The Issues of the African Community

Through the Almighty's House of Restorative Services, AHOI is stepping up to tackle the Black people's biggest generational curses.

Food Insecurity within the Shemetic Community

Food insecurity within the Black community continues to be an ongoing problem that policy makers and community leaders struggle to find comprehensive solutions to. Disproportionate access to nutritious food is a contributing factor to many health and systemic issues that plague the Black community.

According to research conducted by the USDA, “Low-income households tend to eat less nutritious diets than other households” (Golan, Stewart, Kuchler, Dong, 2008). The Social Policy Lab provides a reason for this fact. They write that “food insecurity occurs when food is either too far away or too expensive to purchase” (Ney, 2021). The data below shows that the Shemetic (Black) community is disproportionately food insecure.

Food Insecurity by Race , 2004-19

Source: USDA, Economic Research Service, using Current Population Survey Food Security Supplemental data

A food desert is a type of food insecurity. A McKinsey research study shows that race is a dominating factor when it comes to food deserts. “In majority-Black communities, the prevalence of convenience stores means limited access to fresh, healthy food options. One out of every five Black households is situated in a food desert, with few grocery stores, restaurants, and farmers markets” (McKinsey, 2021). Additional data corroborates the fact that descendants of the diaspora are disproportionately affected by food insecurity and reside in food deserts.

Counties in the US with Above-Average Black Populations are Considered Food Deserts

Source: USDA Food Environment Atlas (September 2020), McKinsey Global Institute and McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility analysis

The systemic issue of disproportionate access to nutritious foods has had severe implications for the Black community, leading to higher rates of diet-related health problems such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Limited access to affordable, healthy food options in many Black neighborhoods exacerbates health disparities and underscores the urgent need for equitable food access solutions.

The Almighty’s House of Restorative Services seeks to alleviate the stressors associated with this inequity and accommodate the needs of those who need assistance the most.

If you would like to learn more about the cause, donate, or volunteer, please visit www.almightyshouse.life.

The wealth gap between Black households and other nations’ households

The wealth gap between Black households and other nations’ households remains a severe problem that has yet to be solved. Any attempt to lessen this gap has been met with hardship and unfulfilled dreams.

The Rand Corporation analyzed the median Black household’s wealth in comparison to White households, and the data revealed explicitly points to the current conditions of the Black community as a whole. The Rand Review reads, “The median Black household in America has around $24,000 in savings, investments, home equity, and other elements of wealth. The median White household: around $189,000, a disparity that has worsened in recent decades” (Irving, 2023). The Rand Review estimates that it would take $15 million to eliminate the wealth gap. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis explains, “Black families owned about 24 cents for every $1 of white family wealth, on average” (Kent, Ricketts, 2023). They continue on to show, “White households continue to own a disproportionately greater share of total family wealth,” as seen below.

Distribution of U.S. Households and Wealth by Primary Race or Ethnicity, First Quarter of 2023

Sources: Distributional Financial Accounts and Institute for Economic Equity calculations.

Data shows the drastic difference between the wealth of Black and White Americans in the US. Figure 5 shows the average household net worth by race in 2019, a sight that is discouraging and points to the system inequities that many Black Americans experience today. This wealth gap not only limits individual financial well-being but also hampers generational wealth accumulation and encourages financial deprivation.

The homeownership gap between African American people and other nationalities is also a contributing factor to the wealth gap. Data collected from the National Association of Realtors reveal, “While the U.S. homeownership rate increased to 65.5% in 2021, the rate among Black Americans lags significantly (44%) and has only increased 0.4% in the last 10 years. This is nearly 29% less than White Americans (72.7%), representing the largest Black-White homeownership rate gap in a decade” (Cozzi, 2023). Data gathered by Zillow, reveals the homeownership inequity by race in the United States since the 1900s.

Homeownership Rate by Race

Source: Urban Institute analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Census and American Community Survey, 1990-2015, made available by IPUMS-USA, University of Minnesota, www.ipum.org

Limited access to homeownership opportunities deprives Black families of a crucial avenue for wealth accumulation, as homeownership historically represents a primary source of wealth for American households. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are for all Americans to enjoy, yet, history and data shows that these dreams may not be attainable for all.

The Almighty’s House of Restorative Services seeks to alleviate the stressors associated with this inequity and accommodate the needs of those who need assistance the most.

If you would like to learn more about the cause, donate, or volunteer, please visit www.almightyshouse.life.

Average Household Net Worth by Race, 2019

Source: Survey of Consumer Finances

The Reality of Runaway and Missing Children in the So Called-Black Community

In the intricate fabric of our so-called black community, a narrative unfolds – the truth of runaway and missing children in the so-called black community. Within our community, this issue isn't just a set of numbers it understanding the numbers reveals a harsh reality – many runaway and missing children come from homes where the father is absent. Recent studies highlight this absence as a critical factor that makes children vulnerable, pushing them onto the challenging path of life on the streets. The gap left by the absence of a father figure, whether due to systemic issues or personal circumstances, becomes a breeding ground for a cascade of societal problems that echo through generations.

Generations of broken homes create a ripple effect that pushes vulnerable children into impossible and unspeakable situations. Seeking refuge from the turmoil within their homes, these children find themselves on the streets, where they encounter the dangers of drugs, gangs, and, tragically, the clutches of predators. The streets become makeshift homes, marking the tragic journey that often ends in the unforgiving arms of pedophilia and sex trafficking. Drawing insights from scripture sheds light on the profound significance of family and the pivotal role fathers play in the lives of their children. Proverbs 22:6 guides us, stating, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." The echoes of Deuteronomy 28 resonate with warnings of consequences when turning away from fundamental principles, emphasizing the impact on future generations.

In this sobering reality, a united community must become the beacon of hope. It is our shared responsibility to break the cycle of broken homes, providing unwavering support for runaway and missing children. Recognizing the urgency, organizations dedicated to intervention and prevention must be amplified and supported. United communities can bridge the gap left by broken homes and nurture an environment where children feel seen, heard, and loved. The journey to healing our communities requires a comprehensive approach, addressing systemic issues while also empowering parents with the tools and resources needed to fortify their homes. Healing our communities necessitates acknowledging the brokenness, seeking reconciliation, and actively participating in rebuilding the foundations that support our next generation of leaders and teachers.

To combat the challenges faced by runaway and missing children, education is paramount. Raising awareness about the consequences of broken homes and the risks faced by runaway children must be a collective effort. Advocating for policies that address the systemic issues contributing to the breakdown of families becomes imperative for our African society that prioritizes the well-being of its youngest members. Moreover, resources should be readily available for both parents and children facing challenges within the home. Counseling services, mentorship programs, and support networks can offer a lifeline to those teetering on the brink. As a united community, we must reach out to our neighbors, extending a helping hand before the streets become the only refuge for our children. In our pursuit of justice and compassion, let us heed the call to protect the most vulnerable among us. Together, we can rewrite the narrative for runaway and missing children, ensuring that every child in our community has the chance to grow up in a loving and stable environment. This collective effort will not only heal our communities but also strengthen us as a nation of families, paving the way for a brighter, more united future.

The Reality of Human Trafficking and Exploitation in Our Black Nation

Recent investigations have exposed a distressing truth that demands our immediate attention: human and sex trafficking is a deeply rooted crisis within so-called black communities. This urgent revelation is shedding light on a dark underbelly that preys upon the vulnerable and underscores the critical need for awareness and action. Our communities, marked by resilience, are now facing a crisis that threatens the very fabric of our society. Disturbing statistics reveal a disproportionate impact on melanated women and children, systematically targeted in a sinister trade where melanin is exploited as a commodity.

The very pigmentation that the Almighty Yah gave us that symbolizes the beauty and strength of our community is now commodified, with reports suggesting that the melanin in our skin is being harvested for profit. This egregious violation transcends the physical, as we are the original people that has been targeted systematically, politically, and spiritually through the beginning of time.

As we navigate this crisis, it becomes increasingly apparent that we are engaged in spiritual warfare against forces seeking to dismantle our communities. Scriptures such as Ephesians 6:12 remind us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. Human and sex trafficking within our communities is undeniably a device of the devil and recognizing it as such empowers us to combat it on a spiritual front.

The urgency of this revelation demands a united front against the perpetrators and structures that enable this heinous trade. As a community, we must break the chains that bind our people, recognizing that our spiritual well-being is intricately connected to our physical and emotional safety. Ephesians 6:13 encourages us to "take up the whole armor of Yah." In the spirit of urgency, every member of the so-called black community must be made aware of this pressing issue. Awareness becomes our weapon against the darkness that seeks to engulf our loved ones.

We must disseminate information, engage in conversations, and empower each other to recognize the signs of trafficking and protect ourselves and our kingdom communities. To combat this crisis effectively, we must empower our community with resources, education, and support networks! Acts 20:28 urges us to "pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock."

Our community is our responsibility, and it is through collective action that we can shield our brothers and sisters from the scourge of trafficking. This breaking news is a rallying cry for immediate action—a call to prayer, to unity, and to a collective determination to eradicate human and sex trafficking from our communities. Galatians 6:2 reminds us to "bear one another's burdens." Let us bear this burden together, standing firm against the devices of the devil and securing a safer, more resilient future for nation and its people. Shalom

Both Sides of Mental Health in the
Black Community

The Physical Side

Despite the So-Called Black Community's impactful contributions to justice, addressing mental
health disparities is integral to achieving true social progress. Anxiety and depression rates are
disproportionately high due to limited access to culturally responsive care, pervasive racism,
and historical trauma. The intersection of racism, classism, and health inequity compounds
mental health needs, often unmet in the face of economic insecurity, violence, and criminal
injustice. Structural challenges hinder access to care, as bias in the healthcare system persists.
Negative experiences with providers, both conscious and unconscious bias, and a lack of
cultural competency contribute to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment.
As a result, mistrust of mental health professionals becomes a significant barrier to engagement
in treatment. According to the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, adults in
the So-Called Black Community are more likely to report persistent emotional distress, with
those below the poverty line facing a higher risk of serious psychological distress. Fear of
stigma makes discussing mental health challenging, preventing many from seeking necessary
care.

Signs to Look Out For:

It's crucial to recognize common signs of mental health concerns in the
Black Communities, including excessive worrying, persistent sadness, confused thinking,
extreme mood changes, and avoidance of social activities. Changes in sleep and eating habits,
difficulty relating to others, and thoughts of suicide are also indicators. Mental health conditions
can manifest in young children through changes in school performance, excessive worry,
hyperactive behavior, and frequent nightmares.

Get Help: Breaking the silence around mental health is crucial. If you or someone you know
needs help, learning about mental health is the first step. Explore resources like: Black Mental
Wellness (https://www.blackmentalwellness.com), Therapy for Black
Men(https://therapyforblackmen.org), and The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
(https://borislhensonfoundation.org) for tailored support.

The Spiritual Side

While mental health takes its physical toll and manifestations, the path of healing begins
spiritually. Believers in the Almighty Yah do not need to suffer in silence at the arrival of spiritual
attacks like non-believers often do. We have the Almighty Yah to go to in times of anxiety and
distress. As a nation of people who have proved the faithfulness of Yah, we are not to be
alarmed or crippled by fear as we profess to be of another spirit, a set-apart spirit. Mental illness
is also a spiritual battle. The Almighty Yah says in Deuteronomy 31:6 to be strong and
courageous don’t be afraid because of them cause Yah your Elohim goes with you, he will never
leave you or forsake you.

If you a person whose mind is overtaken by the burdens like many are, ask yourself this “What
is the value of that grace that you profess to have received? Where is the power of the new
nature that you claim to possess?

Didn’t Yah declare that he would go before you and make the crooked way straight? In Isaiah
52: 6 If you will be filled with anxiety as others are, you would thoughtlessly be led into the sins
so common to others under trying circumstances. The unrighteous when they are overtaken by
spiritual attacks, they rebel against YAH, they murmur and think that yah deals harshly with
them. Will you fall into the same sin? Don’t you remember that we are his chosen seed, and he
sets his watchman at the doorsteps of your home?

While mental health issues in melanated communities often go dismissed. Brothers and sisters
will often try to self-medicate to escape and cope with spiritual attacks. Ephesians 6:12 says for
our struggle isn’t against flesh and blood but against the rulers against authorities against the
powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil and the heavenly realms.
Faith and spirituality can help in the recovery process of mental illness and it’s a very important
part of a treatment plan. For example, spiritual leaders and faith communities can provide
support and reduce isolation. However, they should not be the only option for people whose
daily functioning is impaired by mental health symptoms as the other side of mental heath takes
its toll physically. We are to place our trust in the Almighty Yah to heal us with earthly means or
holistically. Be patient and wait on the Almighty’s guidance. Your best course is to do what
Moshe did at the red sea; Stand still and see the salvation of Yah.

He will protect and rescue those who proclaim his name as it is written in Psalms 91.
If you give way to fear when you’re faced with spiritual attacks, you will be unable overcome the
trouble with a calm composure that strengthens you for battle and sustains you under adversity.
We cannot glorify the Almighty Yah towering in fear and doubt. Luke 10:19 specifically declares
“I give unto you the power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over ALL the powers of the
enemy, and NOTHING shall by any means hurt you” HalleluYah

Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego praised the Almighty in the blazing furnace, The
Almighty rescued them. Do not let doubt and despair overtake you as if you don’t know him!
Glorify the Most High! Take confidence in the Almighty Yah, his spirit is upon you, and he has
anointed you.

It is written in John 14:27 “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. You are a
child of the Covenant. Like David had no fear of Goliath because of his faith in Yah, you are a
believer have no fear, put on the full amor of Yah and watch your mental & physical enemies
fall. So be it. Shalom

Unmasking the Hidden Struggles: Domestic Violence in Israelite Women

Introduction:

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that transcends geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic boundaries, affecting individuals from all walks of life. However, within the context of Israelite communities, this issue often carries unique challenges and complexities. As a mental health therapist, it is crucial to shed light on the prevalence of domestic violence among our women, explore the factors that contribute to its occurrence, and discuss the essential role mental health professionals play in addressing this silent epidemic.

The Silent Struggle:

Domestic violence is often dubbed a "silent epidemic" due to the clandestine nature of abuse within the confines of the home. In our communities, cultural nuances, historical factors, and systemic inequalities can exacerbate the silence surrounding this issue. Many of our women may grapple with the fear of perpetuating negative stereotypes about their community or may hesitate to involve authorities due to mistrust stemming from historical injustices.

Factors Contributing to Domestic Violence:

Understanding the factors contributing to domestic violence within the community is paramount for mental health therapists seeking to provide effective support. Socioeconomic disparities, systemic racism, and intergenerational trauma are among the multifaceted factors that can fuel abusive dynamics. Economic instability and limited access to resources can amplify power imbalances, fostering environments conducive to domestic violence.

Historical Trauma:

Israelite women also carry the weight of historical trauma, stemming from a legacy of slavery, discrimination, and societal marginalization. The intergenerational transmission of trauma can manifest in familial relationships, contributing to cycles of violence. Mental health therapists must be attuned to these historical underpinnings to provide culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care.

The Therapist's Role:

Mental health therapists play a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of domestic violence within our community. Creating a safe and non-judgmental space for survivors to share their experiences is crucial. Therapists should employ culturally competent and trauma-informed approaches to address the multifaceted aspects of the clients' lives.

Empowerment and Resilience:

Empowering survivors is an integral aspect of therapeutic intervention. Mental health professionals can help survivors identify their strengths, build resilience, and develop coping strategies. Group therapy sessions may offer a sense of community and understanding, reducing the isolation commonly felt by survivors of domestic violence.

Collaboration with Community Resources:

In addressing domestic violence in the Israelite community, mental health therapists must collaborate with community resources and organizations. Establishing partnerships with local agencies, shelters, and support groups can enhance the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and ensure survivors have access to the comprehensive care they need.

Conclusion:

Domestic violence in Black and brown communities is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a holistic and culturally sensitive approach from mental health therapists. By acknowledging the unique challenges faced by our women, understanding the historical and systemic factors at play, and actively working towards empowerment and resilience, therapists can contribute to breaking the cycle of domestic violence and fostering healing within these communities. Together, with awareness and compassionate intervention, we can strive to create a society where every individual, regardless of their background, can live free from the shadow of domestic violence.

The Correlation Between Poverty and Systemic Racism

Poverty within the Black community is not entirely a matter of economic inequality. It is in direct correlation to systemic racism. Despite progress in various realms, a closer analysis shows that deeply embedded structural inequities continue to contribute to disproportionately high poverty rates among Black individuals. Understanding this relationship is key for implementing effective solutions that address both the symptoms and root causes of poverty.

Systemic racism finds its roots in slavery, segregation, and discriminatory policies. The lasting effects of these practices have permeated various aspects of society, creating barriers that hinder economic advancement for Black individuals. Limited access to education, employment opportunities, and equitable housing has set the stage for a cycle of poverty from generation to generation.

One of the key pillars of systemic racism contributing to poverty is the discrepancy in educational opportunities. Historically, Black communities have faced such discrepancies by way of funding, outdated facilities, and limited resources in schools. This educational stumbling block preserves a cycle of limited career prospects and lower income, directly impacting poverty rates within the Black community.

Systemic racism is conspicuous in the job market, where Black individuals encounter barriers that hinder their professional growth. Discrimination in hiring practices, wage gaps, and limited opportunities for career advancement are instrumental to soaring rates of unemployment and underemployment among Black workers. These economic challenges become a significant factor in the prevalence of poverty within the Black community.

Access to safe and affordable housing remains a critical challenge for many in the Black community, largely due to historical practices like redlining. Systemic racism has limited housing options for Black individuals, confining them to neighborhoods with fewer resources and opportunities. This lack of housing stability worsens the cycle of poverty, as economic advancement becomes more of a challenge without a secure living environment.

The criminal justice system also plays a role in continuing poverty within the Black community. Racial profiling, harsh sentencing, and the over-policing of Black neighborhoods create a pipeline to incarceration. The consequences of a criminal record, from limited occupational opportunities to restricted access to housing, contribute to a cycle that makes it difficult for Black individuals to escape poverty.

To address poverty rates within the Black community effectively, it is essential to confront the deeply ingrained systemic racism that perpetuates these discrepancies. Comprehensive solutions must involve deconstructing discriminatory structures in education, employment, housing, and criminal justice. By acknowledging systemic racism and mobilizing to eliminate it, we can pave the way for a more equitable society where individuals within the Black community will have equal opportunities to thrive and break free from the cycle of poverty.