The Patriot Post® · The Great Payback: Is Black America Only Worth a $20 Harriet?

In 2020, President Donald Trump introduced the “Black Economic Empowerment Platinum Plan,” a proposal that would provide economic leverage to black Americans seeking business opportunities in their communities. Within it, Trump would have made Juneteenth a federal holiday, as well as labeled both the Ku Klux Klan and antifa organizations as terrorists. The four pillars of Trump’s plan would provide security to ensure our streets are safer, prosperity through the funding of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, fairness through the investment into disenfranchised communities, and opportunities to achieve the American Dream. This monumental move would have infused nearly $500 billion in access to capital for black Americans, carrying a far greater impact than any proposal from any Democrat yet.

But it was all a dream, as Americans everywhere woke up to the reality that Joe Biden would assume the 46th presidency. Within a week, President Biden would undo several accomplishments of his predecessor. He would also reintroduce a bill that seems like a mockery to many minorities.

The new administration said it would “speed up” the debut of some $20 bills to feature Harriet Tubman. This would replace President Andrew Jackson, as progressives voice their condemnation of the seventh president’s support for both slavery and the Trail of Tears. But is this money move a good one? For starters, it’s a slap in the face to many black families who want more for their vote.

I always give new voters and those who are new to politics this bit of advice: Your vote costs. It is currency and you want to make a wise investment based on campaign positions and thorough research about the candidate. Sadly, black America’s overwhelming investment into Biden’s campaign resulted in a bust. Instead of looking at more cash and opportunity, the face of a black abolitionist will be staring back at the economically disadvantaged who often make hard and desperate decisions about where their money is best spent.

Is this how black folks deserve to be paid back? America needed real solutions in a reelected President Trump but cashed out on woke imagery to appease elites riddled with white guilt. So when you see that $20 Harriet in your bank withdrawal envelope, remember that this is the best Democrats can do to help you.

So far, no executive orders have been issued by the Biden administration to address black America’s issues. Meanwhile, the Black Lives Matter organization still awaits a seat at the table to make its demands. And by the day, more prolific progressive black voices are echoing what we conservatives have said all along — that the Democrat Party owes much but has given little. It’s bittersweet to see the black community uniting the voices but under disappointment and reservation. What we progressives and conservatives are starting to agree on is that black America was paid off by a bank note.