The African American Community

A Conservative View of Social, Economic, and Cultural Stagnation

Over the Last 20 Years  

The African American community has faced significant challenges for decades but I want to primarily  focus on the last two considering that the majority of this period has been under liberal progressive  policies. Over the past two decades in particular, social, economic, and cultural gains have been  either overstated or undermined by failed policies and societal trends. Despite progress in some  individual stories, the overall picture reveals a community that has not seen the widespread  improvement that many claim. Key factors such as broken family structures, over reliance on  government programs, and ineffective leadership within the community have contributed to this  stagnation. Let’s begin by looking at …  

Economic Stagnation: Dependency on Government Programs  

One of the greatest hindrances to economic progress in the African American community is the  persistence of government welfare programs that, while initially designed to help, have created  cycles of dependency. Conservatives have long argued that government assistance, rather than  empowering individuals to become self-sufficient, often discourages work and entrepreneurship.  Welfare programs, such as food stamps and housing assistance, can provide a safety net, but when  over-relied upon, they trap people in poverty by disincentivizing personal responsibility and  economic mobility.  

The real economic empowerment for African Americans will come through fostering a culture of  entrepreneurship, personal responsibility, and reducing barriers to entry into the marketplace.  Unfortunately, over the last 20 years, there has been a lack of emphasis on promoting these values  within the community. Instead of focusing on economic freedom and personal agency, too much of  the discourse has revolved around government intervention and increased regulation, which  disproportionately harms small businesses—many of which are Black-owned.  

Furthermore, education and job training are key to economic mobility. Yet, despite increased  funding for public education and numerous government programs, the African American community  still struggles with poor educational outcomes. Public schools in predominantly African American  neighborhoods often fail to provide students with the skills they need to compete in today’s  economy. The conservative solution advocates for school choice and educational reforms that would 

allow families more control over where their children go to school, breaking the monopoly of failing  public schools and giving African American students better opportunities to succeed. Second, let’s  look at the …  

Social Challenges: The Breakdown of Family Structure  

Conservatives have long emphasized the importance of strong family units as the foundation for  personal and community success. In the African American community, the breakdown of the family  over the last several decades has had devastating consequences. In the 1960s, nearly 80% of African  American children were born to two-parent households. Today, that number has plummeted to less  than 30%. The rise in single-parent households has been linked to a host of social issues, including  higher rates of poverty, crime, and poor educational outcomes.  

Conservative scholars and community leaders argue that this breakdown of the family is a root cause  of many of the issues facing African Americans today. Without strong family structures, children are  more likely to grow up in poverty, more likely to fall into the criminal justice system, and less likely to  succeed in school and career. Rather than addressing this critical issue, much of the political  discourse has focused on blaming external forces like systemic racism, while ignoring the role that  personal responsibility and family stability play in achieving success.  

Programs that promote marriage and fatherhood, and initiatives that emphasize the importance of  family values, are essential to rebuilding the African American community from within. Conservatives  believe that strengthening the family is one of the most important steps that can be taken to reverse  the negative social trends seen in the community over the past 20 years. Third, there is the …  

Cultural Influence: Victimhood vs. Empowerment  

Another factor that has stunted progress in the African American community is the increasing  emphasis on a victimhood mentality. From a conservative viewpoint, this narrative has become  deeply ingrained in many aspects of Black culture, particularly through media and entertainment.  While the injustices of the past should not be ignored, conservatives argue that constantly framing  the African American experience through the lens of victimhood perpetuates a sense of helplessness  and discourages self-reliance. 

Instead of focusing on the opportunities available to African Americans in today's society, much of  the mainstream narrative encourages grievance, which can lead to a cycle of dependency on  external forces—whether government or institutions—for change. The celebration of victimhood  over personal achievement diminishes the significant progress that many African Americans have  made through hard work, discipline, and perseverance.  

Culturally, this focus on oppression rather than empowerment often stifles the kind of innovation and  entrepreneurial spirit needed to move the community forward. The elevation of activists and  politicians who focus primarily on grievances, rather than solutions, can divert attention away from  real strategies that promote upward mobility, such as improving education, fostering business  ownership, and strengthening community bonds.  

Conservatives believe that the African American community needs more leaders who will encourage  self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and personal responsibility, rather than those who perpetuate a  dependency mindset. Empowerment should come from within the community, focusing on real  solutions that create opportunities for individuals to succeed on their own merits. So then, what is …  

The Role of Government: A Conservative Approach to Reform  

From a conservative standpoint, much of the stagnation in the African American community can be  attributed to the overreach of government programs and policies that, although well-intentioned,  have failed to produce meaningful progress. Welfare programs, affirmative action, and other  government initiatives have not fundamentally improved the economic or social conditions for most  African Americans. Conservatives argue that real reform will come through policies that encourage  self-sufficiency, reduce dependency, and promote free-market principles.  

Economic policies that reduce regulation, cut taxes, and promote small businesses will benefit  African Americans by creating more job opportunities and allowing for greater economic mobility.  School choice and voucher programs will give African American students better educational  opportunities, helping them break the cycle of poverty. Criminal justice reform that emphasizes  rehabilitation over punishment, coupled with stronger family values, will reduce crime rates and  improve community safety. 

Moreover, conservatives believe that African Americans must take greater ownership of their own  progress. The narrative that places the blame for all the community's struggles on external forces— such as racism or systemic oppression—must be replaced with a message of empowerment. While  racism still exists and must be addressed, it should not be used as an excuse for failure. The path  forward lies in taking personal responsibility, strengthening families, and fostering a culture of hard  work and entrepreneurship.  

Conclusion  

So in conclusion, from a conservative perspective, the African American community has not made  the social, economic, or cultural gains that many claim over the past 20 years. The community  remains hindered by broken family structures, over reliance on government programs, and a culture  that emphasizes victimhood over empowerment. The solution lies in returning to core values that  emphasize personal responsibility, economic freedom, and family stability. By embracing these  principles, African Americans can move toward genuine progress, breaking the cycle of dependency  and achieving true empowerment.