Building a Future: Why Ownership Matters More Than Reparations

Land ownership has always been a big deal for Black Americans. A book called "Rooted" talks about how Black people lost a lot of their farmland between 1910 and 1997. That's a huge chunk of history that affects us today. The book suggests that the government should give back land and resources to make things right. But is that the best way forward? Some people think reparations are the answer. They believe the government should pay back for past wrongs. But others, like the person who wrote about this book, don't think that will happen. They also don't think it's the best solution. Instead, they believe in taking control of our own future. The past can't be changed, but the future can be shaped. The key is to focus on building, buying, and owning. That's how we create stability and freedom for ourselves. Education, ownership, and economic opportunities are the real foundation of progress. So, what can we do? First, stop waiting for reparations. It's not going to happen overnight. Instead, learn how to succeed within the current system. That means owning land, understanding taxes and titles, and planning for the future. Build good credit, start businesses, and own the property they're on. McDonald's isn't just a burger company; it's one of the largest landowners in the world. That's the kind of thinking we need. Take care of what you own. Keep your property and neighborhoods clean and safe. Pride in ownership builds value and respect. And don't forget to reinvest in your communities. When you succeed, don't just move out. Mentor others, give back, and help rebuild. Networking and collaboration are also important. Work with people of all races and backgrounds. The system may not have been built for us, but it's open to us now. The opportunities are there. We just have to do the work. Our ancestors fought to survive. Now it's our turn to fight to thrive. Build something. Own something. Teach someone. That's how we honor their sacrifice and secure our future.