To Be Equal 
April 28, 2024


(TriceEdneyWire.com) - “When the Columbine High School shooting happened twenty-five years ago, it was an unimaginable tragedy. Now, as gun violence continues to traumatize students and devastate our schools, families, and communities, we cannot afford to become numb to this crisis. We’ll keep fighting to honor the victims and survivors of Columbine with the common-sense solutions that we know work.” – Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Moms Demand Action Executive Director

Even before the slaughter of students and a teacher at Columbine High School stunned the nation, mayors like myself were taking action against the unchecked greed of gun manufacturers.

New Orleans, where I served as mayor, was the first to sue. In the months to follow, 30 more cities followed our lead. 

That summer, the U.S. Conference of Mayors met in New Orleans and called on Congress to enact common-sense gun safety measures including raising the minimum age for purchasing and possessing a handgun from 18 to 21, requiring background checks at guns shows and limiting gun purchases to one a Whmonth per individual.

The same day we announced our demands, in a show of defiance against the gun industry, Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster made a show of his cowardice and sighed a law banning cities from suing gun companies.

Even though a small fraction of the hundreds of thousands of lives lost since Columbine were lost in school shootings, such incidents underscore the shame of our nation's inaction on gun violence. The gun industries main lobbying arm for decades, the National Rifle Association, was well aware of the "horrible juxtaposition" of “kids fondling firearms” at its upcoming convention even as the teenage victims of Columbine were laid to rest.

They held the convention anyway, turning the event into a massive slap in the face to the grieving survivors.

Over the years, as mass shootings grew more frequent and ever more deadly, the N.R.A.'s defiance and contempt grew as well. After each tragedy, the gun industry seized on baseless fears of a total gun ban to weaken gun regulations and push more and more powerful guns on the public.

But the same greed that built the gun lobby may have destroyed it.

After a lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James exposed top executives' rampant financial misconduct, NRA members lost faith in the organization dropping out by more than a million and leaving its coppers depleted by more than 40 percent. 

It remains to be seen whether the NRA's waning influence will allow the nation to enact the measures we need to prevent future columbines. Despite its opposition, Congress was able to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022, the first major piece of federal gun reform legislation in nearly 30 years.

A significant step forward, the Act requires background checks on gun purchases for young adults, increased mental health funding, expanded prohibitions on gun ownership for domestic abusers and created incentives for states to pass “red flag” laws. But it does not address more significant gun safety measures such as universal background checks, a ban on the sale of assault weapons, and longer waiting periods for gun purchases.

As President Biden noted in his statement on the 25th anniversary of the Columbine massacre, the families who have lost loved ones to gun violence have only one message: Do something.
 

April 22, 2024

Reality Check

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - An admittedly way too small number of Black people in the USA strongly believe that we put ourselves in ongoing cultural, economic and political danger by not being more unified. Those who don't believe in the urgent need for strong Black unity should understand that their position bears responsibility for some of the negative and hostile actions taking place today. Three recent columns in The Washington Informer newspaper will help to explain this position.
 
The first one, written by Marc H. Morial, is entitled “Discriminatory Laws Have Driven Black Voters From The Polls.” In it he states that “…. since 2020, at least twenty-nine states have passed nearly one hundred laws making it harder for eligible citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote.”
 
Another column, attributed to the National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC) noted the following: “As of last week GSA Administrator (Robin) Camahan has ignored the March 18, 2024, request for the meeting to discuss accelerated deliverables to remedy the continuous discrimination against Black American contractors in federal contracting…”
 
Equally notable is a column entitled, “The Battle Over Social Security” by David W. Marshall. It includes his belief that “Social security is especially important to people of color because they are less likely than white Americans to have pensions or retirement savings. As a result social security is the sole source of retirement income for 33% of Blacks compared to 18% whites based on a National Association of Insurance study….”
 
In each of the conditions above and numerous others, a unified Black people would be in a much better position to protect ourselves from the actions of hostile or paternalistic white folks. Because our refusal to become more unified, we share at least some of the responsibility for what is happening to most of us in this country today. Black unity is not an option; it is an absolute necessity if we want to be in a strong position to protect and promote our health, economic, cultural, political, educational, and technological interests. 

April 7, 2024

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - Each spring, many aspiring students and their families begin receiving college acceptance letters and offers of financial aid packages. This year’s college decisions will add yet another consideration: the effects of a 2023 Supreme Court, 6-3 ruling that ended the use of affirmative action. No longer can race be considered as one of many other factors to reach college admissions decisions.

Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts said in part, “In these cases we consider whether the admissions systems used by Harvard College and the University of North Carolina, two of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States, are lawful under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. These cases involve whether a university may make admissions decisions that turn on an applicant’s race.”

“[T]he Harvard and UNC admissions programs cannot be reconciled with the guarantees of the Equal Protection Clause,” continued the Chief Justice. “Both programs lack sufficiently focused and measurable objectives warranting the use of race, unavoidably employ race in a negative manner, involve racial stereotyping, and lack meaningful end points. We have never permitted admissions programs to work in that way, and we will not do so today.”

A strongly-worded dissenting opinion by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, challenged the majority, asserting that affirmative action remains both viable and necessary.  

“This limited use of race has helped equalize educational opportunities for all students of every race and background and has improved racial diversity on college campuses,” wrote Justice Sotomayor. “Although progress has been slow and imperfect, race-conscious college admissions policies have advanced the Constitution’s guarantee of equality and have promoted Brown’s vision of a Nation with more inclusive schools.”

“The Court subverts the constitutional guarantee of equal protection by further entrenching racial inequality in education, the very foundation of our democratic government and pluralistic society. Because the Court’s opinion is not grounded in law or fact and contravenes the vision of equality embodied in the Fourteenth Amendment, I dissent,” concluded Sotomayor.

In the aftermath of this consequential decision, as many as 30 states have now either filed or enacted new laws against teaching Black history or ‘other divisive concepts’, as well as defunding or outright ending diversity, equity and inclusion initiative. Counted among these states are Alabama, Florida, and Texas where multi-million Black residents are directly affected.

While many might presume widespread unity in Black America over the Supreme Court ruling, a survey analysis by Gallup’s Center on Black Voices published earlier this year shows a distinct and disturbing generational divide on affirmative action. Survey respondents were asked about the effect the affirmative decision may have in four specific areas:

1.       Higher education in general; 

2.      Educational opportunities for Blacks;

3.      The ability of people of one’s own race/ethnicity to attend college; and

4.      Diversity of college campuses.

Numerically, 56 percent of Black adults aged 40 and older mostly view the decision negatively.   But among younger Black adults, aged 18 to 39, the affirmative action reversal is viewed positively by 62 percent. Moreover, many younger Blacks anticipated the decision will have no impact at all on their educations and futures.

Another new and related survey reflects a growing political divide.

Jointly released by the Associated Press and the University of Chicago’s National Opinion Research Center (NORC), the survey asked the question, “Do you think each of the following is doing a good job or a bad job or neither upholding democratic values in the United States?”

Respondents were asked to share their views on government – including the Supreme Court, as well as Congress, and presidential candidates. Overall, 45 percent said the nation’s highest court was doing a poor job. But when responses were screened by party affiliation, 68 percent of Democrats said the court was doing a poor job, compared to 21 percent of Republicans agreeing.

A coalition of 12 national civil rights advocates including the National Urban League, National Action Network, NAACP, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and the National Council of Negro Women, also said  the nation’s highest court is the problem when it comes to affirmative action, saying its decision,   “serves as a distressing reminder of the uphill battle we continue to face in dismantling systemic racism and the potential implications this decision can have on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the workplace.”

Whatever solution(s) are needed, one thing remains clear: America’s constitution may have promised that all are created equal; but in education, the fulfillment of that promise has yet to become real.

Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at CharleneThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

April 7, 2024

Sheryl Merritt

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - The most effective way for African Americans to build wealth is through homeownership. But so many families ask, where do you start when you want to buy a home?

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) broadly provides this information so more Black families can enjoy the benefits of homeownership and create intergenerational wealth. The journey of becoming a homeowner, especially for the first time, can be both exhilarating and daunting. It's crucial to approach this process with a well-structured plan. Here are a few essential steps every first-time homebuyer should consider:

• Prepare for Buying Home: Before looking at potential homes, it's essential to have a clear picture of your financial health. This includes reviewing your credit score, understanding your income, and identifying your budget for buying a home. Here are some tips:

- A good credit score for purchasing a home typically falls within the range of 620 to 850. This range represents the FICO credit score system, which lenders commonly use to assess an individual's creditworthiness. Scores above 720 are considered excellent and may enable borrowers to access the best interest rates and loan terms. However, individuals with scores at the lower end of this spectrum can still qualify for a mortgage, though they might face higher interest rates. It's important to note that while your credit score is a crucial factor, lenders will also consider other aspects of your financial situation, including your debt-to-income ratio, employment history, and the size of your down payment.

- Improving your credit score will help you secure a mortgage and potentially save thousands of dollars in interest over the life of your loan. To maintain or improve your credit score, make sure to pay all bills on time, keep credit card balances low, and avoid unnecessarily opening new lines of credit. It's also important to regularly check your credit report for errors and dispute any inaccuracies that could negatively impact your score.

-Ultimately, having a good credit score can open up opportunities for homeownership and save you money in the long run. So, whether you're currently in the market for a home or just planning for the future, taking steps to improve your credit score is a smart financial move. Remember, your credit score is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to getting approved for a mortgage. Still, it's an important one that can significantly impact your borrowing power and the overall cost of homeownership.

• Hire a Real Estate Professional: A knowledgeable real estate agent, such as a Realtist from the NAREB, can offer invaluable assistance in navigating the home-buying process. They can help you find homes that match your criteria, advise on the offer process, and negotiate with sellers.

•  Securing A Mortgage Pre-Approval: A pre-approval from a lender gives you the advantage of knowing exactly how much you can afford. It also demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious and capable buyer. Here are the steps to getting pre-approval. Before approaching a lender for pre-approval, knowing how much you can afford is important. Consider factors such as your income, expenses, and credit score and:

-Lenders will require certain documents to verify your financial information, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. Make sure to have these ready for the pre-approval process. Research lenders: Shop around and compare different lenders to find one that offers competitive rates and terms that suit your needs.

 Fill out an application with your chosen lender and provide all necessary documents to begin pre-approval.

- The lender will review your application and documents and determine if you qualify for a mortgage pre-approval.

- If approved, the lender will provide a pre-approval letter stating the amount you can borrow.

- Keep in mind that a pre-approval is not a mortgage guarantee, but it puts you in a stronger position when making offers on homes. With your pre-approval in hand, you can shop for homes within your budget, showing sellers that you are a serious and prepared buyer. Remember, the pre-approval is typically valid for a certain period, usually 60 to 90 days, so it’s important to start your home search soon after receiving it. Finally, maintain your financial stability during this period by avoiding new debt or making significant purchases, as these can affect your mortgage qualification.

• Determine Your Preferences and Needs: Find the right neighborhood, considering general safety and desirability, condition of other homes in the area, quality of local schools, distance from your job, availability of public transportation, recreational activities, shopping, and places of worship. Also consider features needed for the house: the current and future size of the household, living needs and interests, proximity to work, schools, shopping, and recreation. Visit schools and daycare centers, and observe other homes on the same street.

• Shop for your new Home: Seeing a variety of homes in person gives a better understanding of what is available in your price range and what features you value most.

• Make an Offer on a Home: Once you've found a home that meets your needs and fits within your budget, your agent will assist you in making a competitive offer based on current market conditions.  You will offer a price. You and your real estate professional will determine the amount of earnest money, legal names of buyers and sellers, address and legal description of the house, provision for home inspection, proposed closing date, list of items the seller is leaving, breakdown of fees and who pays them, and possible time limit for seller acceptance.

• Apply for Your Mortgage: Explore all the loan options. It’s essential to understand the different types of mortgage loans available to you. These may include fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), FHA loans, VA loans, and others. Each type has its pros and cons, depending on your financial situation and how long you plan. Even with your pre-approval, you'll need to provide additional documentation, including:

- Proof of income, with the most current month of computer-generated paystubs with YTD income information.

- Two years of W-2s and/or tax returns.

- Source of funds, with one to two months of complete bank statements.

Documentation of any large deposits, gifts, and liquidation of any assets.

-The more accurate and detailed information provided, the better the process. For example, have paystubs and tax returns to provide income, including child support, alimony, and all obligations.

•  Schedule a Home Inspection and Appraisal: Lenders will usually require a home inspection and an appraisal to ensure the property's value matches the purchase price and loan amount. The lender will likely arrange the inspection, appraisal, and a final walk-through inspection.

•  Close on Your Home: If all goes well with the inspection, appraisal, and final mortgage approval, you'll close on your home. Obtain a cashier’s check for the amount due. Call the utility companies. Welcome Home!!!

• Maintain Your Mortgage: After closing, remember to budget for monthly mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, and any homeowner association (HOA) fees. Staying on top of these expenses is crucial to maintaining your home and building equity over time.

This NAREB Building Black Wealth Blog was written by Sheryl Merritt, MBA, CEO/Broker, New Legacy Realty.