Opinion

The American Imperialist Machine and the Fight For Reparations

Published

6 years ago

August 9, 2019

We owe a part of this discussion about reparations to the present electoral cycle, as we approach the 2020 presidential campaign.

With China meaning business, we saw what a slight turn can do, as global markets reeled from the news that China has devalued its currency.

We live in a global economy, and we are deeply connected. There was a time when the sun did not set on the British empire. And as Europe’s goal then was to conquer the world, America followed suit, eventually becoming the economic power that it is.

However, African Americans must retool our philosophy when it comes to negotiating

with this economic behemoth. My uncle, Dr. M.T. Thompson, would always tell us, “when you know whose you are, then you know who you are.”

And it is knowing who we are, that makes the resounding shout of freedom valuable.

Businessmen might leave the theology to me, however, that theology contains the moral compass for those corporate titans who have mismanaged the resources of the Theos.

And preachers must exhort that all men are accountable to one another, and still have the ability to evaluate a corporate annual report. Kaiser Permanente is just one such example of a corporate giant that passes on all their costs to its patients, while it pays its CEO $16 million annually.

We must approach the council of this imperialist machine with the power to change this system. Reparations will be a fight, and we can win because there are more people at the bottom than there are at the top.

We must listen to our elders who have fought this fight before us, as we still grip that eternal plow that moves us closer to our destiny. And we must change also. We must drop our slave ways and interrupt our peasantry with a decent education for everyone.

In his book, “The Souls of Black Folk,” W.E.B. DuBois said, “They exhibit, therefore, all the advantages and defects of such training; they are willing and good-natured, but not self- reliant, provident, or careful. If now the economic development of the South is to be pushed to the verge of exploitation, as seems probable, then we have a mass of workingmen thrown into relentless competition with the workingmen of the world, but handicapped by a training the very opposite to that of the modem self-reliant democratic laborer.”

We must engage our strengths, work on our weaknesses, embrace our elders, encourage change, and entice a community to speak from the bottom to the top.

Rev. Curtis O. Robinson, Sr.

Posts by Rev. Curtis O. Robinson, Sr.

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 30, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 3, 2025

Published

2 days ago

May 30, 2025

Oakland Post

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Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

Published

1 week ago

May 25, 2025

Oakland Post

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Activism

OPINION: Your Voice and Vote Impact the Quality of Your Health Care

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.

Published

2 weeks ago

May 19, 2025

Oakland Post

Rhonda M. Smith.

By Rhonda M. Smith, Special to California Black Media Partners

Shortly after last year’s election, I hopped into a Lyft and struck up a conversation with the driver. As we talked, the topic inevitably turned to politics. He confidently told me that he didn’t vote — not because he supported Donald Trump, but because he didn’t like Kamala Harris’ résumé. When I asked what exactly he didn’t like, he couldn’t specifically articulate his dislike or point to anything specific. In his words, he “just didn’t like her résumé.”

That moment really hit hard for me. As a Black woman, I’ve lived through enough election cycles to recognize how often uncertainty, misinformation, or political apathy keep people from voting, especially Black voters whose voices are historically left out of the conversation and whose health, economic security, and opportunities are directly impacted by the individual elected to office, and the legislative branches and political parties that push forth their agenda.

That conversation with the Lyft driver reflects a troubling surge in fear-driven politics across our country. We’ve seen White House executive orders gut federal programs meant to help our most vulnerable populations and policies that systematically exclude or harm Black and underserved communities.

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.

Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, doesn’t just cover care. It protects individuals and families from medical debt, keeps rural hospitals open, creates jobs, and helps our communities thrive. Simply put; Medicaid is a lifeline for 1 in 5 Black Americans. For many, it’s the only thing standing between them and a medical emergency they can’t afford, especially with the skyrocketing costs of health care. The proposed cuts mean up to 7.2 million Black Americans could lose their healthcare coverage, making it harder for them to receive timely, life-saving care. Cuts to Medicaid would also result in fewer prenatal visits, delayed cancer screenings, unfilled prescriptions, and closures of community clinics. When healthcare is inaccessible or unaffordable, it doesn’t just harm individuals, it weakens entire communities and widens inequities.

The reality is Black Americans already face disproportionately higher rates of poorer health outcomes. Our life expectancy is nearly five years shorter in comparison to White Americans. Black pregnant people are 3.6 times more likely to die during pregnancy or postpartum than their white counterparts.

These policies don’t happen in a vacuum. They are determined by who holds power and who shows up to vote. Showing up amplifies our voices. Taking action and exercising our right to vote is how we express our power.

I urge you to start today. Call your representatives, on both sides of the aisle, and demand they protect Medicaid (Medi-Cal), the Affordable Care Act (Covered CA), and access to food assistance programs, maternal health resources, mental health services, and protect our basic freedoms and human rights. Stay informed, talk to your neighbors and register to vote.

About the Author

Rhonda M. Smith is the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity for all Black Californians.