Author: DAMON K JONES

The Senate confirmation hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary exposed an uncomfortable truth: many of our elected officials appear more committed to protecting the status quo than addressing America’s deepening health crisis, particularly in Black communities. Throughout the hearing, senators repeatedly attacked Kennedy for citing government studies that challenged conventional narratives. When Kennedy pointed out that 66% of American children now suffer from chronic conditions – up from just 2% during his uncle’s presidency – the response wasn’t concern about this alarming increase but criticism of his proposed solutions. During his Senate confirmation hearing for HHS Secretary,…

When it comes to improving our health, many of us imagine strict diets, costly supplements, or exotic foods that feel far removed from our everyday lives. Yet, some of the most powerful tools for better health are already in our kitchens, embedded in our traditions, and accessible to all. The onion, a humble and unassuming ingredient, is one such tool. For Black Americans, who face disproportionately higher rates of chronic illness, the onion offers more than just flavor — it provides an opportunity to take control of our health through simple, intentional choices. Black Americans are disproportionately affected by chronic…

For decades, the relationship between the Black community and law enforcement has been fraught with tension, mistrust, and systemic inequities. Despite numerous reform efforts, policing in the United States continues to fall short of serving and protecting Black Americans equitably. As we enter 2025, we must reimagine public safety and embrace transformative changes to address these longstanding failures. The roots of mistrust between Black communities and police are deeply entrenched in history. From the enforcement of slave patrols to the systemic targeting of Black individuals through discriminatory policies like “stop-and-frisk,” law enforcement has often been a tool of oppression rather…

In 2025, the Black community stands at a critical juncture. A silent force, long underestimated, is wreaking havoc on our health and future: sugar. It’s not just the sweet taste of our favorite treats or the comfort foods of our culture—sugar’s grip on our lives is profound, fueling chronic health issues and even influencing the behavior of our children. If we are serious about securing a healthier future, we must change our mindset about sugar and its consequences. A Silent Culprit Sugar has become a fixture in our lives, celebrated in family traditions and everyday meals. From sweet tea at…

On January 20, 2025, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating certain international drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). This unprecedented step grants the federal government expanded authority to combat transnational drug trafficking networks by applying counterterrorism laws to cartels. While the move aims to disrupt cartel operations, it has far-reaching implications for U.S.-based gangs, local law enforcement, and vulnerable communities, particularly in historically marginalized areas like Black neighborhoods. But what happens when local gangs have ties to these cartels? Local gangs often act as the operational arms of cartels within…

When discussing Black health, the conversation often centers on systemic health disparities, including hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease—conditions that disproportionately affect Black communities. Yet, there is a powerful, often-overlooked tool that can play a transformative role in addressing these challenges: magnesium. This essential mineral is a cornerstone of holistic wellness, quietly influencing every aspect of physical, mental, and emotional health. Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic processes in the body, making it critical for energy production, muscle and nerve function, stress regulation, and bone health. Despite its profound importance, magnesium is frequently overlooked in discussions about nutrition and wellness.…

Mount Vernon, NY, a city currently facing significant financial challenges, including $59 million in unpaid taxes, is a community in urgent need of resources and programs for its youth and adult residents. As the city moves forward with a tax lien sale to address its financial obligations, positive developments like the Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC) initiative represent crucial community revitalization and economic growth opportunities. This project arrives at a critical time when the city needs financial stability and expanded community resources. The Mount Vernon YMCA building has been abandoned for an extended period, presenting a significant visual and social…

Once an underground cultural force, rap music has become a global powerhouse, with its stars transcending their roots to appeal to audiences worldwide. However, this commercial success has brought about a complex dynamic: while rap remains deeply connected to its origins in marginalized communities, a majority of its U.S. audience is White. According to a Wall Street Journal report, 60% of rap music’s audience is White Americans, creating unique pressures for artists to navigate cultural expectations alongside financial realities. These tensions came to a head when Snoop Dogg and Nelly performed at a Donald Trump inauguration party. The move sparked…

In 2021, a Chinese company purchased land near an Air Force base in Grand Forks, North Dakota, triggering widespread concern among lawmakers. They feared the acquisition could grant China access to sensitive U.S. information, markets, and critical infrastructure. Yet, despite these concerns, public discourse remains more focused on the Chinese social media app TikTok than on the land ownership issue that could pose significant strategic risks. U.S. Concerns About Chinese-Owned Land Although Chinese-owned land accounts for only a tiny fraction of all foreign-owned land in the U.S., these acquisitions have raised fears about potential control over U.S. assets and access…

As the United States prepares for the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President on January 20, 2025, the political landscape reflects significant shifts, particularly concerning the Democratic Party’s relationship with working-class voters. Fareed Zakaria, a prominent political analyst, has identified key missteps by the Democrats that have contributed to these changes. Zakaria argues that the Democratic Party’s handling of immigration policy has been a major factor in their declining support among key demographics. He points out that the asylum system, originally designed to assist a limited number of persecuted individuals, has been overwhelmed as millions use it as…