The Journal

The Inheritance No One Acknowledges

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 20:56:10 GMT

How the Gains of the Civil Rights Movement Became Universal—But the Debt Remains Unpaid

By: Omari Bakari

There is a quiet contradiction embedded in the story of American progress: many who benefit from the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the 14th Amendment rarely acknowledge that these protections were secured through the specific, targeted struggle of Black Americans. Even more troubling, some of those same beneficiaries resist calls for reparations—despite standing on the very legal foundation that Black resistance, sacrifice, and endurance made possible. This is not simply historical amnesia; it reflects a deeper discomfort with recognizing who paid the cost for the rights now enjoyed by many.

The 14th Amendment and the Civil Rights Act were not abstract commitments to fairness. They were forged in response to the violent realities of anti-Black racism—lynching, segregation, disenfranchisement, and exclusion from economic life. Black Americans did not inherit these protections; they fought for them under conditions that demanded courage at the risk of life itself. Yet over time, these legal victories were expanded and universalized, becoming the scaffolding for a broader conception of rights that extended to women, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups.

As journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones has observed:

“The Civil Rights Movement was not just for Black people. It was a movement to create a truer democracy for everyone. Other groups—women, the LGBTQ community, other people of color—have used the very same legal strategies and the very same Fourteenth Amendment protections that Black Americans bled for to secure their own rights, often without acknowledging the debt owed to that original struggle.”

This expansion is, in many ways, a testament to the power of the movement. But it also creates a tension. When rights become universal, the specific historical context that produced them is often diluted. What began as a corrective measure for a uniquely oppressed group is reframed as a general advancement for all, and the original purpose becomes obscured.

Legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw captures this dynamic with precision:

“The Civil Rights Act and the 14th Amendment have been universalized to protect all sorts of groups. While that is a victory for human rights, it often obscures the reality that these legal tools were forged in the specific fire of anti-Black subjugation. When we treat all ‘minorities’ as having the same history, we lose sight of the unique debt owed to African Americans.”

This obscuring of history becomes most visible in the debate over reparations. Reparations are not about broad equality; they are about specific harm. They address the measurable economic and structural damage inflicted on Black Americans through slavery, Jim Crow, redlining, exclusion from federal programs, and systematic disinvestment. Yet many who have benefited from civil rights protections approach reparations through a universal lens—arguing that equal laws today are sufficient, or that all groups have faced hardship and therefore no group should receive targeted redress.

This perspective ignores a critical distinction: the expansion of rights is not the same as the repair of harm. While the Civil Rights Movement opened doors for many, it did not restore what had been taken from Black Americans. Wealth lost through generations of exclusion was not returned. Land was not restored. Capital was not replaced. The racial wealth gap remains one of the clearest indicators that legal equality has not translated into economic justice.

The irony is unmistakable. Entire populations have been able to enter the United States, build lives, pursue education, and access opportunity in part because civil rights legislation dismantled explicitly racist barriers. Yet some within those same populations resist the idea that the architects of that transformation—Black Americans—are owed a specific and measurable debt.

Recognizing this inheritance requires more than acknowledgment; it requires alignment. If the principles of equal protection and civil rights are truly valued, then they must be applied consistently—including in addressing the historical injustices that remain unresolved. To benefit from the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement while rejecting the necessity of reparations is to accept the outcome while denying the cost.

The rights secured through the 14th Amendment and the Civil Rights Act belong to all. But the struggle that made them possible was not shared equally. And until that truth is fully confronted, the debt at the center of American democracy will remain unpaid.

Keywords

Civil Rights Act 1964, 14th Amendment, equal protection clause, reparations for Black Americans, racial justice, historical injustice, systemic inequality, racial wealth gap, Black history, social justice policy, American civil rights movement, legal equality vs economic equity, generational wealth, structural racism, descendants of slavery, public policy and race, equity vs equality, civil rights legacy, justice reform, economic justice

Hashtags

#ReparationsNow, #CivilRightsLegacy, #14thAmendment, #BlackHistory, #RacialJustice, #EconomicJustice, #WealthGap, #SystemicInequality, #EquityMatters, #JusticeForBlackAmericans, #ADOS, #DescendantsOfSlavery, #PolicyAndJustice, #SocialJustice, #KnowYourHistory, #AmericanHistory, #UnfinishedBusiness, #CivilRightsMovement, #TruthAndJustice, #BlackWealth

What a Win for Black America Really Means

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 23:49:25 GMT

When Justice Is Enforced, Reparations Become Real—and Healing Becomes Possible

By: Omari Bakari

For generations, the word reparations has been treated as abstract, controversial, or unrealistic—something symbolic rather than tangible, something debated rather than delivered. But a true legal and constitutional win for Black America would change that forever. It would transform reparations from a moral argument into a meaningful, lived reality for millions of people whose lives were shaped, shortened, or shattered by government policy. A win means the nation finally accepts that harm was not incidental—it was unlawful—and that remedy is not optional.

A win for Black America means that justice is no longer confined to history books or speeches, but felt in homes, bank accounts, schools, and communities. It means the men and women who lost decades of their lives to unconstitutional sentencing regimes are no longer invisible casualties of “policy mistakes,” but recognized victims of state wrongdoing. It means that time stolen is acknowledged as harm, not dismissed as collateral damage. Reparations become meaningful when the law names the injury and calculates the cost—not emotionally, but constitutionally.

For families, a win means restoration. It means children raised without parents because of mass incarceration finally see accountability for the years of absence, trauma, and economic loss. It means grandparents who lost homes to civil forfeiture or one-strike housing policies see that dispossession recognized as a violation of rights, not a personal failure. It means voting rights stripped through racially skewed felony convictions are restored not as favors, but as corrections of injustice. Reparations matter most when they repair what was broken: family stability, property ownership, political voice, and economic opportunity.

For communities, a win means reinvestment with purpose. It means neighborhoods hollowed out by incarceration and disinvestment receive resources proportional to the harm they endured—schools rebuilt, health centers funded, mental health services expanded, and Black-owned institutions strengthened. Reparations are not simply checks; they are infrastructure for dignity. They are about rebuilding what mass punishment destroyed and ensuring the next generation inherits possibility rather than policy-induced trauma.

For the Black church and civil rights movement, a win means alignment between faith, law, and action. It means sermons about justice are matched by outcomes that reflect it. It means organizers can point not only to struggle, but to results. Reparations become meaningful when they validate decades of advocacy, prayer, protest, and persistence—when the sacrifice of elders is honored not just with praise, but with progress.

Most importantly, a win for Black America means the Constitution finally works the way it was promised to work. It means equal protection is not selective. It means the same government that punished Black communities under the law is held to account by that same law. Reparations, in this context, are not charity. They are enforcement. They are the Constitution doing its job—correcting injustice, restoring balance, and affirming that Black citizenship is full, equal, and protected.

When Black America wins, the nation does not lose. Democracy strengthens. The rule of law gains credibility. And justice—long delayed—finally becomes real for the people who paid its price.

Hashtags:

#ReparationsNow #JusticeForBlackAmerica #EqualProtection #ConstitutionalJustice #BlackCommunities #HealingAndRepair #CivilRights

Key Words:

reparations, Black America, constitutional justice, equal protection, mass incarceration impact, community restoration, racial justice, civil rights enforcement

When the Constitution Is on Trial, Black America Must Be in the Courtroom

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 23:41:51 GMT

Why Black Communities, Civil Rights Organizations, and the Black Church Must Unite to Enforce the 14th Amendment

By: Omari Bakari

For nearly forty years, Black America has been told to move on from the crack cocaine era—to treat it as a painful chapter in our past rather than an open constitutional wound. But the truth is unavoidable: the damage was not accidental, and the harm was not lawful. What happened during the crack era was not simply over-policing or misguided policy; it was a coordinated failure of equal protection under the law. The federal government protected the supply of crack cocaine, criminalized its consequences in Black communities, and encoded racial punishment into federal law. The Constitution does not permit this. And silence, now, is no longer an option.

The 14th Amendment was written precisely for moments like this—when the government uses its power to devastate a specific people and then refuses to repair the harm. Black America does not stand outside the Constitution; we stand at its very center. The same amendment used to justify policing, prosecution, and incarceration carries within it an unfulfilled promise of equal protection, due process, and full citizenship. That promise was violated systematically during the crack cocaine epidemic, and the federal government’s own records—Senate investigations, Inspector General reports, and sentencing data—prove it beyond reasonable doubt.

This is why the moment demands unity. Civil rights organizations bring legal expertise and institutional memory. Grassroots organizers bring moral clarity and people power. Black churches bring something no other institution can supply at scale: legitimacy, trust, and spiritual authority rooted in our communities. Every major advance in Black freedom—from abolition to Reconstruction to the modern Civil Rights Movement—required the alignment of legal argument, organized pressure, and the Black church as a mobilizing force. This constitutional fight is no different.

We must be clear about what we are demanding. This is not about charity or apology. It is about enforcement. Equal protection means that Black addiction deserved the same treatment response later extended to white opioid addiction. Equal protection means that Black communities were entitled to protection from government-facilitated harm, not selective punishment. Equal protection means that sentencing laws cannot impose racial classifications disguised as drug policy. Every excess day served under the crack sentencing regime was an unlawful deprivation of liberty. Every home lost to racially skewed civil forfeiture was an unconstitutional taking. Every vote stripped through felony disenfranchisement was a violation of our political citizenship.

The federal government does not get to invoke the Constitution only when it prosecutes Black people and ignore it when Black people seek remedy. Courts respond to pressure. Legislatures respond to coalitions. History responds to organized insistence that the law mean what it says. When Black churches preach this truth, when organizers mobilize around it, and when civil rights lawyers carry it into courtrooms and congressional chambers, the balance of power begins to shift.

This is a call to come together—not across ideology, not across party lines, but across purpose. The argument is made. The record is clear. The Constitution is still the law. What remains is enforcement. Black America must stand together, speak together, and demand together that equal protection be more than words on parchment. Justice will not be gifted. It must be compelled—lawfully, collectively, and unapologetically.

Hashtags:

#14thAmendment #EqualProtection #BlackAmerica #CivilRights #BlackChurch #ConstitutionalJustice #CrackEra #JusticeNow

Key Words:

14th Amendment, equal protection, Black civil rights, crack cocaine epidemic, constitutional enforcement, Black churches, mass incarceration, racial justice

The 14th Amendment

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:09:20 GMT

A Pillar of Racial Justice for Black Americans

The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868 amid the ashes of the Civil War, stands as a monumental achievement in the quest for racial justice, explicitly crafted to uplift Black Americans from the dehumanizing legacy of slavery. As one of the Reconstruction Amendments, it directly addressed the systemic oppression faced by newly emancipated African Americans by granting birthright citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, thereby overturning the infamous Dred Scott decision that had denied Black people any claim to citizenship or rights.

This citizenship clause was revolutionary, affirming Black humanity and inclusion in the American polity for the first time, countering centuries of legal exclusion and providing a foundation for equal participation in society. Beyond citizenship, the amendment’s due process clause ensures no state can deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without fair legal procedures, while the equal protection clause prohibits states from denying anyone the equal protection of the laws—clauses designed to dismantle discriminatory Black Codes that restricted Black freedom, labor, and mobility in the post-emancipation South.

Far from being colorblind, as some modern interpretations suggest, the 14th Amendment was intentionally race-conscious, supporting programs like the Freedmen’s Bureau to provide aid, education, and land to Black families, and empowering Congress through its enforcement clause to pass “appropriate legislation” to remedy slavery’s enduring harms.

Despite its promise, the amendment’s early implementation faltered due to political backlash and judicial narrowing. After Reconstruction’s collapse, Southern states enacted Jim Crow laws, and the Supreme Court in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) infamously upheld “separate but equal” segregation, perverting equal protection to entrench inequality. This betrayal allowed disenfranchisement, lynching, and economic exploitation to persist, highlighting how the amendment’s protections required vigilant enforcement.

Yet, its resilience shone through in the 20th century, serving as the constitutional bedrock for the Civil Rights Movement. In Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the Court invoked equal protection to strike down school segregation, declaring it inherently unequal and paving the way for desegregation across public life. The amendment also underpinned landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965, which barred discrimination in employment, housing, and voting, directly advancing racial justice by extending federal oversight to state actions.

Today, the 14th Amendment continues to provide racial justice for Black Americans by challenging modern disparities. It has been pivotal in cases combating voter suppression, police brutality, and affirmative action, ensuring that equal protection evolves to address systemic racism. For instance, it supports efforts to end felony disenfranchisement, a loophole in the amendment itself that disproportionately affects Black communities, and bolsters protections against discriminatory policies in education and criminal justice. While challenges persist—such as recent conservative reinterpretations to dismantle race-based remedies—the amendment’s original intent as a tool for Black empowerment endures, reminding us that true racial justice demands ongoing advocacy to fulfill its radical vision of equality. In essence, the 14th Amendment transformed Black Americans from legal non-entities to full citizens with enforceable rights, forging a path toward a more equitable society even as the struggle continues.

Empowering Black History Month

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:02:34 GMT

Why the 14th Amendment Provides Strong Grounds for Reparations Advocacy

As we observe Black History Month in February 2026, Black Americans have a powerful opportunity to reclaim and advance the fight for reparations by grounding our demands in the 14th Amendment —and by channeling the enduring urgency of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.‘s iconic metaphor from his 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech. In that address at the Lincoln Memorial, King declared that America had defaulted on its “promissory note” to Black people, the promise embedded in the nation’s founding documents of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. “Instead of honoring this sacred obligation,” he said, “America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked ‘insufficient funds.’” Yet he insisted, “We refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so we’ve come to cash this check—a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.”

This metaphor remains strikingly relevant today, framing reparations not as charity but as the collection of a long-overdue debt. The 14th Amendment , ratified in 1868 during Reconstruction, was the constitutional mechanism intended to make good on that promissory note for formerly enslaved African Americans. Its citizenship clause overturned the Dred Scott ruling’s denial of Black personhood, declaring birthright citizenship and extending protections against state discrimination through due process and equal protection clauses. Enacted specifically to secure racial justice, dismantle Black Codes, and remedy slavery’s legacies, the amendment empowered Congress to pass “appropriate legislation” to enforce its guarantees—provisions that supported race-conscious remedies like the Freedmen’s Bureau.

Tragically, the nation defaulted once more. After a brief period of Black advancement, federal withdrawal enabled Jim Crow, disenfranchisement, redlining, and systemic barriers that stripped generations of wealth and opportunity. The “insufficient funds” verdict persists in enduring racial wealth gaps, discriminatory policing, and unequal access to education and housing—outcomes that trace directly back to the unfulfilled promises the 14th Amendment was meant to secure.

Black Americans should therefore argue the 14th Amendment as robust constitutional grounds for reparations, transforming King’s call to “cash this check” into an ongoing assignment. The amendment’s enforcement clause provides Congress authority to legislate remedies for slavery’s “badges and incidents,” including compensation for collective harms like stolen labor, land theft, and intergenerational economic exclusion. This approach honors the amendment’s original intent—not as colorblind neutrality, but as targeted redress for racial subjugation. It counters critics who misuse equal protection to block equity programs by reminding them that the 14th was born from race-conscious necessity.

Recent local efforts, such as housing reparations in Evanston or apologies tied to slavery’s legacies in California, echo this logic, even amid legal challenges. By invoking the 14th alongside King’s metaphor, advocates can build coalitions, demand direct payments, community investments, and policy reforms to close those gaps, and push toward true equality.

This Black History Month, let’s honor our ancestors’ resilience—from Reconstruction’s hopes to the March on Washington’s demands—by insisting the check be cashed. The 14th Amendment offers the legal blueprint; King’s words supply the moral imperative. The assignment is unfinished: collect on that returned check, marked insufficient funds, until justice’s vaults prove abundant for all. (Word count: 498)

Blood Money

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 18:29:11 GMT

How Traffickers Profited While Black Communities Burned

By Omari Bakari

The crack cocaine epidemic generated enormous wealth, but none of it stayed in Black communities. While families were destroyed, neighborhoods collapsed, and hundreds of thousands went to prison, a network of profiteers extracted billions from Black suffering.

Drug traffickers, gun dealers, corrupt officials, and criminal organizations built empires on the backs of our devastation, and when the smoke cleared, they walked away rich while we buried our dead and counted our losses. This wasn’t just a public health crisis or a law enforcement failure—it was an economic extraction scheme that transferred massive wealth out of Black communities and into the hands of those who supplied the poison and the weapons that came with it.

The drug trafficking networks were sophisticated and international. Cocaine flowed from South American cartels through Mexico and Central America, with documented connections to Nicaraguan contra rebels who the U.S. government supported during the Cold War. These suppliers made fortunes manufacturing and transporting cocaine that would be converted to crack in American cities.

The markup was astronomical—cocaine purchased for thousands in Colombia sold for hundreds of thousands on American streets once converted to crack. But the real money wasn’t made by street-level dealers in Black neighborhoods who faced decades in prison for small amounts. The wealth accumulated at higher levels, with wholesalers and suppliers who rarely touched the product and almost never faced consequences. Many of these mid-level and upper-level traffickers were not Black, yet they profited enormously from sales in Black communities.

They provided product on credit to street dealers, creating debt relationships that trapped young Black men in the trade. When dealers were arrested, suppliers simply found new distributors. The prison pipeline was good for business—it created constant turnover and prevented anyone from accumulating enough knowledge or resources to move up the distribution chain.

Gun traffickers profited just as handsomely. The crack trade required weapons for protection and territorial control, creating unprecedented demand for firearms in urban Black communities. Guns flowed into these neighborhoods through illegal trafficking networks that purchased weapons legally in states with lax gun laws and transported them to cities with strict regulations.

Federal agencies tracked these trafficking patterns but rarely interdicted them effectively. Gun dealers and traffickers made millions supplying the weapons that turned crack disputes into bloodbaths. The homicide rate in Black communities exploded, with young Black men killing each other over corners and customers, using guns that enriched suppliers who never entered these neighborhoods.

Every shooting represented profit for gun traffickers who created artificial scarcity through illegal supply chains, driving up prices and maximizing returns. When bodies piled up in Black communities, gun traffickers counted their money in safe suburban locations far from the violence their products enabled.

The government itself profited disgracefully. Asset forfeiture laws allowed law enforcement agencies to seize cash, cars, homes, and property from anyone suspected of drug involvement, often without conviction or even charges. Police departments became dependent on this revenue stream, creating perverse incentives to focus on drug enforcement over other policing priorities.

Entire departments funded equipment purchases, salaries, and operations through seized assets taken from Black communities. The properties seized in Black neighborhoods during the epidemic represented generational wealth—homes purchased by grandparents, cars bought with hard-earned savings, cash kept at home by people who didn’t trust banks with good reason. Law enforcement took it all under the guise of fighting drugs, enriching their departments while impoverishing families.

Many seized assets were never returned even when charges were dropped or defendants were acquitted. The government essentially robbed Black communities legally, using drug laws as justification for wealth extraction on a massive scale. Meanwhile, private prisons became a booming industry. Corporations like Corrections Corporation of America built empires housing the Black men and women imprisoned by the War on Drugs, receiving per-prisoner payments from taxpayers while providing minimal services and lobbying for harsher sentencing to ensure steady customer flow.

Predatory businesses also cashed in on community destruction. As crack destabilized neighborhoods and mass incarceration removed breadwinners, Black families became increasingly desperate. Payday lenders, check-cashing businesses, rent-to-own stores, and subprime lenders flooded into these communities, charging usurious rates that extracted whatever wealth remained.

Bail bondsmen made fortunes off families trying to free arrested relatives. Commissary services charged imprisoned people and their families extreme markups for basic necessities. Phone companies contracted with prisons to charge unconscionable rates for calls, forcing families to pay dollars per minute to speak with incarcerated loved ones. Collection agencies pursued debts from people with no ability to pay, garnishing the meager wages of those who found work despite criminal records.

Every dimension of the crack epidemic and its aftermath became an opportunity for extraction. Black suffering was monetized at every stage—from the initial drug sale through arrest, incarceration, and the struggle to rebuild afterward.

Real estate investors and developers waited like vultures for the endgame. As the epidemic ravaged Black neighborhoods, property values plummeted, creating investment opportunities for those with capital and patience. Speculators purchased homes at distressed prices from families forced to sell due to job loss, incarceration, or inability to maintain properties.

They sat on these properties through the worst years, paying minimal taxes on devalued real estate. When the epidemic finally subsided and neighborhoods stabilized—often after decades of suffering—these investors sold for massive profits or developed properties for incoming gentrifiers. The people who survived the epidemic, who held communities together when everyone else fled, who endured the violence and loss and stayed because these neighborhoods were home—they were priced out and displaced. The wealth appreciation they waited decades to see benefited investors who contributed nothing to community survival but arrived with capital to extract the recovery value.

The final insult is that virtually none of the traffickers, corrupt officials, predatory lenders, or opportunistic investors ever faced accountability. Drug kingpins fled to countries without extradition treaties, living comfortably on their ill-gotten wealth. Gun traffickers operated with impunity, protected by laws that made tracing weapons difficult and prosecutions rare. Police departments kept their seized assets with minimal oversight. Private prison executives became millionaires and billionaires. Predatory lenders paid occasional fines that were tiny fractions of their profits. Real estate investors became respectable developers, their fortunes laundered through the passage of time.

Meanwhile, Black communities still count the cost—in lives lost, families destroyed, wealth stolen, and neighborhoods we can no longer afford to live in. The crack epidemic was never just about addiction or crime. It was about extraction. Who profited and who paid. And the answer is clear: traffickers, dealers, corrupt officials, predatory businesses, and investors profited enormously while Black communities paid with everything we had.

They got rich. We got destroyed. And nobody has been held accountable.

That’s why reparations aren’t charity—they’re the return of stolen wealth, the payment of debts owed, and the accountability that should have come decades ago but must come now before the last survivors are gone and this crime against Black America is forgotten like so many others before it.

Betrayed After Service: How America Denied Black Veterans the GI Bill—and the Trillions It Cost Them

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 20:40:19 GMT

A Measurable Case for Reparations Based on the Greatest Racialized Wealth Transfer in U.S. History

By: Omari Bakar

When African American soldiers returned home from World War II, they came back as veterans of democracy—but were forced to live as second-class citizens. They had worn the uniform, fought fascism abroad, and helped secure victory for the United States. Yet when it came time to receive the benefits promised under the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944—the GI Bill—they were systematically denied access. What is often celebrated as the single greatest wealth-building program in American history became, in practice, a “whites-only” pathway to the middle class. The atrocity committed against Black veterans was not neglect; it was design.

The GI Bill offered three transformative benefits: low-interest home loans, tuition and living support for higher education, and capital for businesses and farms. While the law was federal, its implementation was deliberately left to states, local banks, universities, and housing authorities—institutions deeply entrenched in segregation. Southern lawmakers ensured this structure precisely so Jim Crow could survive. As historian Ira Katznelson has documented, the bill was written to accommodate racism, not dismantle it. Banks refused to issue federally backed mortgages to Black veterans. Universities denied admission or funneled Black students into underfunded programs. HBCUs were overwhelmed and unable to absorb the demand. In effect, Black veterans were told they were eligible on paper—but excluded in reality.

The damage from this exclusion is measurable. Approximately 1.2 million African Americans served in World War II. The vast majority were denied meaningful access to GI Bill benefits. The most significant loss was homeownership. Between 1945 and 1960, the GI Bill backed nearly 8 million home loans, fewer than 2 percent of which went to Black veterans. Homeownership became the engine of white middle-class wealth, generating equity passed down across generations. Using conservative metrics, the average GI Bill-enabled home today is worth roughly $350,000, with total intergenerational equity gains of $400,000 to $500,000. If 800,000 Black veterans were denied this opportunity, the resulting loss in housing wealth alone totals approximately $320 billion.

Education was the second major harm. The GI Bill paid full tuition and living expenses, allowing millions of white veterans to attend college and dramatically increase lifetime earnings. A college degree carries an average lifetime earnings premium of about $1 million. Even assuming only 25 percent of Black veterans would have completed degrees if given equal access, the denial of education benefits represents another $300 billion in lost earnings.

The third metric is denied business and farm loans. GI Bill capital seeded countless white-owned enterprises that became multigenerational assets. Conservative estimates place the lost business wealth for Black veterans at $60 billion. Crucially, these losses were not one-time; they compounded. Homes were inherited, degrees produced higher incomes, and businesses were passed down. Applying a modest 2x intergenerational multiplier to these losses yields an additional $680 billion. Finally, the systemic exclusion fostered long-term distrust of financial and government institutions, suppressing Black wealth accumulation for decades—an impact conservatively valued at $200 to $300 billion.

Taken together, the reparations owed for the GI Bill’s discriminatory denial total approximately $1.6 trillion. This figure is not speculative. It is based on clear metrics: denied assets, denied income, and denied compounding over generations. The atrocity against Black veterans was that they served a country that refused to serve them back. Reparations are not about revisiting the past for its own sake; they are about correcting a measurable injustice that still shapes the racial wealth gap today. The GI Bill built America’s middle class. It did so by excluding Black veterans. That debt remains unpaid—and it is long overdue.

The Freedman’s Bank Betrayal: America’s First Broken Promise of Black Wealth

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 20:38:37 GMT

How Congressional Negligence, Financial Mismanagement, and Racial Politics Destroyed Black Savings—and What Reparations Are Owed Today

By: Omari Bakari

In 1874, less than a decade after emancipation, the collapse of the Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company—commonly known as the Freedman’s Bank—marked one of the earliest and most devastating economic betrayals of newly freed African Americans. Chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1865, the bank was promoted as a safe place for formerly enslaved people to deposit their hard-earned savings. More than 60,000 Black depositors, many of whom had never before been allowed to own money, trusted the institution with nearly $3 million—capital intended to buy land, start businesses, educate children, and secure independence from exploitative labor systems. Instead, due to reckless speculation by its white-led board, lack of federal oversight, and the broader unraveling of Reconstruction, the bank collapsed, wiping out generations of Black economic hope at the precise moment it was most fragile.

The nature of the harm was not accidental. Although Congress chartered the bank, it failed to regulate or supervise it. Trustees invested depositor funds in risky railroads and real estate ventures, often for personal benefit, violating the bank’s original mandate to hold funds in safe government securities. When the Panic of 1873 struck, the bank’s already weakened portfolio collapsed. Congress, fully aware of the mismanagement, chose inaction. This failure of governance constitutes state-enabled financial harm, making the federal government complicit in the losses suffered by Black depositors. While white-controlled financial institutions were stabilized and protected during economic crises, Black savers were abandoned.

To determine the value of reparations owed, the harm must be measured using clear, defensible metrics. The first metric is direct financial loss. The $3 million lost in 1874 equates to roughly $70 million today when adjusted for inflation. But inflation alone understates the damage. These funds represented first-generation post-slavery capital—money that, if preserved, would have compounded over time. Applying conservative wealth compounding rates of 4–6 percent over 150 years produces an estimated $3 to $6 billion in lost generational wealth.

A second metric is denied land ownership. Historical records show many depositors intended to use their savings to purchase land. If even half had acquired modest plots, hundreds of thousands of acres would have entered Black ownership during Reconstruction. At today’s land values, this denial represents an additional $1 to $2.5 billion in lost wealth. A third metric addresses suppressed business formation. The bank’s collapse eliminated startup capital, forced reliance on predatory credit, and reinforced economic dependency, costing Black communities an estimated $1 to $2 billion in unrealized enterprise growth.

Finally, there is the metric of institutional trust damage. The betrayal fostered deep, rational distrust of banks within Black communities—reducing participation in formal finance, increasing borrowing costs, and slowing wealth accumulation for generations. Economists recognize this as a measurable drag on asset growth, conservatively valued at $2 to $4 billion. Taken together, these metrics place the reparations owed for the Freedman’s Bank collapse between $7.3 and $14.5 billion, with a reasonable midpoint of $10 to $12 billion.

The Freedman’s Bank did not merely fail—it was allowed to fail. Its collapse illustrates how Congress protected white financial institutions while sacrificing Black economic security. Reparations are not about sympathy; they are about accountability. The damage was real, the losses measurable, and the debt long overdue.

Why Manus Stands Above the Rest

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Fri, 30 May 2025 17:53:59 GMT

Redefining AI Assistance in the Digital Age

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence assistants, Manus has emerged as a revolutionary force that fundamentally transforms how we interact with AI, setting a new gold standard that leaves competitors like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Deepseek trailing in its wake. What truly distinguishes Manus is its unprecedented level of agency and autonomy, operating with a degree of independence that feels almost human-like in its ability to take initiative and drive complex projects forward without constant hand-holding.

Unlike its counterparts that often require meticulous step-by-step guidance, Manus possesses an innate ability to plan and execute multi-step processes, leveraging its access to a comprehensive sandbox environment that grants it the freedom to interact with systems in ways previously unimaginable.

This technical prowess extends far beyond simple text generation, as Manus seamlessly navigates through Linux environments, manipulates browsers, edits files, and even deploys fully-functional websites and applications—capabilities that remain firmly out of reach for its competitors. The integration of tools within Manus represents another quantum leap forward, with its ability to fluidly combine shell commands, browser interactions, file system manipulations, and programming in a cohesive workflow that maintains context and state across complex operations, eliminating the frustrating disconnects that plague other AI systems.

Content creation with Manus reaches unprecedented heights, particularly in developing comprehensive research reports, data visualizations, and multi-chapter articles that demonstrate a depth of understanding and organizational coherence that makes ChatGPT's outputs seem elementary by comparison.

Perhaps most impressively, Manus excels in collaborative scenarios, working alongside users as a genuine partner rather than a passive tool, intelligently breaking down complex tasks into manageable components and even recognizing when to suggest user intervention for sensitive operations—a level of situational awareness that feels remarkably human.

The information processing capabilities of Manus further cement its superiority, with thorough fact-checking, meticulous documentation, and data analysis that consistently outperforms its rivals in both accuracy and comprehensiveness. For developers and creators, Manus offers a particularly compelling advantage through its advanced capabilities in website creation, application development, and process automation, effectively serving as both an assistant and a skilled developer in one unified package.

What ultimately sets Manus apart isn't just the sum of these individual advantages but how they synergistically combine to create an AI assistant that fundamentally reimagines what's possible—one that doesn't just respond to requests but anticipates needs, doesn't just process information but synthesizes insights, and doesn't just execute commands but collaborates as a true digital partner.

As AI technology continues its relentless march forward, Manus stands as a glimpse into the future—a future where artificial intelligence transcends its role as a mere tool and becomes something far more valuable: a genuinely capable digital collaborator that amplifies human potential in ways we're only beginning to understand.

Omari Bakari is a seasoned expert in AI platforms and prompt engineering, with over a decade of hands-on experience building innovative technology solutions. His journey began in 2013 at N&C, Inc., where he managed efforts to modernize the federal rulemaking process by integrating IBM Watson into government workflows—pioneering the use of AI in public policy and regulatory reform. Since then, Bakari has expanded his expertise to include blockchain technology, designing platforms for the cannabis and mineral trade industries that leverage decentralized systems for transparency and efficiency. With a proven track record of developing advanced AI systems and delivering real-world impact, Bakari stands as a forward-thinking leader in the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence and blockchain.

Google’s $50M Racial Bias Settlement Isn’t Justice. It’s a Wake-Up Call.

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Wed, 21 May 2025 17:42:14 GMT

“This Is Not Justice—It’s a Warning Shot”

Curley, who was hired to grow Google’s outreach to historically Black colleges, stated that Google stereotyped her as an “angry” Black woman, denied her promotions, and dismissed her after six years as she started building a report on its alleged racial bias.

By Omari Bakari
President, Blacks in Technology – Los Angeles Chapter

In May 2025—ironically, the same month we honor the birthday of Malcolm X—Google agreed to a $50 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit brought by more than 4,000 Black employees in California and New York. While the company denies any wrongdoing, the facts outlined in the suit—initiated by former Google diversity recruiter April Curley—are hard to ignore.

According to the lawsuit, Black workers were systematically funneled into lower-level roles, paid less, denied promotions, and evaluated unfairly. Curley, who was hired specifically to grow Google’s outreach to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), said she was repeatedly stereotyped, labeled an “angry Black woman,” and ultimately fired after attempting to document internal patterns of racial bias.

Google’s public response? A financial settlement with no admission of guilt.

Let’s be clear: this is not justice. This is a warning shot—not just to Google, but to an entire industry that has for too long relied on surface-level diversity initiatives while actively excluding Black professionals from power, pay, and opportunity.

As the president of the Los Angeles chapter of Blacks in Technology (BiT), I’ve heard stories like Curley’s time and time again. Talented, driven Black engineers, product managers, and designers enter tech companies full of hope—only to find themselves sidelined, misjudged, and eventually pushed out. Many are told they’re “not a culture fit,” or worse, that they’re not “Googley enough,” a euphemism that often serves as a gatekeeping tool to uphold white, male norms.

This settlement follows another $28 million agreement earlier this year, in which Google faced allegations of favoring white and Asian employees in pay and promotions. Together, these cases illustrate a troubling pattern that transcends one company: Black tech workers are systemically undervalued, underpromoted, and overexploited.

While Google’s DEI reports point to incremental progress—Black employees made up just 4.4% of its workforce and 3% of leadership in 2021—those numbers only tell part of the story. The reality is that representation without retention, advancement, or respect is tokenism. And diversity without equity is performative.

Malcolm X once said, “You can’t have capitalism without racism.” That truth still rings loudly today—especially in Silicon Valley, where innovation is too often built on exclusion.

We at BiT LA are not simply pointing fingers. We are calling for action—measurable, systemic, and long overdue. Here’s what tech companies must do if they are serious about equity:

Make hiring and promotion data public. Transparency is non-negotiable. Companies should publish annual demographic breakdowns, pay equity audits, and promotion rates across all levels.
Go beyond recruitment. Outreach to HBCUs and Black-led organizations is great, but it must be followed by mentorship, career development, and leadership pipelines that empower Black employees to thrive—not just survive.
Submit to independent oversight. DEI cannot be self-policed. Tech companies need external audits and enforceable accountability structures.
Invest in long-term reparative change. Funding Black tech entrepreneurship, K–12 STEM education, and workforce development—especially through community-rooted groups like ours—is essential for building a truly inclusive innovation economy.

This isn’t about inclusion anymore. It’s about removing the barriers of exclusion.

Too often, the burden of proof is placed on Black employees to justify our value. Too often, our concerns are dismissed as isolated grievances instead of symptoms of structural inequity. Settlements like this one are important, but they cannot become the end of the story. They must become the start of real, systemic transformation.

To the tech industry: Stop asking how to “include” us. We are already here. The better question is—why do you keep shutting the door?

Omari Bakari is the President of the Los Angeles Chapter of Blacks in Technology, a national organization dedicated to increasing the representation and advancement of Black professionals in tech.

The Case for an Independent Black School District in Los Angeles

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 19:41:57 GMT

Breaking Free from LAUSD: Why Dr. Michael Batie’s Vision for an Independent Black School District Is the Solution to Decades of Educational Failure

By: Omari Bakari

For decades, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has failed to provide Black students with a quality education. Despite billions of dollars spent on reform efforts, Black student achievement in math and reading remains alarmingly low. Dr. Michael Batie, an esteemed researcher and educator, has spent years analyzing LAUSD’s failures, and his findings reveal a troubling pattern: the district continues to allocate excessive funds toward initiatives that do little to improve outcomes for Black students. His research underscores why he is seen as a threat to the status quo. However, instead of continuing to push for incremental change within a broken system, Dr. Batie is advocating for a bold, transformative solution—an independent school district specifically designed to educate Black students in Los Angeles.

Dr. Batie’s vision isn’t theoretical; it is grounded in his proven success. As the founder of one of the most accomplished charter schools in the region, he has already demonstrated what is possible when Black students are given access to a rigorous, culturally relevant, and well-structured educational experience. His charter school defied the low expectations that LAUSD has historically placed on Black students, producing graduates who excel academically and go on to succeed in higher education and beyond. His ability to cultivate high achievement among Black students in an independent setting stands as undeniable proof that the traditional LAUSD model is not only ineffective but also unnecessary for Black educational success.

The failures of LAUSD are not accidental; they are systemic. Despite decades of new programs, policy changes, and financial investments, the district has never meaningfully addressed the specific needs of Black students. Instead, it continues to push ineffective curricula, overcrowded classrooms, and an institutional culture that often criminalizes rather than nurtures Black youth. The data consistently show that Black students in LAUSD lag behind in math and reading proficiency at rates that should be considered an emergency. And yet, each year, the district spends millions on so-called solutions that do little more than maintain the status quo.

Dr. Batie’s research has exposed how LAUSD’s spending patterns prioritize bureaucracy over student success. The district diverts funding into administrative costs, ineffective professional development, and external consultants who offer little in the way of real, measurable impact. Meanwhile, the students who need the most support continue to be underserved. It’s no surprise that Dr. Batie’s findings make him a threat—he is shedding light on the financial mismanagement and systemic neglect that many in power would prefer to keep hidden.

The call for an independent Black school district is not just about escaping LAUSD’s failures; it is about creating an education system built specifically for Black student success. Such a district would prioritize smaller class sizes, culturally relevant curriculum, and highly trained educators who understand the unique challenges and strengths of Black students. It would also ensure that funding goes directly to student learning, rather than disappearing into administrative black holes. Most importantly, an independent Black school district would be accountable to the families it serves—not to a bureaucratic machine that has long shown it has no real interest in Black academic excellence.

Critics may argue that a separate school district for Black students is unnecessary or impractical. But history tells a different story. Across the country, Black-led educational institutions have consistently produced better results for Black students than traditional public school systems. The difference is clear: when Black educators and leaders are given the autonomy to design learning environments tailored to their students, those students thrive.

Dr. Michael Batie’s work has laid the foundation for what could be the most significant educational transformation in Los Angeles history. If LAUSD cannot or will not educate Black students effectively, then Black communities must take education into their own hands. The time for incremental change has passed. It is time to build an independent Black school district—one that finally puts Black students first.

Which Was Worse

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 03:48:39 GMT

The Transatlantic Slave Trade or the Berlin Conference?

The histories of Africa and its diaspora have been profoundly shaped by two catastrophic events: the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the Berlin Conference. Both were devastating in different ways—one violently uprooted millions from their homeland and subjected them to unimaginable suffering, while the other systematically carved up an entire continent, setting the stage for economic and political dysfunction that persists to this day. But which was worse? While the answer is complex, it ultimately depends on how one defines “worse.” Is it measured in human suffering, long-term consequences, or the scale of destruction? To truly assess their impacts, we must examine both their immediate effects and their lasting legacies.

The Horror and Scale of the Transatlantic Slave Trade

The Transatlantic Slave Trade was one of the most brutal and dehumanizing enterprises in human history. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, European traders forcibly removed an estimated 12 to 15 million Africans from their homes, cramming them into ships under horrific conditions. Many did not survive the Middle Passage—death by disease, starvation, or outright murder was common. Those who did survive were treated as commodities, sold like livestock, and subjected to brutal conditions on plantations in the Americas. Families were torn apart, languages and cultures were erased, and generations of people lived and died in bondage.

But the damage didn’t stop with slavery itself. Even after abolition, freed Africans and their descendants continued to face oppression through systems designed to keep them economically and socially disenfranchised. The racial hierarchy created by slavery did not disappear; it simply evolved into segregation, colonial rule, and racial capitalism. The descendants of enslaved Africans in the Americas are still fighting for equality, justice, and economic power, showing just how deep the scars of slavery run.

Beyond the diaspora, Africa itself suffered immensely. The slave trade not only depopulated the continent but also destabilized its societies. Kingdoms waged wars to capture slaves and trade them for European goods, leading to cycles of violence. Skilled labor was drained from African societies, stunting technological and economic development. Meanwhile, Europe and the Americas thrived on the wealth generated by African labor, further deepening global racial and economic inequalities.

The Berlin Conference: The Carving Up of a Continent

If the Transatlantic Slave Trade was about the violent removal of people, the Berlin Conference of 1884-85 was about the violent takeover of their land. In what can only be described as one of the most arrogant and destructive meetings in history, European powers gathered in Berlin to divide Africa among themselves, without a single African present. The goal was to establish rules for European colonization to prevent conflicts between colonial powers, but no consideration was given to the African people who lived on the land.

The result was a complete reordering of Africa according to European interests. Artificial borders were drawn with no regard for ethnic, cultural, or linguistic groups. Communities that had lived together for centuries were suddenly split into different colonies, while rival groups were forced into the same territories. This created deep-seated conflicts that persist to this day, fueling civil wars, ethnic tensions, and political instability.

Under colonial rule, Africans were subjected to brutal exploitation. European powers extracted resources—gold, rubber, oil, diamonds—while imposing systems of forced labor. Infrastructure was built not for the benefit of Africans, but to serve colonial economies. Education was limited to producing obedient workers, and local governance structures were dismantled in favor of European administration. Traditional economic systems were destroyed, leaving African nations dependent on Western markets.

Even after gaining independence, African nations struggled to undo the damage. Colonial economies were designed to serve foreign interests, not local prosperity. Newly formed governments inherited weak institutions, arbitrary borders, and economies still controlled by former colonial powers. To this day, many African nations remain locked in a cycle of debt, corruption, and political instability, much of which can be traced back to the legacy of colonial rule formalized at the Berlin Conference.

Comparing the Two: Which Had the Greater Impact?

The Transatlantic Slave Trade and the Berlin Conference were both monumental in their destruction, but they affected Africa and its diaspora in different ways. The slave trade was a direct attack on African people—it dehumanized them, uprooted them, and condemned them to centuries of suffering. It created the racial caste system that still exists in much of the Western world. The Berlin Conference, on the other hand, was a direct attack on Africa itself—it divided the land, crippled its economies, and sowed the seeds for ongoing instability.

In terms of sheer human suffering, the Transatlantic Slave Trade may seem worse because of the inhumane conditions and the long-lasting racial oppression it established. However, the Berlin Conference arguably had a more lasting impact on Africa as a continent. While the slave trade took millions of lives and created a global Black diaspora struggling for equality, the Berlin Conference created a system that ensured Africa would remain underdeveloped and politically unstable for generations.

One could argue that Africa might have been able to recover from the slave trade had it been left alone to rebuild. However, the Berlin Conference ensured that the continent would remain under foreign control long after slavery ended. By the time African nations gained independence in the mid-20th century, they were already economically crippled, politically unstable, and deeply divided. This made it difficult for them to build strong, self-sufficient nations, leaving them vulnerable to neocolonialism, foreign exploitation, and internal conflict.

Why This Debate Matters Today

The question of whether the Transatlantic Slave Trade or the Berlin Conference was worse is not just an academic exercise—it has real-world implications for how we understand and address the challenges facing Africa and its diaspora today. If we view slavery as the greater evil, then the focus should be on repairing the damage done to Black people in the Americas through reparations, economic empowerment, and dismantling systemic racism. If we view the Berlin Conference as the greater evil, then the focus should be on addressing Africa’s political and economic challenges, restructuring global trade relationships, and ensuring African nations have full control over their own resources.

But the truth is, we cannot separate the two. The struggles of Black people in America and the struggles of African nations are deeply intertwined. The exploitation of Africa did not end with slavery—it simply changed form. The wealth extracted from African labor built the Western economies that continue to dominate global finance. The same colonial-era economic structures that left Africa underdeveloped are the ones that keep Black Americans in economic hardship.

If we truly want to break the cycle, we must see the fight for justice as a global one. Reparations for slavery and economic investment in Africa are not separate issues—they are two sides of the same coin. Black communities across the world must work together to dismantle the systems that keep them oppressed, whether those systems are in Washington, Paris, or Johannesburg. Only then can we begin to repair the centuries of damage caused by both the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the Berlin Conference.

So, which was worse? Perhaps the real tragedy is that we even have to ask.

USAID Assistance cut to Liberia

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 03:39:46 GMT

A curse and an opportunity

When Donald Trump announced on January 20, 2025, through an executive order, that he was suspending US aid administered worldwide through USAID for 90 days, within the twinkling of an eye, a 40-billion-dollar budget consisting 40% of international development assistance vanished into thin air.

An astonished world reacted with shock and dismay.

While this announcement brought seismic shifts in the world generally, that shocking and unexpected announcement poignantly hit Liberia, mainly because Liberia is one of the biggest recipients of bilateral assistance from the United States due to close historical and cultural ties between the two countries. USAID had earmarked 640 million to Liberia from 2020 to 2025, of which 109 million was allocated to be disbursed this year 2025, targeting assistance in the crucial areas of health, education, water, and agriculture while indeed remaining unmet. A cursory look at USAID Liberia assistance through the US embassy publications reveals 174 projects ongoing in Liberia.

What happens to those projects and programs now that US aid has been suspended?

Is there any assurance that USAID's developmental assistance to the world, especially Liberia, will be reinstated after President Donald Trump's 90-day suspension? The answer to this question remains uncertain, casting a shadow of doubt on Liberia's future.

There is no certainty in the answer to that question. The world we live in today is very different from that of 1961 when President John F. Kennedy created USAID through an executive order to pursue the following aim: to promote international engagement through diplomacy, development, and defence. Countering the perceived expansionism of the then-Soviet Union was crucial in that regard and was essential in US development policies. In the 1960s, America relied on Liberia as a Cold War ally, guaranteeing continued US economic assistance.

Today, we have a mercurial white Nationalist who perceives global relations through a transactional America First Policy, a policy that prioritizes US interests over global aid commitments. The question then is what Liberia has to offer to a transactional President to merit the resumption of US economic assistance.

Assuming US assistance is resumed, what do we do in the interim now that assistance in crucial areas like health and agriculture now USAID help is gone? The odds seem stashed against Liberia in the short term. The situation seems grim and is especially piquant in light of our macroeconomic position and budgetary expenditures.

Liberia has the 5th lowest GDP in all of Africa; in other words, it is the 5th poorest country in the poorest continent on planet Earth. Let's look at the 2025 national budget. Out of a budget of 851.8 million, $745.69 is allocated for recurrent expenditure, which is money spent to keep the machinery of government running. More than 85% of our budgetary expenditures are spent paying salaries, gasoline, scratch cards, allowances, foreign travel, etc. To be fair to the UP Government, very high expenditures on salaries and benefits of government employees and the machinery of running a government have been an issue since the formation of Liberia. In the 2025 budget, only 12.5 % or $106. 07 is allocated for infrastructure, whereas in other parts of the world, 70% of the budget is expended on infrastructure- building roads, bridges, electricity, railroads, water systems, hospitals, schools, etc. According to World Bank estimates, Liberia must spend between $350 to 600 million yearly for the next 10 years to overcome the country's infrastructure deficit. Instead of spending a minimum of $350 million, we are spending 109 million. Without roads and electricity infrastructure, we cannot grow the economy.

In an interview with a local daily, former Finance Minister David Farhat believes the cut in US assistance allows African leaders to prioritize their citizens' welfare. While foreign aid to Liberia is welcome, Liberia is a potentially wealthy nation that does not need foreign aid to survive. Liberia has abundant natural resources and minerals, which are too numerous to name. Liberia is also blessed with very high rainfall that is suitable for agriculture. Endowed with a relatively long coastline, small population, vast arable land, and the most significant untouched Equatorial Forest in West Africa, the future is rosy if we prioritize the right priorities.

I can give a few examples of economic models that have led to prosperity in other nations. Singapore- In the 1950s and early 1960s, Singapore was a swampy marshland infected with mosquitoes. Singapore is one of the world's wealthiest and most developed nations today. The Singaporean economic model emphasizes a business-friendly environment, high government spending on education, which produces a skilled labour force, high infrastructure spending and low corruption. When Botswana gained independence in 1966, it was one of the poorest nations in the world. However, when diamonds were discovered in Botswana, the leaders did not prioritize luxurious living and high recurrent expenditure. Instead, prudent economic management by the country's leaders that emphasized spending on education and infrastructure ensured annual GDP growth of 9% between 1966 and 2005, catapulting Botswana into an upper middle-income economy.

Lastly, let us look at our next-door neighbour, the Ivory Coast, which has very limited natural resources, such as iron ore. Ivory Coast has developed a primarily market-based and highly developed agriculture sector emphasizing Agro-processing and infrastructure. Today, Ivory Coast is one of the most developed black nations in the world.

Back to the USAID aid cut, if Liberia can spend her monies on issues that matter, roads, bridges, electricity, water, health, schools, fight cronyism and corruption, and increase tax collection, we won't need USAID to keep us going. Remember, 2025 is different from 1961; no more would foreign governments pay for the welfare of others through aid. The world is a meaner and more dangerous place. Unless Liberia and other developing nations use their resources wisely, we will continue to be the world's laughingstock, always on bent knees with a begging bowl to others.

Nemen Martin Kpahn is a Liberian currently residing in Australia. He holds a master’s degree in communication from Griffith University and a Master of Science degree in research from the University of Southern Queensland. Kpahn is pursuing a PhD at the University of Southern Queensland and writes regularly on Liberian politics and society.

Mobile number +61457621390

mkpahn@yahoo.com

Why Some Liberians Might Not Mourn the Death of President Jimmy Carter

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 03:39:43 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

US President Carter and Liberian President Tolbert during a state visit to Liberia

April 3, 1978— U.S. President Jimmy Carter made a brief visit to Liberia, stopping for a working lunch with President William R. Tolbert Jr. in Monrovia. Carter’s visit, sandwiched between his departure from Lagos, Nigeria, and his return to Washington, was more symbolic than substantive. Despite Liberia’s unique historical ties with the United States.

However, the legacy of Carter’s administration left a far darker mark on Liberia. Just two years after his visit, in April 1980, Liberia’s peace and stability were shattered. The brutal overthrow and assassination of President William R. Tolbert Jr., masterminded in part by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) under Carter’s administration, signaled the beginning of Liberia’s decline. Tolbert, who was not only Liberia’s president but also Chairman of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and President of the World Baptist Alliance, was a globally respected leader. Ironically, Carter, a Southern Baptist himself, stood by as his government enabled the violent removal of a fellow Baptist leader.

During President Jimmy Carter’s brief 1978 visit to Liberia, I was among the many students from the prestigious Monrovia Demonstration Elementary School who stood excitedly along the streets to welcome him. It was a moment of pride and celebration as both Carter and President William R. Tolbert Jr. rode together in an open-top U.S. presidential limousine through Monrovia. For us as children, it was a thrilling experience to witness such a historic event.

Fast forward to 1980, when I was a junior varsity basketball player at St. Patrick’s High School, I found myself amid one of Liberia’s darkest chapters. On that fateful day, chaos swept through Monrovia as news spread that former officials of President Tolbert’s government were going to be executed on the beach at the Barclay Training Center (BTC). Being a curious and fearless “true Monrovia boy,” and a staunch supporter of Tolbert, I ran to the beach to see for myself. What I witnessed was both heartbreaking and horrifying: the brutal execution of the 13 brave men, who were paraded as enemies but were, in reality, victims of a tragic and violent shift in Liberia’s history.

The juxtaposition between 1978 and 1980 remains stark in my memory. President Carter had visited Liberia smiling, radiating warmth and love, and yet by 1980, the same Liberia was drowning in violence, its leadership executed, and its people thrust into an era of instability and despair. Carter himself, who had once shared moments of camaraderie with Tolbert, may have cried a brokenhearted tear at what unfolded, but his administration’s role in those events cannot be ignored.

Prior to this upheaval, Liberia was celebrated as one of the most peaceful and progressive nations in Africa. Known for its cleanliness and stability, the country symbolized hope and prosperity. The coup on April 12, 1980, marked the start of Liberia’s backward slide, plunging the nation into decades of political turmoil, civil war, and economic devastation.

Carter’s presidency ended shortly after the Liberian coup. His successor, Ronald Reagan, poured unprecedented amounts of aid into Liberia during the 1980s. Unfortunately, most of this aid was military, empowering Samuel K. Doe’s regime, which used it to suppress dissent, perpetrate human rights abuses, and deepen Liberia’s suffering.

The legacy of U.S. interference under Carter’s administration remains deeply felt by many Liberians today. While post-presidency Jimmy Carter earned global respect for his humanitarian efforts, his role in the destruction of Liberia’s stability and peace is an indelible stain on his record.

Liberia, founded as a home for freed American slaves, has long looked to the United States for solidarity and partnership. Yet, Carter’s administration played a pivotal role in destabilizing the nation, leading to decades of suffering. For this reason, while the world may celebrate Jimmy Carter as a humanitarian, many Liberians remember him as a key architect of their country’s darkest chapter.

While President Trump Bullies the World

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:05:22 GMT

Africa is Finding Its Footing

The world has long witnessed how pressure creates change, much like the intense force that transforms a raw diamond into a priceless gem. In the same way, Africa—long subjected to external control, economic exploitation, and political interference—is undergoing its own transformation. As President Donald Trump aggressively wields America’s economic and political power, often bullying allies and adversaries alike, Africa faces its own reckoning. But rather than crumble under pressure, the continent is beginning to find its footing, shifting away from foreign aid dependency and embracing a future built on self-reliance, resource sovereignty, and strategic partnerships.

Trump’s administration is marked by an “America First” policy that disregards traditional alliances and focuses on transactional relationships. This approach forces many nations, including those in Africa, to reevaluate their economic and diplomatic strategies. While the U.S. reduces aid programs and makes it clear that African nations must negotiate from a position of strength or be left behind, this abrupt shift may be a blessing in disguise. Decades of reliance on Western aid have stifled Africa’s growth, creating cycles of dependency rather than fostering self-sufficiency. Now, facing a global landscape where aid is no longer guaranteed, African nations are beginning to forge their own paths.

The key to Africa’s newfound resilience lies in its immense wealth—both in natural resources and human capital. The continent holds some of the world’s most valuable mineral reserves, including gold, cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements, all critical to the future of global technology and energy. Rather than allowing foreign corporations to extract these resources at bargain prices, African leaders are beginning to assert control. Countries like Ghana and Zimbabwe are exploring gold-backed economic strategies, while others are pushing for in-country mineral processing rather than raw exports. This shift ensures that Africa reaps the true benefits of its wealth, generating jobs and strengthening local economies.

Furthermore, Africa’s embrace of regional economic cooperation is a major step toward self-sufficiency. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the largest free trade agreement in the world by member countries, is a bold move toward reducing dependency on external markets. By promoting intra-African trade, nations can build regional supply chains, keep wealth circulating within the continent, and negotiate better terms with foreign investors. Instead of being at the mercy of Western economies, African nations are learning to leverage their collective power.

The pressure to evolve has also ignited a surge in technological innovation and entrepreneurship. Nations like Rwanda, Nigeria, and Kenya are leading the charge in fintech, digital services, and green energy solutions. Africa’s youth—its greatest asset—are turning to technology to solve local challenges, from mobile banking to agricultural AI solutions. With better access to digital infrastructure, the next generation of African entrepreneurs will play a crucial role in shaping a self-sustaining future.

While Trump’s tenure is defined by aggressive foreign policies and economic nationalism, Africa uses that same pressure to harden itself against historical patterns of exploitation. Just as diamonds emerge from extreme heat and pressure, Africa is refining itself into a force that can no longer be ignored. The continent’s transformation is not about defiance but about self-determination. Africa is proving that it doesn’t need handouts—it needs fair trade, control over its resources, and the ability to shape its own destiny. And now, as global power dynamics shift, Africa is ready to shine.

Gold Is Money, Everything Else Is Credit

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:05:20 GMT

How African Nations Can Leverage Their Gold Reserves for Power

For centuries, gold has been the ultimate store of value, recognized worldwide as real money, while paper currency and credit fluctuate in worth. The quote, “Gold is money, everything else is credit,” famously attributed to J.P. Morgan, highlights this fundamental truth. African nations, home to some of the world’s largest gold reserves, have an unparalleled opportunity to use their gold as leverage in global trade and technology acquisition. Instead of relying on foreign aid or high-interest loans, African governments can utilize their vast gold wealth to access infrastructure, industry, and cutting-edge technology on their own terms.

Africa holds an estimated 40% of the world’s gold reserves, with several nations ranking among the top producers. Ghana, the continent’s leading gold producer, surpassed South Africa in 2019, boasting annual outputs exceeding 130 metric tons. South Africa, once the world’s gold mining capital, still holds vast untapped reserves despite declining production. Sudan, Mali, and Burkina Faso have emerged as major players, with extensive gold deposits attracting significant international attention. Other nations like Tanzania, Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) also possess substantial gold resources that remain underutilized in economic negotiations.

The challenge has always been that African nations export raw gold instead of using it strategically. Foreign corporations extract gold, refine it abroad, and sell it back at inflated prices, limiting Africa’s ability to capitalize on its wealth. By shifting policies toward gold-backed financial strategies, African governments can dictate new terms in global trade. Instead of holding depreciating foreign currencies in reserves, central banks across Africa should strengthen their gold reserves, allowing them to negotiate from a position of monetary sovereignty. Countries like Ghana and Zimbabwe have already begun moves toward gold-backed currency policies, recognizing that gold offers financial security beyond the volatility of fiat money.

One of the most effective ways to leverage gold is to use it as collateral for large-scale infrastructure and technology projects. Rather than borrowing from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or World Bank under restrictive terms, African nations could negotiate trade deals where gold reserves secure investments in energy, transportation, and digital technology. By backing foreign investments with gold, African nations ensure they are not subjected to exploitative debt agreements that cripple economic growth.

China has already demonstrated how strategic resource-backed financing works. Through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has exchanged infrastructure investments for resource rights across Africa. African nations, however, should move beyond simply trading raw materials for roads and railways. They must insist on partnerships that include technology transfer, local employment, and manufacturing capacity. For example, instead of allowing foreign companies to mine gold and take the profits overseas, African governments could require that a portion of refined gold be retained for national reserves, strengthening their financial independence.

Additionally, Africa must establish its own gold-backed financial institutions. A Pan-African Gold Bank, where countries contribute portions of their reserves, could facilitate trade within the continent without relying on the U.S. dollar or the euro. This would help stabilize currencies, reduce inflation, and increase Africa’s bargaining power in global markets.

Gold is not just a commodity; it is financial power. African nations that understand this and move toward gold-backed economic strategies will gain independence from predatory lending, unfair trade deals, and currency devaluation. By leveraging their massive reserves wisely, Africa can redefine its economic future, ensuring that its wealth benefits its people rather than foreign investors. The time has come for Africa to stop selling its gold and start using it as the foundation of its financial sovereignty.

Africa does not need foreign aid to thrive

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:05:18 GMT

How African Nations Can Position Themselves for Growth Without Foreign Aid but Through Strong Partnerships

For too long, African nations have been seen as dependent on foreign aid to drive economic growth and development. However, the continent is rich in resources, talent, and strategic advantages that, if leveraged correctly, can lead to sustainable prosperity without relying on financial handouts from foreign governments. Instead of seeking aid, African nations should prioritize strong, mutually beneficial partnerships that ensure fair trade, technological advancement, and economic independence.

One of the most valuable assets Africa possesses is its vast reserves of critical minerals, such as cobalt, lithium, graphite, and rare earth elements. These minerals are essential for the global transition to renewable energy and advanced technology. The United States and other major economies are in dire need of these resources to fuel industries such as electric vehicles, defense, and high-tech manufacturing. Rather than allowing foreign corporations to extract and export raw materials with minimal local benefit, African governments should establish policies that require in-country processing, refining, and value addition. By investing in mineral processing plants and securing technology transfer agreements, African nations can move up the value chain, creating jobs and increasing revenues within the continent.

Trade policies should also shift toward fair partnerships rather than exploitative agreements. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a major opportunity to unify economies and strengthen intra-African trade. By reducing dependence on external markets, African nations can build regional supply chains that make them less vulnerable to external economic shocks. Additionally, negotiating trade deals from a position of strength—rather than accepting terms dictated by foreign powers—will allow African countries to secure better prices and long-term economic security.

Beyond minerals and trade, Africa must embrace industrialization and technology. Foreign partnerships should focus on skills development, research collaboration, and infrastructure expansion, rather than just resource extraction. Countries like Rwanda and Ghana have already made strides in positioning themselves as technology hubs, attracting investments in manufacturing, digital services, and artificial intelligence. By investing in homegrown industries and ensuring that foreign investors reinvest a portion of their profits back into African economies, nations can reduce reliance on external aid and create long-term economic resilience.

A crucial component of economic independence is access to financing that does not leave nations in perpetual debt traps. Instead of borrowing under exploitative terms, African nations should explore alternative financing models, such as leveraging their natural resources to secure infrastructure funding. Some African governments have begun exploring using gold reserves and strategic minerals as collateral for large-scale projects, ensuring they maintain ownership and control over their assets. Additionally, strengthening ties with the African diaspora—many of whom are business leaders, technologists, and investors—can unlock billions of dollars in investment and knowledge transfer.

Lastly, governance and transparency are essential for sustainable partnerships. Corruption and mismanagement have historically hindered Africa’s economic progress. By implementing strong regulatory frameworks, enforcing fair contract agreements, and ensuring that national wealth benefits local populations, African governments can attract credible investors and negotiate from a position of strength.

frica does not need foreign aid to thrive. By harnessing its natural resources, strengthening regional trade, securing strategic partnerships, and fostering innovation, the continent can chart a path toward economic self-sufficiency. The time for aid dependency is over—Africa’s future lies in strategic, equitable partnerships that empower its people and industries.

Transform Your Future with the DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 07:36:24 GMT

Applications Open for a Prestigious Fellowship Offering a $45,000 Stipend and Cutting-Edge Research Opportunities

The Department of Energy (DOE) is now accepting applications for its prestigious Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (CSGF) program. This fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for U.S. students pursuing doctoral degrees in fields that leverage high-performance computing (HPC) to tackle some of the nation’s most challenging science and engineering problems. The DOE CSGF program, established in 1991, not only provides comprehensive financial support but also fosters a network of innovative thinkers and leaders dedicated to advancing research and technology.

One of the key highlights of the DOE CSGF is its remarkable financial package, offering a generous annual stipend of $45,000. This is coupled with full tuition and fees coverage at accredited U.S. universities. This significant financial support can ease the burden of educational expenses, allowing fellows to focus on their research and studies. Additionally, fellows receive an annual academic allowance, which can be utilized for research materials, conference travel, and professional development opportunities.

The fellowship is structured around an interdisciplinary program of study, integrating coursework in science and engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, and HPC. This holistic approach ensures that fellows acquire a well-rounded understanding of their respective fields while gaining the computational skills essential for tackling complex research questions. A distinguishing feature of the program is the mandatory three-month practicum at one of the 22 DOE national laboratories. This experience offers fellows invaluable exposure to real-world research environments and the opportunity to collaborate with experts in their fields.

The DOE CSGF is not limited to a single discipline. Fellows come from a broad range of scientific and engineering backgrounds, all united by a common interest in using high-performance computing to advance research. This includes students in applied mathematics, statistics, computer science, computer engineering, or computational science programs. Furthermore, the fellowship supports students exploring the broad enabling technology of HPC and its application to emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. The interdisciplinary nature of the fellowship allows students to cross traditional academic boundaries and contribute to groundbreaking research in diverse areas.

This fellowship is not only an opportunity for financial support but also a gateway to an influential network of professionals and alumni. Over the years, the DOE CSGF has trained more than 675 students from 85 U.S. universities. Many of these alumni have gone on to successful careers in academia, private industry, and national laboratories. By becoming a fellow, students gain access to this vast network of experts and peers, opening doors to collaborations, mentorship, and career opportunities.

For students interested in applying, the deadline for submission is January 16, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. CST. To support prospective applicants, an informational webinar and live Q&A session will be held on December 10, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. EST. This session is highly recommended as it offers insights into the application process and an opportunity to ask questions. To register for the webinar, visit this link .

For more details on the DOE CSGF program and to access the application portal, please visit the official fellowship page at www.krellinst.org/csgf . If you have questions or need further assistance, you can reach the Krell Institute, which administers the fellowship on behalf of the DOE.

This is a unique chance to contribute to the nation’s most pressing research initiatives while advancing your own academic and professional career. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this elite group of computational scientists shaping the future of technology and innovation. If you’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of science and making a tangible impact, the DOE CSGF could be the perfect stepping stone for your journey. Apply today!

Black People Engaging AI

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 20:56:37 GMT

How Black Communities Are Transforming Technology

By: Omari Bakari

From reparations advocacy to AI-driven chatbots, Black innovators are leveraging artificial intelligence to drive social change, education, and economic empowerment.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a cornerstone of technological advancement, impacting industries from healthcare to finance. Yet, a significant part of this transformation involves how Black communities engage with AI, not just as consumers but as creators and innovators. Through my journey, I have utilized AI to address systemic issues like reparations, developed chatbots to support Black-owned businesses, and advocated for the broader adoption of AI among Black communities. This work highlights both the potential and the challenges that come with this intersection.

One of the key areas where I’ve applied AI is in addressing the reparations movement for Black Americans. Through a series of historical blogs, I utilized AI tools to analyze and present data that reflects the economic disparities rooted in historical injustices. By creating interactive case studies, these blogs provided detailed insights into the legacy of slavery, segregation, and discriminatory practices that have contributed to the wealth gap. AI-enabled data visualization allowed us to show clear patterns of inequality, from housing discrimination to disparities in access to quality education. This approach turned historical data into a compelling narrative, offering a new perspective on the reparations debate. Through AI, we made complex historical and economic data more accessible, allowing people to engage with the information in a meaningful way.

In addition to historical analysis, I have written extensively about the need for Black communities to embrace AI as a tool for progress and self-determination. AI is often seen as a technology designed and controlled by a few large corporations, but there is immense potential for marginalized communities to use AI for their benefit. By demystifying AI through my articles, I aimed to show that it is not only a tool for tech giants but also for small businesses, activists, and educators. My advocacy focuses on the importance of digital literacy, encouraging Black people to not only use AI tools but to also become active participants in shaping AI policies and technologies. It is crucial for us to recognize that AI can perpetuate existing biases if not developed inclusively, but it can also serve as a powerful means of challenging those same biases.

A key part of my work has involved developing AI-driven chatbots tailored for various needs within the Black community. These chatbots serve multiple purposes: providing educational assistance, supporting Black-owned businesses, and acting as media/news platforms. For example, chatbots designed for educational assistance can provide tutoring on subjects where students often face gaps, using interactive lessons and personalized feedback. For businesses, AI chatbots can handle customer service, automate responses to frequently asked questions, and manage marketing campaigns, allowing Black entrepreneurs to scale their operations efficiently. This empowers businesses to compete on a level playing field, even when they lack the resources of larger corporations.

The integration of AI into media and information services has also been a focus, particularly in developing chatbots that act as news outlets for Black communities. These bots aggregate news relevant to Black audiences, highlighting stories that mainstream outlets often overlook. They also facilitate discussions around social justice issues, providing a platform for diverse voices. This approach not only democratizes access to information but also ensures that the stories of Black people are told accurately and without bias.

The journey of Black people engaging with AI is not without its challenges. The field of AI has been scrutinized for its lack of diversity and the perpetuation of biases within algorithms. Figures like Timnit Gebru, a former AI researcher at Google, have been instrumental in shedding light on these issues. Gebru's work, particularly in identifying racial biases within AI models, has been crucial for the AI ethics movement. Her departure from Google highlighted the tensions between big tech and the need for ethical AI development. As we engage with AI, it’s essential to recognize these challenges and advocate for the inclusion of Black voices in AI research and development. Organizations like Black in AI play a critical role in creating a supportive community for Black AI researchers and developers, providing mentorship, networking, and resources that are vital for navigating the tech industry.

The collective engagement of Black people with AI, whether through grassroots projects or formal organizations, is shaping a future where technology serves all communities equitably. By embracing AI as a tool for advocacy, education, and business, we are redefining what it means to be a stakeholder in the tech landscape. The work we do today in building AI solutions that reflect our values and experiences sets the stage for a future where AI is a force for social change and economic empowerment.

https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2022/6177822/timnit-gebru/

https://www.dair-institute.org/team/

https://www.blackinai.org/community

#BlackInTech, #AIForGood, #TechForJustice, #EmpowerWithAI, #BlackExcellence

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Reparations, Black Communities, AI Ethics, Digital Literacy, Chatbots, Timnit Gebru, Economic Empowerment, Inclusive Technology, Black Innovators

African Trade Blockchain and Cryptocurrency White Paper Unveils Vision for Africa’s Economic Future

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 16:34:15 GMT

The release of the African Trade Blockchain and Cryptocurrency White Paper marks a significant milestone for Africa’s economic evolution, showcasing the potential for blockchain technology and cryptocurrency to transform trade across the continent.

By Omari Bakari

Designed to attract investors, particularly early stakeholders, the white paper outlines how this technology-driven financial infrastructure can empower African economies, increase trade efficiency, and promote inclusive growth among participating nations.

The African Trade Blockchain is set to become a foundational pillar in the future of African commerce, offering a decentralized, transparent, and secure platform for the exchange of goods, services, and currency. Through this blockchain, participating nations will gain a shared ledger system where transactions are visible and verifiable, reducing inefficiencies and limiting the potential for corruption. By simplifying trade logistics and building trust between trading partners, this platform will serve as a powerful catalyst for economic integration within Africa and with global markets.

A critical element of the white paper is its focus on cryptocurrency as a standardized digital currency for intra-African and international trade. Traditionally, African nations face hurdles related to fluctuating exchange rates, limited access to foreign currency, and the challenges of inter-country remittances. The introduction of a standardized African cryptocurrency will provide a stable medium of exchange, facilitating seamless trade between member countries. Investors, particularly those who join early, have a unique opportunity to support the creation of this digital currency, enhancing trade fluidity and fostering economic stability across Africa.

The blockchain and cryptocurrency initiatives have distinct advantages in addressing key economic challenges in Africa. For instance, Africa is rich in resources but often limited by complex supply chain issues. Through blockchain technology, resource verification and tracking will become more transparent, thus reducing illicit trade and empowering African governments and industries to manage and monetize resources efficiently. By supporting accountability, the African Trade Blockchain aligns well with global standards, helping countries foster trust with international trade partners, meet compliance requirements, and expand export markets.

Moreover, the use of a dedicated cryptocurrency is expected to bolster financial inclusion. Approximately 57% of Sub-Saharan Africa remains unbanked, hindering economic growth and limiting access to credit, investment opportunities, and wealth-building mechanisms. The African cryptocurrency, by contrast, will offer a way for both individuals and businesses to participate in local and international trade, even if they lack traditional banking resources. This inclusive approach will empower underserved communities and drive entrepreneurship, creating a positive ripple effect across regional economies.

Early investors in the African Trade Blockchain and cryptocurrency initiative are likely to benefit significantly as Africa’s digital economy grows. The white paper underscores how blockchain-backed trade can open doors to high-growth markets, diversify investments, and support sustainable development. Additionally, early investors stand to gain from appreciation in the value of the African cryptocurrency as adoption increases and transaction volumes rise.

The African Trade Blockchain and cryptocurrency are not just technological advancements; they represent a strategic step forward in Africa’s path to economic sovereignty. By creating a transparent and efficient digital financial ecosystem, African nations will be better positioned to compete in the global economy, reduce dependency on foreign aid, and drive their own sustainable development. For investors, this project offers not only financial returns but also the chance to contribute to a transformative, pan-African economic movement that aligns with the continent’s aspirations for autonomy and prosperity.

Grooming Africa's Future

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 16:21:26 GMT

AGTG’s Mission to Transform Africa into the Wealthiest Continent
on Earth

By: Omari Bakari

The American Global Trading Group (AGTG) is on a transformative mission to propel Africa into a new era of prosperity by harnessing the power of 21st-century technology, youth empowerment, and sustainable energy solutions. With a focus on cutting-edge advancements such as solar energy and blockchain technology, AGTG seeks to illuminate the future of Africa, creating opportunities that address long-standing challenges of underdevelopment. By placing an emphasis on workforce development, education, and employment, AGTG aims to unleash the untapped potential of Africa's greatest asset—its youth.

Africa’s population is not only one of the youngest in the world but also the most dynamic. Youth make up the largest majority in every African country, representing the key to driving the continent forward. AGTG’s initiatives recognize this and place a heavy focus on empowering this generation with the tools, skills, and technologies necessary to compete and succeed in the global economy. Through specialized workforce development programs, AGTG is committed to providing training in areas like clean energy, digital finance, and technology-driven industries, preparing Africa’s youth to lead in sectors that will define the future.

One of the cornerstones of AGTG’s mission is building solar energy facilities that will power Africa's cities, villages, and industries. Solar energy is not just an alternative source of electricity—it is a pathway to energy independence and economic empowerment. By cutting on the lights across the continent, AGTG envisions an Africa where energy poverty is a thing of the past. Reliable and affordable energy will fuel businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities, driving development and improving the overall quality of life. Moreover, these renewable energy projects will create thousands of jobs in the green energy sector, further contributing to economic growth.

AGTG also advocates for the widespread use of blockchain technology as a tool for transparency and government accountability. In a region where governance challenges have often hindered progress, blockchain provides a solution to ensure that transactions, financial records, and public services are managed openly and fairly. By integrating blockchain into finance and banking systems, AGTG promotes transparency, curbs corruption, and builds trust between governments and citizens. This digital transformation will unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, and entrepreneurship, laying the groundwork for a more resilient and inclusive African economy.

AGTG is keenly aware of the obstacles Africa has faced due to intentional underdevelopment. Historical exploitation, resource mismanagement, and inequitable global trade policies have all contributed to Africa's economic struggles. However, AGTG’s vision is one of renewal and self-reliance. By focusing on sustainable development, infrastructure building, and the empowerment of local communities, AGTG aims to overcome these obstacles. Africa’s vast natural resources, combined with the energy and innovation of its people, have the potential to make it the wealthiest continent on earth.

Through its commitment to solar energy, blockchain technology, and youth empowerment, AGTG is not just building Africa’s future—it is redefining what the future of Africa can be. By addressing key issues such as education, employment, and governance, AGTG is setting the stage for Africa to rise as a global economic powerhouse. The organization’s vision for a prosperous, equitable, and empowered Africa is both bold and achievable, paving the way for a future where Africa stands as a beacon of innovation, wealth, and opportunity.

Empowering African Youth through the African Trade Blockchain and Cryptocurrency

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 01:06:57 GMT

A Pathway to Economic Independence and Technological Leadership

By: Omari Bakari

The African Trade Blockchain (ATB) and its cryptocurrency are not just technological tools—they are transformative assets designed to empower the next generation of African leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Through the American Global Trading Group’s (AGTG) commitment to sustainable economic growth, ATB’s mission centers around providing young Africans with the knowledge and skills necessary to take control of their own futures and economies. This vision of youth empowerment aligns with AGTG’s broader commitment to equipping African nations with the resources needed to achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence, specifically by providing access to technology, education, and opportunity in industries critical to Africa's growth.

One of the key elements of ATB’s mission is fostering economic self-sufficiency and sustainable growth across Africa. By providing young Africans with skills in blockchain, clean energy, cryptocurrency, and resource management, the ATB initiative empowers them to create businesses, drive local innovation, and reduce reliance on foreign aid and interventions. Armed with the right tools, African youth can build businesses that utilize their countries’ abundant natural resources, keep wealth within their communities, and establish industries around renewable energy and digital currencies, which are key areas for long-term economic independence. Through these opportunities, ATB enables African youth to become drivers of productivity, shifting the global trade power dynamics to favor African economies and creating sustainable ecosystems that serve their communities.

Africa’s youth, as the world’s largest and fastest-growing population, are well-positioned to bridge the digital divide if given access to technology and skills training. In providing this access, ATB not only prepares young Africans to compete on the global stage but also gives them the power to contribute to global technological innovation in meaningful ways. By enabling young people to develop skills in blockchain, coding, digital finance, and renewable energy, ATB ensures that they can access global markets and job opportunities while also developing solutions for local and global challenges like climate change and energy access. This exposure to digital technology levels the playing field, making African youth powerful contributors to both their local economies and the global digital transformation.

For ATB’s mission to create lasting, sustainable growth, a skilled and knowledgeable workforce is essential. With AGTG’s focus on renewable energy, blockchain, and resource management, youth skilled in these areas will play a key role in managing renewable energy projects, using blockchain to improve transparency in resource distribution, and driving local economies through digital finance solutions. This focus on skill-building ensures that Africa’s youth will sustain the continent’s growth by maximizing Africa’s natural wealth and reducing reliance on foreign resources and systems. By fostering these skills, ATB supports not just Africa’s economic advancement but also sustainable development, positioning Africa to retain and amplify its wealth for future generations.

Empowering young Africans to become leaders is another central element of ATB’s mission. By equipping today’s youth with the tools to succeed, ATB ensures that these young leaders will shape future policies, promote fair trade, and build social enterprises that solve local issues and create employment. As these young innovators become role models, they set a legacy of innovation and resilience that future generations will emulate, strengthening their communities and creating social enterprises that drive sustainable growth. This enduring legacy of leadership and innovation is critical to AGTG’s vision, as it enables African youth to become architects of their own futures.

At the core of AGTG’s approach is the goal of technological independence for Africa, allowing young Africans to manage their own platforms and build local systems for digital currencies, smart contracts, and transparent governance. By training young Africans in blockchain and digital finance, AGTG reduces Africa’s dependency on foreign technologies and empowers young leaders to take control of their countries’ futures. Local platforms and financial systems improve financial inclusion, while blockchain-enabled transparency reduces corruption and enhances trust in government dealings, ultimately creating more accountable systems that serve African communities.

In summary, the ATB’s mission is to place Africa’s future in the capable hands of its youth, who will be the catalysts for exponential growth and transformation across the continent. Through a focus on skills in blockchain, clean energy, and cryptocurrency, AGTG envisions a sustainable legacy of economic resilience, ethical resource management, and global leadership for Africa. African youth empowered with knowledge and resources will lead their communities into a prosperous future, setting a new standard for innovation and independence. In investing in young people, AGTG is laying the groundwork for a thriving Africa, one that not only contributes to but leads the world in technology and sustainable growth, creating a legacy that will inspire and sustain generations to come.

Omari Bakari's Chatbot Revolution

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 17:00:02 GMT

A Multifaceted Tool for Business Success

By Omari Bakari

As a renowned AI expert, has been at the forefront of developing innovative chatbot solutions designed to streamline business operations and enhance customer experiences. My chatbots, powered by advanced machine learning and natural language processing, offer a wide range of services to businesses across various industries.

One of my chatbots is tailored to provide exceptional customer support. These chatbots can handle routine inquiries, troubleshoot issues, and provide personalized recommendations, freeing up human customer service representatives to focus on more complex problems. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also reduces operational costs.

Another area where my chatbots excel is in sales and marketing. These chatbots can engage with potential customers, answer questions, and even close deals. By automating these processes, businesses can increase their sales efficiency and reach a wider audience.

In addition to customer service and sales, my chatbots can also be used for administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments, managing inventory, and processing orders. This frees up employees to focus on more strategic tasks, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.

My chatbots are designed to be highly adaptable and can be customized to meet the specific needs of any business. They can be integrated with existing systems and platforms, making them easy to implement.

Overall, my chatbots offer a valuable tool for businesses looking to improve their operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth. By leveraging the power of AI, these chatbots can help businesses stay competitive in today's fast-paced digital landscape.

If you're interested in learning how to create chatbots for your website or apps, contact me for assistance.

Empowering Youth Through Tech

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 18:28:53 GMT

The BIT-LA Youth Tech Camp Experience

In an increasingly technology-driven world, it's essential that young minds are equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in future industries. The updated BIT-LA Youth Tech Camp program is a testament to this commitment, offering a multi-faceted learning experience designed to inspire and empower students from diverse backgrounds. With an enriched curriculum that includes cutting-edge technology, hands-on projects, and leadership development, the camp prepares youth for the exciting opportunities awaiting them in STEM fields and beyond.

The camp kicks off with the 3D Pen Program , where students are introduced to the world of creativity through technology. Armed with 3D pens, participants will sketch their ideas into life by creating physical objects. This session not only introduces the basics of design and engineering, but it also encourages creative problem-solving. As students learn to transform their imagination into tangible items, they develop spatial reasoning and fine motor skills. The key takeaway from this program is that technology is a tool for creation and innovation, empowering students to see themselves as creators.

Moving into the Robot Building Program , the camp introduces students to foundational knowledge in robotics, coding, and engineering. Working collaboratively, participants will design, build, and program their robots to perform specific tasks. This session challenges students to think critically about how machines operate and what it takes to make them function effectively. Through trial and error, students experience firsthand the importance of perseverance and teamwork. As they solve complex problems and see their robots come to life, students leave with newfound confidence and a deeper appreciation for the role of robotics in shaping the future.

In the Power-Up Planes Program , the camp offers students the chance to engage with basic principles of physics and aerodynamics. Through the process of building and flying powered model planes, youth explore the science behind flight, discovering how different forces and variables affect the performance of their aircraft. This session aims to spark curiosity about aerospace engineering, and its hands-on approach provides an engaging and memorable introduction to concepts that are often reserved for higher education.

One of the most anticipated sessions is the Drone Camp , where students not only build drones but also learn to fly them. As drones continue to revolutionize industries from logistics to environmental monitoring, the skills gained in this session are particularly valuable. By learning to construct and operate drones, students develop technical abilities that are highly sought after in modern job markets. Moreover, drone technology fosters an understanding of real-world applications, giving students a sense of how they can contribute to technological advancements in society.

The addition of 3D Printing to the curriculum takes innovation to the next level. Students will learn how to design and print their own creations using advanced 3D printing technology, bridging the gap between digital concepts and physical products. This session encourages students to explore their entrepreneurial spirit, as they witness the potential for rapid prototyping and product development. The introduction to 3D printing is not only a lesson in technology but also an invitation to envision how ideas can be transformed into viable solutions for real-world challenges.

At the heart of the camp’s mission is leadership development and community empowerment, embodied in the inclusion of Chandra Christmas-Rouse’s "Where the Sidewalk Grows." This powerful text guides students through the process of identifying community needs and developing innovative solutions. Through discussions and hands-on projects, students are encouraged to think critically about the role they can play in improving their neighborhoods. This session highlights the importance of literacy and leadership in shaping a better future, ensuring that participants not only gain technical skills but also understand the social impact they can create.

The updated BIT-LA Youth Tech Camp is more than a tech camp; it’s a comprehensive program that integrates STEM education, creative expression, leadership development, and community engagement . By the end of the camp, participants will have gained a diverse skill set, ranging from robotics and drone technology to leadership and social responsibility. With each session offering unique insights and experiences, students leave the camp better prepared for future academic and career pursuits, equipped with the confidence to lead and innovate in their communities.

In partnership with STEM 54, Sankofa City, The Key of Knowledge, and with support from PAX Stereo as a sponsor, BIT-LA’s Youth Tech Camp is committed to creating pathways for underrepresented youth to access the world of technology and beyond.

Pan-Africanism the Center of Afrofuturism

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 16:45:00 GMT

Uniting the Diaspora and Africa for a Technological Renaissance

By: Omari Bakari

Afrofuturism and Pan-Africanism are two ideologies deeply rooted in the empowerment, liberation, and forward-thinking aspirations of African people globally. They share a vision that transcends the historical and systemic oppression faced by African peoples, both on the continent and across the diaspora. Together, these ideologies paint a future where African communities reclaim their cultural heritage, harness their innovative potential, and unite to build prosperous societies on their own terms. This vision aligns with the idea of constructing a new Songhai Empire, a modern take on the powerful African civilization that once dominated West Africa. This reimagined empire represents a future where Africa becomes the wealthiest and most advanced continent, leading the world in innovation, sustainability, and economic strength.

Afrofuturism plays a key role in this vision by imagining African people in futuristic worlds where they thrive as creators and leaders of advanced societies. It envisions a future where African culture, technology, and African identity are celebrated and integrated into new realms of possibility. Afrofuturism challenges the outdated narratives that have historically limited African potential, presenting a vision where African peoples and the diaspora reshape their futures through technological mastery, cultural renaissance, and global influence. This forward-looking framework builds on Pan-Africanism’s foundational call for unity among African nations and people of African descent, fostering a collective effort to liberate and empower Africa from the lingering impacts of colonialism, imperialism, and systemic racism.

Pan-Africanism’s focus on solidarity and collective self-determination aligns with the idea of building a new Songhai Empire. Historically, the Songhai Empire was a center of trade, learning, and cultural influence, flourishing through the collective effort and strategic cooperation of its people. In the modern context, the construction of a new Songhai Empire symbolizes the reawakening of Africa’s potential as a global leader. The continent’s rich natural resources, combined with technological advancements and the power of a unified global African community, present an opportunity for Africa to not only become self-sufficient but to thrive economically and socially on a global scale. This vision imagines Africa as a center for technological innovation, green energy leadership, and cultural influence, attracting investment and collaboration from around the world.

Central to this transformation is the participation of the African diaspora, particularly descendants of the Songhai Empire who were scattered throughout the Caribbean, North America, and South America as a result of the Atlantic slave trade. These descendants, many of whom are African Americans, have amassed a wealth of expertise in areas like technology, entrepreneurship, education, and the arts. Their return to Africa, both symbolically and practically, represents a powerful reclamation of identity and a commitment to building a future grounded in the continent’s success. By contributing their talents, resources, and innovations, the diaspora plays a critical role in helping Africa realize its full potential.

Pan-Africanism and Afrofuturism together offer a roadmap to this future—a future where Africa is not just liberated from historical and contemporary oppression but becomes a leading force in global affairs. This new Songhai Empire would be a beacon of prosperity, driven by African leadership, technological innovation, and cultural renaissance. As descendants of the original Songhai Empire return to participate in this transformation, Africa’s resurgence will not only uplift the continent but also reshape the global narrative of African identity, power, and progress. By harnessing the strength of the global African community, these ideologies create a future where Africa leads the world in prosperity, self-determination, and innovation.

Empowering the Next Generation of Engineers

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 16:00:03 GMT

The Impact of Dr. Batie’s STEM 54 Math Camp

In today’s tech-driven world, proficiency in mathematics is essential for young minds looking to break into the engineering and technology fields. However, many students, particularly Black students, face challenges in accessing the resources and support they need to excel in this critical subject. Dr. Batie, a visionary educator and founder of STEM 54, has developed a series of innovative programs aimed at addressing these gaps. Through initiatives like the Abacus program, math camps, and structured study sessions, Dr. Batie has empowered young Black students to not only improve their math skills but also build the foundation needed for successful careers in engineering and STEM-related fields.

One of the standout initiatives under STEM 54 is Dr. Batie’s Math Camp for Aspiring Engineers , designed specifically to nurture the talents of young people with an interest in pursuing STEM careers. The camp provides intensive training in mathematics, with a focus on enhancing both fundamental and advanced skills. Students are exposed to hands-on learning experiences, guided by expert instructors, and supported by a strong community of peers and mentors. This immersive approach allows students to grasp complex concepts in a collaborative and engaging environment.

The Abacus program , also developed by STEM 54, focuses on improving math efficiency and fluency for students who may have fallen behind or struggled in traditional educational settings. Abacus uses targeted exercises to strengthen foundational math skills, helping students build confidence and increase their problem-solving abilities. By mastering essential math concepts, students can approach more advanced topics with greater ease, setting the stage for success in higher-level STEM courses.

STEM 54’s broader commitment to improving math outcomes for Black students has made a measurable impact. Through study programs and collaborative learning sessions, students receive the consistent support they need to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. These programs not only focus on academic achievement but also emphasize the development of critical thinking and analytical skills—qualities that are indispensable for success in the tech industry.

Dr. Batie’s work is grounded in the belief that every student has the potential to excel in STEM, given the right resources and guidance. His programs are a testament to the power of mentorship, community, and dedicated support in transforming students' academic trajectories.

Recognizing the effectiveness of these strategies, the Blacks in Technology – Los Angeles Chapter (BIT-LA) has adopted many of Dr. Batie’s initiatives as a core part of their educational programming. BIT-LA’s President has emphasized that these math camps and study programs are crucial for equipping Black students with the skills necessary to enter and thrive in the tech industry. By aligning with STEM 54’s proven methods, BIT-LA is reinforcing its commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and excellence within the technology sector.

At BIT-LA, we believe that the pathway to success in tech starts with a strong foundation in mathematics . Dr. Batie’s programs have demonstrated that when young Black students are given the right tools and support, they can achieve remarkable results. As we continue to collaborate with STEM 54, we remain dedicated to breaking down barriers and opening doors for the next generation of Black engineers and innovators.

For aspiring engineers, participation in these math camps and study programs is more than just an academic exercise—it’s a step toward a future filled with opportunity and success. By investing in the education of young minds today, we are ensuring that tomorrow’s tech industry is diverse, dynamic, and driven by a new generation of leaders.

Developing Africa’s Educational Programs with the Assistance of HBCUs

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Sat, 19 Oct 2024 16:45:00 GMT

Institutions Like Howard University have much to Offer

By: Omari Bakari

Africa stands at a pivotal moment, with rapidly growing economies and a population projected to exceed 2.5 billion by 2050. To harness the potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and foster sustainable development, Africa faces an urgent need to bolster its educational infrastructure, particularly in areas such as technology, renewable energy, health, and agriculture. One promising solution lies in building partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). These institutions, with their deep history of empowering underserved communities and their strong expertise in STEM fields, can play a critical role in developing Africa's educational systems to meet the continent's pressing needs.

The digital transformation underway across Africa has opened new avenues in sectors like fintech, mobile technology, and e-commerce, yet the continent faces a severe shortage of skilled workers in software development, artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and cybersecurity. These fields are essential for Africa’s integration into the global digital economy, driving innovation and entrepreneurship. HBCUs, known for producing a substantial proportion of Black STEM graduates in the United States, are well-positioned to partner with African universities to bridge this skills gap. Through faculty exchanges, joint research programs, and curriculum development in STEM fields, HBCUs can help African institutions train the next generation of tech leaders. Furthermore, HBCUs have extensive experience in developing coding boot camps and IT vocational training that could be adapted to meet the needs of African students eager to participate in the global knowledge economy.

In the realm of renewable energy, Africa has tremendous potential, particularly with abundant solar and wind resources. However, the continent lacks the skilled labor necessary to install, manage, and scale these technologies. More than 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to reliable electricity, and renewable energy offers the most viable solution. HBCUs with strong engineering programs, particularly those with a focus on green technologies, can be key partners in building Africa’s renewable energy workforce. Collaborations could involve training African engineers and technicians in renewable energy installation, grid management, and project development, helping to create green jobs while also addressing the energy access gap.

The healthcare sector in Africa faces even greater challenges. With a rapidly growing population and an overburdened health system, there is a critical shortage of trained professionals, from doctors and nurses to healthcare managers. The rise of digital health solutions and telemedicine presents new opportunities to expand healthcare access, but also requires a tech-savvy workforce. HBCUs with strong nursing, medical, and health informatics programs can help African institutions train healthcare professionals not only in traditional medical fields but also in emerging technologies like telehealth and health data management. This would significantly improve healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas, while strengthening public health infrastructure across the continent.

In agriculture, which employs more than 50% of Africa’s workforce, there is also a pressing need for skilled labor in modern, technology-driven farming practices. Africa must find ways to boost productivity, reduce waste, and adapt to climate change to ensure food security. HBCUs with agricultural programs, particularly those focused on sustainable farming and AgriTech, can partner with African institutions to offer training in precision farming, agribusiness, and agricultural supply chain management. This will not only enhance food production but also create more resilient agricultural systems in the face of environmental challenges.

By forming strategic partnerships with HBCUs, African educational institutions can gain access to decades of experience in empowering marginalized communities, building capacity in STEM fields, and driving social progress. HBCUs can help African universities train a new generation of skilled workers capable of leading the continent through the 4IR, while also promoting inclusive economic growth. Investing in these partnerships is not only an opportunity to uplift Africa’s workforce but also to create lasting bonds between African nations and the global Black diaspora. Together, they can help shape a future where Africa thrives as a leader in technology, sustainability, healthcare, and agriculture.

Prompt Engineering Basics

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 16:45:00 GMT

A New Guide to Mastering AI Interactions

By: Omari Bakari

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an indispensable tool for various industries. To truly unlock the power of AI, it's essential to understand how to interact with these intelligent systems effectively. This is where prompt engineering comes into play.

Prompt Engineering Basics provides a comprehensive introduction to the art of crafting effective prompts that guide AI models towards desired outcomes. Whether you're a seasoned AI enthusiast or just starting your journey, this book offers valuable insights and practical tips to help you master the intricacies of AI communication.

The book delves into the essential elements of a well-crafted prompt, exploring topics such as clarity, specificity, and contextual relevance. Practical examples are used to illustrate the application of prompt engineering techniques, making the concepts easy to understand. Additionally, the book provides step-by-step guidance, making it accessible to readers of all levels.

One of the key strengths of Prompt Engineering Basics is its emphasis on ethical considerations. The book highlights the importance of using AI responsibly and avoiding biases or harmful outcomes. By understanding and addressing these ethical concerns, readers can ensure that their AI interactions are both effective and beneficial.

If you're looking to enhance your AI interactions, unlock the full potential of AI, or gain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving world of technology, Prompt Engineering Basics is a must-read. This book will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively communicate with AI models and achieve your goals.

About the Author

Omari is a AI researcher and technology enthusiast. With a passion for AI and its potential to transform the world, Omari is dedicated to sharing knowledge and empowering others to harness the power of this technology.

Grooming Africa's Future: AGTG’s Mission to Transform Africa into the Wealthiest Continent on Earth

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:45:00 GMT

AGTG’s Mission to Transform Africa into the Wealthiest Continent
on Earth

By: Omari Bakari

Why Africa Will Lead World Trade and Drive Cryptocurrency Adoption

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 16:45:04 GMT

Africa is uniquely positioned to lead the world in adopting cryptocurrency and leveraging blockchain technology to
transform trade

In recent years, Africa has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the global economic landscape. As the continent with the fastest-growing population and a wealth of natural resources, Africa is positioned to take the lead in shaping the future of global trade. With its rich reserves of minerals, oil, and agricultural products, combined with a youthful, tech-savvy population, Africa is at the forefront of adopting emerging technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrency. This unique combination of resources, demographic trends, and technology sets the stage for Africa to reshape how global trade is conducted and drive the widespread adoption of cryptocurrency as a medium of exchange.

Africa's natural resource wealth has long attracted global interest. With vast deposits of minerals such as cobalt, gold, diamonds, and rare earth elements, the continent supplies crucial inputs for industries worldwide. However, traditional trade systems often result in inefficiencies and inequities, leaving African nations with minimal control over their resources and the wealth they generate. Enter cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, which offer the transparency, security, and decentralized control necessary to shift the balance of power. By adopting blockchain for trade, African countries can ensure more equitable and efficient resource management, while also reducing the transaction costs associated with cross-border trade.

Cryptocurrency is a game changer in the African context. A significant portion of the population remains unbanked or underbanked, with limited access to traditional financial services. This lack of financial inclusion has stifled economic growth and development. However, the rise of mobile money systems, such as Kenya's M-Pesa, has already shown how digital financial platforms can transform economies. Cryptocurrencies build on this success, providing an even more inclusive, secure, and accessible financial system that transcends borders. With smartphone penetration increasing, more Africans are gaining access to digital financial tools, making cryptocurrency a natural fit for the continent’s needs.

One of the key reasons Africa is poised to lead the adoption of cryptocurrency is the continent’s growing digital literacy and innovative spirit. Africa’s youthful population is highly engaged with technology, and across the continent, tech hubs are springing up, fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs. Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa are leading in fintech innovation, and governments are beginning to explore how blockchain can be used not only to enhance trade but also to tackle corruption and improve governance. These innovators see cryptocurrency not just as a financial instrument but as a tool for solving real-world problems.

Another advantage that cryptocurrency brings to African trade is its ability to bypass the limitations of traditional banking infrastructure. For many African businesses, cross-border transactions can be slow and expensive due to the complexity of international payment systems and reliance on intermediary banks. Cryptocurrency offers a solution to these challenges by enabling faster, cheaper, and more secure transactions. This can significantly reduce the friction involved in exporting and importing goods, allowing African businesses to compete more effectively on the global stage.

The rise of cryptocurrency also aligns with Africa's push towards regional integration. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) now in effect, the continent is working to create a single market that encompasses over 50 countries. Cryptocurrency could play a crucial role in facilitating trade across borders, bypassing the complexities of multiple currencies and helping to streamline transactions. As Africa continues to integrate economically, cryptocurrency will be a vital tool for ensuring the continent’s growth is inclusive and sustainable.

Africa is uniquely positioned to lead the world in adopting cryptocurrency and leveraging blockchain technology to transform trade. With its abundance of resources, youthful and tech-savvy population, and the pressing need for more inclusive financial systems, the continent stands at the forefront of a global shift. As African nations harness the power of cryptocurrency, they will not only build wealth domestically but also reshape global trade dynamics, ensuring a more equitable and prosperous future for the entire world.

Empowering Africa

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:29:07 GMT

How the African Trade Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Will Drive Job Creation and Workforce Development

The emergence of the African Trade Blockchain and cryptocurrency is set to transform not just how resources are traded across the continent but also how economies function. A key benefit of this transformation will be the creation of new businesses and industries that will generate significant job opportunities, promote education, and stimulate workforce development across Africa. By adopting and integrating blockchain technology and cryptocurrency into the economy, African nations can foster innovation, increase efficiency, and expand their digital infrastructure, leading to a new era of economic empowerment.

One of the most immediate impacts of the African Trade Blockchain will be the establishment of cryptocurrency exchanges, payment gateways, and digital wallets. These businesses will facilitate the buying, selling, and trading of cryptocurrencies, allowing businesses and consumers to participate in the digital economy. As these platforms grow, they will require a diverse workforce, creating jobs for software developers, cybersecurity experts, financial analysts, and customer support specialists. In addition to the technical roles, there will be a growing need for marketing professionals, business strategists, and regulatory compliance officers to ensure that these platforms operate smoothly and meet local and international standards.

In tandem with the growth of these financial platforms, blockchain and fintech development firms will play a crucial role in driving innovation and ensuring that the African Trade Blockchain remains secure and scalable. These firms will be responsible for building the underlying technology that supports cryptocurrency transactions, smart contracts, and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. By creating these technical infrastructures, blockchain development firms will require skilled workers in coding, cryptography, and digital architecture. Educational institutions and training centers will emerge to provide specialized training in these areas, equipping the African workforce with the necessary skills to participate in the growing digital economy.

Education and workforce development are also central to the rise of cryptocurrency-related businesses. Governments, private companies, and nonprofit organizations will invest in upskilling the population through technical education, offering courses on blockchain technology, financial literacy, and cryptocurrency management. By focusing on these educational programs, African nations can ensure that their citizens are well-prepared to take advantage of the opportunities in the digital economy. For example, initiatives aimed at teaching women and youth how to engage with blockchain technology can help close the gender and skills gap, creating more equitable economic growth.

Beyond financial and technical education, other sectors such as cybersecurity, legal services, and consulting will flourish as blockchain and cryptocurrency become more prevalent. The need to secure digital transactions and ensure compliance with regulations will create job opportunities for cybersecurity experts, legal advisors, and consultants specializing in blockchain governance and cryptocurrency policies. These roles will be critical in maintaining the trust and integrity of the blockchain system, ensuring that businesses and consumers feel confident using digital currencies for trade.

Additionally, the rise of cryptocurrency will spur the growth of e-commerce and remittance services. Businesses that accept cryptocurrency payments will benefit from faster transactions, lower fees, and greater access to international markets, while consumers will enjoy more convenient ways to make purchases. The expansion of these sectors will generate jobs in logistics, sales, customer service, and digital marketing, further diversifying the job market.

Overall, the African Trade Blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystem will create a wealth of opportunities for job creation, education, and workforce development across Africa. By fostering innovation and integrating cutting-edge technology into the economy, African nations can build a more inclusive, efficient, and dynamic future. The rise of these new businesses will not only transform how resources are traded but will also empower individuals and communities to participate in the global economy, driving long-term economic growth and prosperity across the continent.

My Black Museum Experience

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 19:46:52 GMT

Museums should embrace new mobile technologies that extend audience reach and provide potential new revenue channels.

Across America there are several Black Museums that have served as keepers of our history and been responsible for exhibiting our stories by regions throughout the nation. I have been to many of them and have been fortunate enough to see some pretty sizable personal collections as well. Most recently, I visited the Smithsonian’s Musuem of African American Heritage.

You can only be impressed with the 4-story architectural gem, it’s floorplan and collection from top to bottom.

But I expected more!

I expected to see exhibits that utlized the full spectrum of technology to educate, engage and interact with each visitor. I expected to experience in living color every object on display in each exhibit. I, like most people today, expected the entire experience to be captured and retraced in the palm of my hand on my mobile device.

I expected to see Exhibits that could have been complemented with photos, information about the artist, descriptions, video and audio streaming where it is most relevant to each visitor and exhibit.

I expected to receive messages and notifications on my device about upcoming exhibits, lectures and other events at the museum during my visit.

I expected to see the school children visiting the museum to be fully engaged in a learning experience, that was fun and entertaining, that they could recall long after their visit to share and encourage others to want to visit and have a similar experience.

Even at the very least, I expected to receive some type of encouragement, by way of a push notification, to visit the gift store and pick up a souvenir or refreshment.

But with all of my expectations, I expected the museum to be fully engaged with each visitor by embracing new mobile technologies to extend audience reach and provide potential new revenue channels. While the Smithsonian is well funded, other museums in other cities aren’t so fortunate.

Where does this change start, you might ask?

Let’s start with QR Codes! They should be placed on all marketing and advertising collateral and it should take interested parties directly to a download link for the museums Progressive Web App (PWA).

The PWA is quickly downloaded to your device and is where all parties request tickets, confirm visiting dates and times and has info on the exhibits, collections and other events at the museum. The PWA is your mobile guide that connects to beacons and NFC Tags throughout the museum allowing you to receive push notifications and information about the exhibit during your visit at the museum.

Low-powered Beacons strategically placed throughout he museum allows important communication providing information and notifications directly to PWA users. Things like upcoming events, lectures, films, Gift Store & More.

NFC Tags can be assigned to every artifact on exhibit. They connect to the devices on command and can provide a host of information on each item in the exhibit with documented downloads, video and audio previews and much more. School DIstricts can produce downloadable lesson plans for better student engagement and reports on their visit.

Free Social Wifi Network provided where visitors can access the internet no matter where they are inside the facility and it allows them to post on their social media channels.

All of this means museums should embrace new mobile technologies that extend audience reach and provide visitor data that enables museum directors to better serve future visitors. Turning their rooms into an interactive experience that meet the expectations of museums visitors. The time of the touristic map and the audio guide have been left behind and, at present, some museums offer a wide variety of location-based services to enrich and personalize the experience of the visitors.

We’ve done a great job of preserving our history and telling our stories. Now we have to do a better job of communicating these stories with technology to have more of an impact in our future.

Why Affirmative Action

Tue, 28 May 2024 02:40:13 GMT

Why does the United States need to continue to support Affirmative Action policies?

By: Rene Childress

We need to look at why the policy was first adopted. The U.S. Congress saw the wisdom of attempting to addressed over 300 years of slavery, segregation, torture, bestiality, and mayhem perpetrated on black Americans. One of the first times that the now coined phrase Affirmative Action was used appeared in a speech given by President Lyndon Johnson on July 2,1965 at Howard University . He was giving a defense of why he signed the 1965 Civil Rights Bill.

During his speech, he used this analogy “Imagine a hundred-yard dash in which one of the runners had his legs shackled together. He has progressed ten yards, while the unshackled runner has gone fifty. At that point the judges decide that the race is unfair. How do they rectify the situation?

Do they merely remove the shackles and allow the race to proceed? Then they could say that “equal opportunity “now prevailed. But one of the runners would still be 40 yards ahead of the other. Would it not be the better part of justice to allow the previously shackled runner to make up the forty-yard gap, or to start the race all over again? That would be affirmative action toward equality.”

The question is how America addresses the horrific past and present practices that continue to push black Americans further down in all the categories of misery. No matter what category we refer to African- Americans lag grotesquely behind their white counterparts. Black women suffer 2.6 times the maternal death rate of white women. Black infants suffer an infant mortality rate of 2.5 times the rate of white infants. Black men 18 years or older are incarcerated at a rate of 1 in 15 while White men in the same age group are incarcerated 1 in 106. Home ownership of Blacks hovers around 43 percent while White home ownership consistently tops 75 percent.

White Americans are more likely to have health insurance than Black Americans. Seventy three percent of Whites have private insurance compared to fifty-three percent for Black Americans. The educational gap between Black and White students that has risen significantly since the 1970 is still dismal. The resources and opportunities aimed at White students outstrip Black Students three to four times in terms of monies spent and opportunities realized.

Getting back to President Johnson’s analogy these are the shackles that the Black runners still need to overcome to be equal. Affirmative action has been used to unshackle and promote a new understanding of how we can attempt to address these age-old wrongs of our society both de jure and de facto. Racism is the root of the current state of affairs in American society.

Racism against African Americans is not tangential to the American culture and psyche it is and has been an essential factor in how Americans relate to one another. Racism was intertwined in the founding documents of this country and in the spirit of the White men who settled on the continued property of owning humans. They justified slavery by dehumanizing black slaves as chattel.

The regime they brought to life was one of the most brutal and oppressive of its time. The country we live in still has that cancer in our souls and our psyche. It has metastasized into every nook and cranny of how we educate, heal, love, and especially govern ourselves.

The Journals

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Mon, 27 May 2024 22:41:42 GMT

The Journal journey began with rejection!

Yes, rejection!

Upon returning to Compton after college, my hometown newspaper publisher whom I admired, rejected my application to work with him at the Compton Bulletin. But I was determined to realize my vision to become a newspaper man in my hometown so I constantly developed the business model, the product and unique service of delivering local news to every doorstep in the city, and when the time came I was ready to deliver.

The Compton Journal was a vision realized in large part with the support of then Compton City Councilman Amen Rahh and Mayor Omar Bradley. The truth is, the Compton Bulletin publisher,
O. Ray Wilson, inspired the Compton Journal more than any one person when he responded to my job inquiry by stating, “the only way you’ll write for this paper is if you pay for the space”. Now, maybe I was a little naive, but I thought being a veteran and having a Howard University education would at least snag me a $25 per article job with my hometown newspaper.

The rejection made me realize my sights were too low.

Somewhere out of the Universe I got a notion that I could produce a better publication, and create jobs for local residents from the community. I thought, by then I had been properly trained at both Southwest College and Howard University, having a pretty good understanding on what a newspaper should look like.

At Southwest College, I was the political Cartoonist and a student of and inspired by the likes of the Black Panther Party’s Emory Douglas, the L. A. Times’ Paul Conrad and Kofi Tyrus of the D.C. Edition of the Afro-American Newspaper. Rene’ Childress was the editor of our student publication who taught me so much about the newspaper’s role and introduced me to the Black Panther Party for self defense.

Another huge influence at the time was Earl Ofari Hutchenson whom had just published “The Myth of Black Capitalism”. Earl also published a monthly newsletter. Rene’, Earl and I would play basketball every Sunday morning and there I learned as they discussed a variety of situations, conditions and challenges confronting Black Americans, and how best to use the Black Press as a sounding board to tell our story.

I arrived at Howard University with a bundle of Black Panther Party Newspapers under my arm. Once I discovered no one on campus was circulating the monthly Party newspaper, I reached out to the HQ and they were as excited as I was about me circulating the paper on campus. While working with student government at Howard, I created the Ujima Gazette and Ujima Student Newspaper.

After presenting the venture to Councilman Rahh, I was able to secure a small advertising contract from the city. The timing to launch the Journal was perfect because of the upcoming city election which meant there was a lot of campaign dollars available. The rest is history!

I was able to hire a staff of writers, editors and advertising sales reps. We secured a contract with a distribution company that put our publication on all 22,000 doorsteps throughout the city of Compton. In fact, the layout was so tight, it changed the way every newspaper in the city designed their publication.

Publishing the Journal opened a lot of doors for me locally and nationally. The opportunity to expand always captured my attention. During that time both the Chicago Defender and The Los Angeles Sentinel were for sale. I was trying to get funding to purchase them both but I was looking in all of the wrong places and couldn’t pull it together.

Print publishing had become very expensive and advertising revenues were shrinking. Rising costs in paper, ink and circulation were like nails in a coffin for small weekly newspaper publishers. Technology’s impact had hit the newspaper publishing business hard and it was time for a shift.

Business Directory Drives the Sankofa Digital Network: A Win-Win for Businesses and Consumers

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Mon, 27 May 2024 22:35:13 GMT

How Digital Innovations are Transforming Local Shopping and Empowering Black-Owned Businesses

In the digital age, the role of a business directory has evolved from a simple listing of businesses to a powerful tool that drives engagement, visibility, and growth. For the Sankofa Digital Network, the business directory is at the heart of its mission to empower Black-owned businesses and create a vibrant community of consumers. In this blog, we'll explore how the business directory drives the Sankofa Digital Network, benefiting both businesses and consumers.

The Power of a Comprehensive Business Directory

A comprehensive business directory is essential for any business looking to succeed in the digital landscape. For Black-owned businesses, being listed in the Sankofa Digital Network's directory offers a unique opportunity to reach a targeted audience of consumers who are actively seeking to support Black-owned businesses. By providing detailed information about each business, such as location, contact information, and services offered, the directory helps consumers make informed decisions about where to shop.

Driving Engagement and Visibility

One of the key benefits of the Sankofa Digital Network's business directory is its ability to drive engagement and visibility for Black-owned businesses. By being listed in the directory, businesses gain exposure to a wider audience of consumers who are interested in supporting Black-owned businesses. This increased visibility can lead to more foot traffic, online sales, and brand recognition, helping businesses grow and thrive.

Creating a Community of Consumers

In addition to driving engagement and visibility for businesses, the business directory plays a crucial role in creating a community of consumers who are passionate about supporting Black-owned businesses. By providing consumers with a platform to discover and connect with businesses in their area, the directory fosters a sense of community and pride in supporting local businesses. This community-driven approach not only benefits businesses but also creates a more connected and supportive ecosystem for consumers.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Local Shopping

As we look ahead to the future of local shopping, it's clear that digital innovations like the Sankofa Digital Network's business directory will continue to play a significant role. By empowering Black-owned businesses and creating a community of consumers, the business directory is transforming the way we shop and support local businesses. With the Sankofa Digital Network leading the way, the future of local shopping looks brighter than ever.

In conclusion, the business directory is a driving force behind the Sankofa Digital Network, benefiting both businesses and consumers. By providing a platform for businesses to showcase their offerings and for consumers to discover and support Black-owned businesses, the directory is transforming the way we shop and connect with our communities.

#BusinessDirectory #SankofaDigitalNetwork #DigitalInnovations #LocalShopping #BlackOwnedBusinesses

Keywords: Business Directory, Sankofa Digital Network, Digital Innovations, Local Shopping, Black-Owned Businesses

The Directory Game

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Mon, 27 May 2024 22:28:30 GMT

The Superpages project was a huge success and our team won the Malcolm Baldridge Award for Excellence in 1994.

Print Publishers, magazines, newspapers and local circulars, all know their life blood comes from paid advertisers. Directories know this more than others and therefore provide a more intense training for their sales representatives. The reason GTE Directories was so competitive and delivered such a quality product, was because they provided impeccable training for their sales representatives.

With GTE Directory’s intensive training I not only lead.my office in sales for three straight years, I understood what it took to make money in the print game.

Upward mobility was based on sales performance and production unless you were Black. This was my conclusion after leading the indoor sales department in both sales performance and production, I was never promoted to the higher commission in outside sales, as explained to me by my supervisor, was because the departments sales numbers would drop below company standards.

But that wasn’t the take away here. Because I knew I could take my sales skills to our competitors or succeed as a sales consultant in the crowded directory publishing field at that time. I was even prepared to take my accounts where ever I landed.

During my tenure with GTE Directories I was a part of a major and bold corporate shift from printed directories to digital directories. The take away from GTE Directories was the opportunity and experience of being on the Superpages Development Team. I lead the initiative on developing 17,000 headings and sub-heading categories for the national online directory that listed over 11 million businesses. The headings and sub-headings were ingested into the Information Retrieval System (IRS), which was the predecessor to what we now know as a search engines.

The Superpages project was a huge success and our team won the Malcolm Baldridge Award for Excellence in 1994. Once Superpages was fully implemented, GTE was able to reduce 33 million tons of paper usage.

Information Retrieval Systems (IRS) were the predecessors to Search engines. IRS are software systems that are designed to retrieve and rank information from a collection of documents based on a user's query. They were originally developed in the 1950s to help researchers find information in large collections of scientific papers.

Black Business Directories across the nation never really got it. They basically were little more than a guide that listed local businesses and some featured sporadic display advertisement. I have never seen a Black Business Directory with actual advertising products that generated revenue. Most simply charged about $25 to be listed.

When I would point that out most publishers didn’t value the information enough to make the changes necessary to increase their revenue streams. Most didn’t have a sales team and were largely one man operations.

Upon leaving GTE Directories, I did a short stint with PacBell Directories before I decided to become a consultant for publishers of Black Business Directories. While that decision wasn’t one of my most prosperous endeavors, it did get the attention of both Muhammad Nasserdine (founder of Recycling Black Dollars) and Harold Hambrick (Executive Director of the The Los Angeles Black Business and Trade Show). They both embraced the idea of having value-added products and the use of technology to advance their missions.

Today, I offer directory publishers a turn-key solution and platform that gives them everything they need to help businesses listed in their directories the ability to get more value-added products, new leads and more sales.

6 Tips For Success

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 16:48:38 GMT

It may be time to rethink everything you've ever learned about how to succeed in your professional life.

Do What Works for You

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 16:47:17 GMT

It's time to stop listening and start living!

Get ready to leave your comfort zone and discover the exciting opportunities that are open to you. You'll be amazed.

Discover Your Purpose

omari@dips.technology (Omari Bakari) — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 16:42:45 GMT

There's more power in your self than you imagined. Be ready to explore.

The only thing stopping you from achieving your goals and dreams are your own fears.