Money Equals Freedom: Part I

One thing we need to get honest about and confront is money and its representation in our community. To black people or African Americans money equals freedom. Now, I am a Christian and I believe in the word of God. Before you, holy rollers railroad me please just hear me out. We live in the world. We know it is a sinful world. However, it takes money to live in this world. It’s unfortunate, but it is the truth. It takes money to keep the lights of the church on and the doors open. It takes money to travel back and forth to work. It takes money to make sure your children have adequate education. Next to water & oxygen, money is probably the third necessity a person needs to live in this world. Food cost money. You cannot go to the doctor or exercise at a gym without money. 

“The system was never designed for Black Americans to succeed in economic wealth.”

Recently, I accepted an amazing position. I will be making a beautiful salary, and I’ll be able to move up within my field. However, the content of my skin, the status of my parent’s failed marriage, and the notion that I’m most likely smoking and fucking my money up clouds my mind daily. This is probably why I am writing this satirical piece at 2:19 AM on a Monday morning. Back to the offer, my new job requires me to move across the country. Yippee! I have definitely overstayed my welcome in Music City. Yet, the stress of the job is nothing compared to getting to the job. A month ago, I wrongfully assumed a close relative would cosign on an apartment for me. Now let’s be honest. Most black college graduates barely have a 500 credit score let alone one at all. It is extremely hard to maintain excellent credit, when you’re most likely to be denied credit, you’re unable to pay all of your bills on time, and your parents don’t make enough money to help you save. There’s this misconception that black people misappropriate their money. Now you do have a handful that do stupid shit like that, but most of the time black folks live on a wing and a prayer when it comes to their finances. 

For example, my mother “Yvonne” is a pre-licensed certified mental health counselor. She has been on a variety of talk shows, podcasts, morning shows, news bulletins, and documentaries discussing her work and advocacy for black mental health. She has advanced degrees and graduated with honors. She works extremely hard, yet she barely brings home $34,000.00 a year before taxes. She lives in a city where the cost of living is somewhere between $65,000 - $75,000 a year. The average for rent is $1510.00. Yet, she is making way below her worth. There are several reasons why this occurs. (1) She is a female. Let’s be honest. Men get paid more money than women. It is wrong, but the people who should be in the seats creating change are not. So you will continue to get the patriarchal bullshit. (2) She is black. While black women are known to be the hardest working demographic, most educated, and most likely to stick with a poor job, they are paid the lowest amount in salaries and wages. Make that make sense. Why?  

“Money equals freedom in the black community.”

Let me say that mom has given me her all. She goes 100% above and beyond for me. However, she’s one person and she is ridiculed by so-called Christians about her role as a single mother. I remember during my time in college when I was homeless the first time, “why isn’t your mother helping you”? For one, she was in the hospital. Two, she gave me all she had. You shouldn’t judge people based on their financial situations just because you think they should be in better shape. Nashville is the top fastest growing city. The cost of living is exorbitant. Yet, the salary range in this state remains at $28,000 even though to live in Davidson County, you need to be making $65,000 at the minimum as I’ve mentioned before. Why are we not calling out the officials and lawmakers who keep the pay rate low? Why aren’t we questioning them?

STAY TUNED FOR PART II: Premieres Tomorrow

Here’s the link to “Economic Wealth” Tips by my wonderful cousin, Karlton Ross: http://www.moving4wardproductions.com/economic-freedom-by-karlton-ross