Today feels different.
Perhaps it’s because today we honor a fallen hero of the civil rights movement.
Perhaps it’s because today I watched a new film — Selma — chronicling Martin Luther King’s work in Alabama.
Perhaps it’s because last year we lost so many black and brown minorities to police brutality.
Perhaps it’s because, presently, black and brown minorities represent about 58% of all prisoners, while only being about 25% of the total population.
Rather than writing another article about saving on laundry, coffee, or toilet paper, today I wanted to recognize and remember those who we’ve lost or are currently struggling.
Financial concerns are closely tied to these issues of social justice and multiculturalism. The closer we come to equal opportunities, the more democratic society we’ll have.
That’s worth fighting for, isn’t it?
Regiane says
Great and necessary post!
Sam Lustgarten says
Thanks Regiane. Glad you liked it! -Sam
femmefrugality says
Agreed, Sam! And I’m with Regiane; incredibly necessary post.
Sam Lustgarten says
Thanks FF. Means a lot to hear that. -Sam
taylorqlee says
I read an article today in The Atlantic talking about how for white Americans from median-income household, about half do same or better and about half do worse than their parents. For black Americans from median-income households, ~70% end up in the bottom two quartiles of the income spectrum.
The systemic inequalities black Americans have faced and still face– from police brutality, de facto segregation, income inequality, and more– are atrocious and we as a country can and should do better.
Great post, Sam!
Sam Lustgarten says
Taylor,
Thanks for sharing some of these statistics. They’re so important for people to read and understand. Through educational opportunities, hopefully people will begin to work towards greater equality.
All the best,
Sam