Why do common sense solutions for Black communities in America often get overlooked? Author Shelby Steele, a prominent voice on race relations, once noted that his insights were simply common sense observations about the challenges facing Black Americans. Yet, these straightforward observations are frequently disregarded. This disregard extends to the work of Thomas Sowell, whose practical wisdom offers clear direction for addressing these issues.
Working in Chicago's South Side, I often feel like a lone voice, perpetually pushing against a wall of inaction. However, Sowell's writings remind me that progress is possible. He emphasizes the importance of setting high standards in education and rejecting excuses for academic shortcomings and misbehavior. This resonates deeply with my experience. The local public school near my church has abysmal reading and math proficiency rates, a problem mirrored across the nation. The obvious solution is to hold educators accountable for their students' performance, yet excuses are made, and the situation deteriorates. This is why I've dedicated years to building an Economic and Leadership Community Center, aiming to empower children to reach their full potential.
Sowell challenges the notion of compassion that enables failure. He argues that welfare systems often incentivize failure by rewarding it financially while penalizing success. This raises a critical question: how can we call policies that perpetuate failure compassionate, especially for a community emerging from historical oppression?
Sowell also highlights the disparity between the focus on wealth redistribution and the lack of emphasis on wealth creation. This underscores the importance of my work in creating pathways to opportunity for youth. Developing talent, whether it's training a skilled forklift operator or nurturing the next musical prodigy, is crucial for building wealth and prosperity.
Steele's observation that opportunity follows struggle, effort, and hard work reinforces my commitment. Honest self-assessment is the foundation for meaningful progress. So why do many Americans resist common sense approaches to racial equality? The answer lies in the power dynamics. Some benefit from portraying a formerly oppressed group as perpetually oppressed. Therefore, community leaders like myself are bypassing these performative elites and embracing common sense solutions to rebuild our communities.
