Author: DAMON K JONES

For too long, the Black church has been trapped in a cycle of empty sermons, political grandstanding, and survival-mode thinking. There is a clear divide between pastors who preach Jesus and those who use His name as a tool for political parties. Some pastors genuinely teach the gospel, focusing on faith, self-sufficiency, and the power of God to transform lives. Others, however, manipulate the pulpit for political influence, aligning themselves with parties and policies that do little to serve the true needs of the Black community. Instead of being a force for transformation, many churches have become spiritual gangs—divided by…

The recent boycott against Target, initiated in response to its rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, has raised critical questions about the effectiveness of economic protest and its unintended consequences. While the boycott was meant to hold Target accountable for ending programs that disproportionately benefited marginalized communities, the reality of its impact remains complex. Did the boycott successfully push Target to reconsider its policies, or did it backfire by leading to the removal of Black-owned brands from national distribution? Additionally, research has shown that white women benefited the most from DEI initiatives, primarily due to corporate diversity hiring…

Black men in America are facing a silent crisis—an epidemic of mental health issues that is often ignored, misdiagnosed, or dismissed. While significant attention is given to systemic problems, the deeper cause is more personal: Black men are conditioned to be dependent and stripped of their masculinity, leaving them mentally and emotionally unprepared for life’s demands. This is not merely a crisis of access to therapy or medication; it is a crisis of identity, responsibility, and resilience. Black men are suffering because they are no longer being raised to be leaders, providers, and protectors. Instead, they are conditioned to depend…

Let’s be honest—Westchester County is more segregated than the South. The harsh reality is that Black people in the South often own more homes and live better than those in Westchester. Yet, as long as a few Black individuals are promoted as success stories, the public remains blind to the fact that the average Black person is still looking in from the outside, staring through the glass window of Westchester’s promise. Westchester County presents an alarming economic disparity for its Black residents. The median household income for Black or African American households is approximately $77,471—significantly lower than the county’s overall…

In our community, health is wealth. From high blood pressure to diabetes, Black Americans face unique health challenges that require improved nutrition, holistic wellness, and a focus on natural remedies healing. While we honor the traditions of soul food and family recipes, we must also incorporate nutrient-packed foods that support long-term health. One overlooked powerhouse? Pineapple. This tropical fruit isn’t merely a sweet treat—it’s a natural remedy that can enhance immunity, combat inflammation, aid digestion, and even promote heart health. It’s time we start giving pineapple the same recognition we give to other superfoods like kale and sea moss. A…

A growing body of research suggests that the presence of Black physicians within a community has a significant impact on the health and longevity of Black residents. A study published in JAMA Network Open highlights this connection, revealing that counties with a higher representation of Black primary care physicians (PCPs) experience increased life expectancy and reduced mortality rates among Black populations. The Health Crisis in the Black Community Black Americans face a disproportionate burden of chronic illnesses, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and maternal mortality. Limited access to quality healthcare, socioeconomic barriers, and systemic medical biases contribute to these alarming disparities. Studies…

In America, free speech is often championed as a bedrock principle, a sacred right enshrined in the First Amendment. Yet, in practice, both major political parties—Republicans and Democrats—are guilty of selectively supporting free speech only when it aligns with their ideological agendas. While they loudly decry censorship when it affects their own side, they eagerly embrace suppression when it aligns with their political interests. The result? A bipartisan attack on the very foundation of free expression. The Right’s Selective Outrage Republicans portray themselves as defenders of free speech, criticizing “cancel culture” and the censorship of conservative voices on social media.…

The Democratic Party is at a crossroads, facing internal fractures that threaten its ability to govern effectively. While opposition to former President Donald Trump has been a rallying cry for years, it is becoming increasingly clear that hatred for Trump is not a governing strategy. The recent budget battle in Congress underscores a fundamental issue: Democrats are more divided among themselves than they are united against their political opponents. One of the most glaring weaknesses in today’s Democratic Party is the disconnect between House and Senate Democrats. While the Senate, led by Chuck Schumer, passed a Republican-led funding bill to…

Congress is once again confronted with the threat of a government shutdown, primarily due to House Democrats not taking action when they had the chance. The spending bill, largely crafted by House Republicans, incorporates moderate spending cuts while preserving essential government functions. Nevertheless, leading Democrats like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi are now pressuring Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to reject the bill, despite not making any effort to negotiate changes while it was still in the House. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has been notably ineffective throughout this process. Instead of advocating for amendments, engaging in…

Albany’s decision to fire over 2,000 correction officers in response to a prolonged strike is a shortsighted and reckless move that will have dire consequences for New York’s already struggling prison system. Instead of addressing the systemic issues plaguing state correctional facilities—such as chronic understaffing, unsafe working conditions, and rising inmate violence—state leadership has chosen to punish those who put their lives on the line daily. This move is not only an injustice to the officers who were standing up for their rights, but it will also create a dangerous environment for those still on the job and the incarcerated…