of applications. Wolfe said LIHEAP administrators “have been notified that the award letters have gone out and the states can begin to draw down the funds.”

Stacy M. Brown

Posts by Stacy M. Brown

#NNPA BlackPress

Seven Steps to Help Your Child Build Meaningful Connections

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Swinging side by side with a friend on the playground. Sharing chalk over bright, colorful sidewalk drawings. Hiding behind a tree during a spirited game of hide-and-seek. These simple moments between children may seem small, but they matter more than we think

Published

4 days ago

December 1, 2025

Oakland Post

By Niyoka McCoy, Ed.D., Chief Learning Officer, Stride/K12

Swinging side by side with a friend on the playground. Sharing chalk over bright, colorful sidewalk drawings. Hiding behind a tree during a spirited game of hide-and-seek. These simple moments between children may seem small, but they matter more than we think: They lay the foundation for some of life’s most important skills.

Through everyday play, young children begin learning essential social and emotional skills like sharing, resolving conflicts, showing empathy, and managing their emotions. These social skills help shape emotional growth and set kids up for long-term success. Socialization in early childhood isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for development.

Yet today, many young children who haven’t yet started school aren’t getting enough consistent, meaningful interaction with peers. Research shows that there’s a decline in active free play and peer socialization when compared to previous generations.

There are many reasons for this. Children who are home with a parent during the day may spend most of their time with adults, limiting opportunities for peer play. Those in daycare or preschool may have restricted free play, and large classrooms can reduce supervision and social coaching. Some children live in rural areas, are homebound due to illness, have full schedules, or rely on screens to fill their playtime. And for some families, finding other families with young children to connect with isn’t easy.

While these challenges can feel significant, opportunities for connection still exist in every community. Families can take simple steps to help children build friendships, create a sense of belonging, and strengthen social skills. Here are some ideas to get started:

Storytime sessions at libraries or local bookstores
Community offerings such as parent-child workshops, art, music, gymnastics, swimming, or sports programs
Weekly events at children’s museums, which may include art projects, music workshops, or science experiments
Outdoor exploration, where kids can play with peers
Local parenting groups that organize playdates and group activities
Volunteer opportunities where children can participate, such as pet adoption events or packing meals at a food bank
Classes for kids at local businesses, including hardware, grocery, or craft stores

Some of these community activities are free or low-cost and give kids the chance to build friendships and practice social skills. Parents can also model positive social behavior by interacting with other parents and encouraging their children to play with their peers.

These may seem like small moments of connection, but they can have a powerful impact. Every time your child shares a toy, plays make-believe with peers, or races a friend down the slide, they’re not just playing—they’re learning the skills that build confidence, empathy, and lasting friendships. And it’s good for you, too. Creating intentional opportunities for play also helps you strengthen your own network of parents who can support one another as your children grow together.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

Seven Steps to Help Your Child Build Meaningful Connections

Published

4 days ago

December 1, 2025

Oakland Post

By Niyoka McCoy, Ed.D., Chief Learning Officer, Stride/K12

Storytime sessions at libraries or local bookstores
Community offerings such as parent-child workshops, art, music, gymnastics, swimming, or sports programs
Weekly events at children’s museums, which may include art projects, music workshops, or science experiments
Outdoor exploration, where kids can play with peers
Local parenting groups that organize playdates and group activities
Volunteer opportunities where children can participate, such as pet adoption events or packing meals at a food bank
Classes for kids at local businesses, including hardware, grocery, or craft stores