For all the divisions that rend the U.S., there is at least one point of agreement between today’s Blacks and Whites, Democrats and Republicans, young and old: factually, Blacks are inattentive to America’s system of capitalism.  Amid American capitalism 98 percent of Blacks are consumers, not producers.  Black Americans are dependant on other groups for feeding, clothing, culture and language and need organized participation in ways of America’s wealth.

What constitutes Black identity and voice in America today?  Does the majority of Black Americans still identify with President Barack Obama and voice the post-racial idioms that the nation has rid institutionalized racism?  Or, are growing numbers of discontented African Americans ready to re-define their political and economic identities?

When it comes to African-Americans’ apparel purchases, Howard University business students say “Labels do matter” and encourages these consumers to engage in socially conscious buying and to “look for Lesotho labels” when they shop.  African-Americans consumer power can help change Africa.  African Americans’ buying power exceeds $900 billion. 

America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 is on the table.  Whatever version that becomes law will have a great impact on poor and minority patients, the hospitals that treat them and those hospitals’ doctors, nurses and staff.  In regards to the Act, the interests of Blacks and the poor need to be placed on the table with the question: What are the best ways to address problems in a health care system all Americans agree is expensive and economically discriminatory? African-Americans have a high stake in the healthcare legislation and debate. 

Michael Vick’s reinstatement to the NFL and recent signing by the Philadelphia Eagles is a bit of victory for those who tire of seeing American mainstream society make Black American athletes “public enemy number one” when they screw up.  If you are in synch with values and a mindset that accepts as fact: Allen Iverson is “edgy”, Michael Irvin is some kind of criminal and Terrell Owens is a malcontent, you are a part of an American tradition of vilifying Black athletes. 

The NAACP recently held its 100th Annual Convention at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. The NAACP is unquestionably the best in the business of advocacy for racial progress.  Since its founding, for the past century the NAACP is unparallel in its unique role in race relations. 

Michael S. Steele was brought in as chairman of the Republican National Convention, to retool its image. However, he has the Republicans thinking they have made a big mistake.

The thought was that the Republican National Committee’s “Affirmative Action” would be an example of the party retooling its image, message and appeal to young voters and minorities.  But the RNC’s election of Michael S. Steele as Chairman of national political operations is now under question, and the concept of “affirmative action” given another set-back.  The nation’s affirmative action incentive is to promote equal opportunity “toward maximizing diversity, along with its perceived benefits, in all levels of society”.  As the 63rd chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), and the first African-American, Michael Steele is among the highest levels of America’s political industry.