This year marks 99 years of Black History observance. Over the course of this century, Americans of all colors have endured significant cultural and economic changes. Our nation, once rich in ambition; unconsciously united by the determination to provide for oneself, family and community. Culture was abundant, revealing itself through hand crafted goods and home recipes. Community flourished; from trips to the market to Sunday service, community was all but unavoidable. This America, despite the issues of its time, was a vibrant guild of hard working people from all backgrounds and beliefs. As we celebrate Black History Month's centuries eve, lets focus on one of the most powerful yet overlooked aspects of Black history.

Black economies in the form of self-sufficient towns & communities have existed since the late 1700s. Black Americans have contributed myriad examples of local self-sustaining economies. A few notable towns include;

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• 1865 - Mitchellville, South Carolina: A self-governing black community, founded during the civil war for freed slaves. 

• 1893 - Langston, Oklahoma: One of over 50 Black towns founded by Edwin McCabe in the state of Oklahoma.

• 1908 - Boley, Oklahoma: One of the most successful Black towns, known for its economic strength and self-sufficiency.

• 1906 - 1921 - The Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma: The famous Black Wall Street is the Michael Jackson of the family tree when it comes to historically thriving black towns. This town achieved self-sufficiency and economic prosperity unlike anything we’ve seen since. Its legacy still resonates over a century later.

These examples of resilience are more than just black history. They serve as a model for self-sufficiency that can be adapted and achieved by any community, black white or integrated. Techniques from the cooperative models of Black Wall Street — to free food systems developed by the Black Panther Party. These historical blueprints are waiting to be noticed and utilized to serve any community willing to love what they do and the community around them. 

Where has the culture gone? - As impressive as these economies were, these movements weren’t just about financial success—they were about community strength, stability, and independence. All of which seem to be declining in not just the black community, but lots of communities in America at an alarming rate. 

Before the 1960s, Black entrepreneurship was growing, and the Black poverty rate was declining faster than in any period since. Respected Black economist Thomas Sowell, highlights data showing that from 1940 to 1960, Black poverty dropped by 40 percentage points. Black families also had higher marriage rates than today—suggesting that economic and social stability are closely linked.

The Decline & Shift - With the expansion of government welfare programs as a result of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, Black economic progress started to slow. The rise of large scale government welfare programs in the 1960s discouraged entrepreneurship and self reliance. A shift occurred in the mindsets of the working black man—from a trade-based, self-employed model, to an industrial, job-seeking mindset, often in white-owned companies. Welfare incentives also contributed to family structure changes, increasing dependence on government aid.

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Today, many neighborhoods—both Black and integrated—struggle with economic instability, wealth extraction by big corporations, and a lack of local business ownership. The question is: How do we rebuild the economic strength of our communities using these historical models of success?

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Solutions (A Call to Action) - The core of the many Black economic movements were self-sufficiency, business ownership, and wealth-building—principles just as vital in today's integrated communities.

1. Support Locally Owned & Cooperating Businesses – Money spent locally circulates, strengthening your community. Money spent outside leaves it vulnerable. Prioritize small businesses over corporations.

2. Prioritize and Invest In Community-Led Development – Historically, Black communities built their own banks, press, schools, and markets. Today, we must lead local development or risk losing control to outside interests. Financial independence requires education and ownership. Invest in land, businesses, and cooperative economics to build generational wealth.

3. Revive Local Agriculture & Trade – Many Black towns thrived on self-sustaining agriculture and trade. Urban farming, farmers’ markets, and barter systems can restore economic resilience.

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Reviving Culture - The lessons from Black economic movements are not just about nostalgia—they are a roadmap for any community looking to thrive in the modern economy. Integration should not mean losing the principles of self-sufficiency, entrepreneurship, and cooperative wealth-building. It should mean strengthening local economies together, with a focus on ownership rather than dependency.

This Black History Month, let’s move beyond remembrance and toward action—revitalizing our neighborhoods by adopting the principles that made Black economic movements so powerful. Whether you’re Black or an ally in an integrated community, the blueprint is clear: Build, support, and sustain economic independence. The future of our communities depends on it.