Sept. 15, 2026

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - Donald Trump’s promise to send American adults a $5,000 “Trump Dividend” if Republicans retain control of Congress deserves more than ridicule from Democrats.

There are plenty of reasons to question the proposal. Trump has not provided a detailed mechanism for delivering the payments. Congress would have to act and Republicans themselves are divided over the idea. The estimated cost is well over $1 trillion, raising legitimate concerns about deficits, interest rates and inflation as the war in Iran rages on. Also, Republicans already control Congress and could simply act on this now if they wanted too. 

But Democrats should be careful not to assume that any of these facts matter to struggling Americans. 

Trump has repeatedly demonstrated an instinct for economic policies that are exceptionally easy for voters to understand and voters have consistently shown they don’t care about the details.

Consider “no tax on tips” and the Trump tariffs he campaigned on in 2024. 

The tariffs have failed and raised costs on working families while straining small businesses and rural America just as Democrats said they would. Taxpayers have lost more due to tariffs than have been collected from foreign governments despite Trump’s claims that America has taken in trillions of dollars in revenue. 

And similarly no tax on tips has not lived up to what was promised. Republicans enacted a temporary deduction for qualified tipped income as part of their 2025 tax legislation. The policy is more limited than the slogan suggests. Eligible workers can deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tips from federal taxable income but that’s subject to income limits, and payroll taxes still apply. That ultimately doesn’t put much income back into the pockets of workers who rely on tips to make ends meet. 

But politically, the simplicity of the messaging on tariffs and tips is the more important point. “No tax on tips” tells a waitress, bartender or other tipped worker immediately what Trump says he wants to do for them. And tariffs were the solution to the problem of foreigners “ripping off” American workers frustrated because their wages aren’t rising fast enough.

The $5,000 dividend takes tariffs and tips messaging another step further.

Trump is offering voters a proposition requiring almost no explanation. The message is simple. Republicans keep Congress and American adults get $5,000. 

Democrats should scrutinize the facts without getting so lost in the policy that their messaging misses the economic pain working class families are experiencing. 

Rather than mocking Trump, Democrats should ensure voters know what their plans are for direct economic relief. 

Even a bad Trump plan beats no plan from Democrats. 

Democrats should remember that the working class experiences the economy personally. They know what groceries cost. They know their rent or mortgage payment. They know what they earn every two weeks. They certainly understand what an additional $5,000 would mean to their household. And they are willing to take another chance on Trump because he’s put direct payments into their bank accounts before. 

During the COVID-19 crisis, Trump signed legislation authorizing direct payments of up to $1,200 per eligible adult, followed by another round of payments before he left office. The direct relief was wildly popular even as Americans were skeptical of Trump’s overall handling of the pandemic. 

Trump understands the political power of making economic policy concrete, even if there is no plan to actually get it done. 

“No tax on tips” is concrete. A COVID stimulus check is concrete. A $5,000 dividend is concrete. Tariffs are concrete. The fact that none of these policies are effective or realistic doesn’t matter. 

The lesson here is that Democrats need an economic agenda whose benefits voters can identify as readily as Trump’s.

If Democrats believe Trump’s $5,000 promise cannot be delivered, they should explain precisely why. If they believe it would worsen inflation or explode the deficit, they should make that case. But they also need to answer the question sitting underneath the appeal of Trump’s proposals which is how will Democrat policies put direct relief in the pockets of working families. 

The answer to Trump cannot be an academic political science course in how the payments will never happen, nor should Democrats laugh it off. 

Trump’s proposal may ultimately prove impossible to enact but that doesn’t eliminate the political appeal  to working class families who feel abandoned by the Democratic Party. 

That is the larger lesson of the COVID checks, tariffs, “no tax on tips” and now the proposed $5,000 Trump Dividend. 

Americans are deeply anxious about the cost of living and the party that can translate economic policy into benefits ordinary people can see, understand and feel has an important advantage in communicating its agenda.

Democrats should take that lesson seriously, even if they don’t take Trump’s $5,000 promise at face value.

Kevin Harris is a Democratic strategist who has advised over 100 campaigns and ballot measures, including the past five presidential elections, served in the Obama Administration, as a cabinet member for two big city mayors and state attorney and Executive Director of the Congressional Black Caucus. 

Sept. 7, 2026

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - It would be an understatement to simply say that our nation, both domestically and on the world stage, is in trouble. The United States remains a superpower and is very much respected around the world. Yet, its credibility is now being second-guessed. Its reliability as a NATO partner is also being questioned.

For those who have been paying close attention, America’s decline has been gradual and subtle. In some ways, it may be reaching the point of permanent damage. The permanent threat from this administration is also felt here at home. Like our allies, the American people cannot trust the unpredictable policies of this administration. We can no longer trust that our federal government is sincere and competent in protecting the health of our children.

For example, U.S. measles cases have hit their highest level in more than three decades under President Trump and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  Kennedy has promoted the idea that vaccines, including the combined measles, mumps, and rubella shot, are more dangerous than the diseases they prevent. This anti-vaccine message is effectively being promoted despite decades of scientific evidence that this particular shot saves lives. Leading medical organizations say that Kennedy’s statements about vaccines and his policies as health secretary, including efforts to reduce the number of government-recommended childhood immunizations, have increased vaccine delay or refusal, thereby making outbreaks harder to curb. A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed that the recent deaths of two infants were measles-related, illustrating a fast-growing national outbreak. Can future administrations reverse the threat from irresponsible and deadly policies to avoid long-lasting life-and-death risks to children? The opposition is the key.

Our nation has two major political parties. At any given time, one party is in power while the other is the opposition. Currently, the Republicans are in power. They have proven through the Trump administration and its control of the House and Senate to be a party that abuses its power through corruption, incompetence, manipulation, and greed. As the opposition party during the Obama presidency, the Republicans prided themselves on being the party of obstruction. Even in cases where the majority of the American people would be helped, Republicans blocked and delayed with glee.

Obstruction is not necessarily a bad thing politically, especially when it is used to resist the MAGA-type corruption, misinformation, and incompetence that is currently in place. Today’s Democratic Party needs to not only be the opposition party; it needs to be an obstruction party. Rep. Ayanna Pressley is urging her fellow Democrats to abandon cautious politics and fight more aggressively against President Donald Trump. She urged them to be willing to “swing” even if it means sometimes missing. The Massachusetts Democrat made the comments during an appearance on “The People’s Brief,” where she argued that Democrats should stop moderating their ambitions and instead fight for their positions more forcefully.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who recently became chair of the National Governors Association, said: “Governors, in many ways, are becoming the last line of defense against what we’re seeing in Washington.” I understand Gov. Moore’s position particularly in this age of gerrymandering wars. But Black women are the last line of defense. They have become the dependable voting bloc that puts lawmakers like Wes Moore into office. Without their consistent support, there would be no Gov. Wes Moore. Gov. Moore is the only elected Black governor, but he could soon have company.

Eight Black major-party gubernatorial nominees are on state ballots this November. Five of the eight candidates are Democrats, and two are women. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is the only Black female Democrat. Unfortunately, the Black male candidates for governor do not face the same identity politics challenge Keisha Lance Bottoms will have in Georgia. We have seen Black women elected as U.S. representatives and senators, but no Black woman has served as governor.

In 2018, the Stacey Abrams gubernatorial campaign drew 97% of Black women’s support but received lower support among Black men at 88%. After Abrams’s narrow 2018 loss to Brian Kemp –50.2 percent to 48.8 percent – her 2022 campaign developed the “Stacey and Fellas” events to engage Black men. As Lance Bottoms follows in Abrams’s footsteps, she too is trying to engage Black men voters. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, roughly 1,000 people joined a virtual “Men for Keisha” rally organized to mobilize Black men behind Lance Bottoms. The lineup included Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young, and singer and actor Tyrese.

The focus on Black men is strategic. While Black voters remain a critical part of the Democratic coalition in Georgia, the AJC notes that Black men are more likely than Black women to support Republican candidates. This gap could matter in a competitive statewide election. This tells us that in cases where Black men will stray and support a Republican candidate, a Black woman will stick with the Democrats as either the party in power or the party of obstruction. They are truly the last line of defense. Our nation is in trouble on multiple fronts, and we need fighters like Rep. Pressley. There is too much at stake for Black men as voters to not vote for a Black candidate because she is a woman.

David W. Marshall is the founder of the faith-based organization, TRB: The Reconciled Body, and author of the book God Bless Our Divided America.

August 21, 2026

L-R: Lana Kerr, CEO of Lumisque Skincare; Jerome Hutchinson, Jr., Founder/Chief Servant Officer, ICABA World; Robbie Bell, Global Real Estate Advisor PHOTO:Courtesy/ACABA

Dr. James Hildreth, President/CEO of Meharry Medical College; Jerome Hutchinson, Jr., Founder/Chief Servant Officer, ICABA World PHOTO: Courtesy/ICABA

LR- Bob Gale, CEO and Director of Aviation at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport; Jerome Hutchinson, Jr., Founder/Chief Servant Officer, ICABA World; Sandy-Michael McDonald, Assistant County Administrator, Broward County PHOTO: Courtesy/ICABA

Jerome Hutchinson, Jr., Founder/Chief Servant Officer, ICABA World PHOTO: Courtesy/ICABA

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - As America continues to commemorate Black-owned business month in August, Black Professionals Month, coming up in October, is a global movement that showcases Black excellence while advancing leadership, collaboration, visibility, and wealth creation as Black people of the diaspora support and do business with one another.

“We will deal with the blowback of anti-DEI by looking at how we come together,” says Jerome `Hutchinson Jr., founder and chief servant officer of ICABA World Network, the creator of Black Professionals Month. “Self-determination was always an undercurrent of my parents’ leadership. And that definitely has been passed on to me. You don't go looking for somebody to do for you when you can do for yourself.”

He continues, "Black Professionals Month highlights the achievements and contributions of Black professionals while activating meaningful opportunities for connection, collaboration, and growth. Since its launch in 2021, BPM’s overarching goal is to build a global movement that engages professionals, entrepreneurs, executives, organizations, and community leaders committed to elevating Black excellence and expanding pathways to success.”

According to researchers, there are as many as 5 million Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs across the U. S. and as many as 21 million Black professionals. Those numbers swell into billions when combined with Black people around the world, including the continent of Africa.

Chairing this year’s BPM is Dr. Dennis Kimbro, the author of five books, one of which was a New York Times best-seller, and professor at the Clark Atlanta University School of Business Administration. A consummate researcher, Kimbro said a key to the current and future state of Black professionals is that “In less than 25 years, one out of every four people on the planet is going to be African,” he said. “The day I was born, December 29th, 1950, America was 95 percent white. Now, today, in August 2026, It's barely 57 percent white.

“We’ve got to prepare for it," he asks. "How do we get people's mindsets to change to prepare for it?...The greatest gift that you’ve ever been given in your life by your creator is the ability to change your mind. It is the ability to change your mind to pivot. So, what is the strategy, you know, for Black America to get more advanced?”

He answers, “Personal enhancement, personal empowerment, in every area of your life. That's the goal.”

Hutchinson describes ICABA as “the leading online global ecosystem that connects and empowers accomplished Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders,” says Hutchinson. “Here, you're not just joining a network; you're entering a community deeply committed to elevating your journey, amplifying your success, and celebrating our collective achievements. We believe in the boundless potential within our diaspora.”

A Louisville, Ky. native, Hutchinson has pursued this goal for 17 years, since he founded ICABA in 2009. This is the reason for Black Professionals Month - to not only continue to pull together Black entrepreneurs and professionals – virtually, hybrid and in person - but to celebrate them, reward them and encourage them.

“We have three pillars,” Hutchinson says. “The first one is recognizing black excellence; second, advancing wealth creation; and third elevating leadership. And so that's what we do."

A string of ICABA events during Black Professionals Month will include two cornerstones of the program - the BPM Honors, Saturday, October 17, 2026, a prestigious recognition that honors accomplished Black professionals worldwide; and the BOBB 100 Awards and Summit, Saturday, October 31, 2026, which honors accomplished Black entrepreneurs worldwide. The distinction celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievement within their respective fields while contributing to their communities and industries.

There will be a BPM Global Organizations Leaders Summit, which will kick off online on Oct. 9, 2026, 11 am – 1 pm. The theme will be “Collaborate to Elevate and Protect Our Legacy.”

The full calendar of BPM events can be found on blackprofessionalsmonth.com.

“We're gathering leaders from leading Black professional and entrepreneurial organizations worldwide to discuss executing on this year’s BPM theme: “Collaborate to Elevate and Protect Our Legacy,” Hutchinson says.

ICABA’s strategic focus and power are embodied in its name, an acronym that stands for “Identify, Connect, and Activate Black Accomplished.”

According to the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations has projected that by the year 2050, one out of every four people on Earth will live on the African continent.

Kimbro says that the shifting populations of Black and people of color could impact Black wealth astronomically. But that depends on a change in mindsets.

Penda Howell, a 30-year Black Press executive, who joined ICABA two years ago, describes ICABA as a “game changer because the network extends, not just nationally, but internationally” and because ICABA deals with the personal growth and business acumen of the entrepreneur and professional.

He adds, among the most impressive aspect is “the willingness for folks to partner, to network, to share resources. There's no gatekeeping.”

Howell, former vice president of the historic New York Amsterdam News Newspaper for 20 years, now owns a news website, New Jersey Urban News, which became a member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association in 2024.

“I'll give you a brief example,” Howell says. “I was having a conversation in one of our meetings, and I was expressing frustration with getting content directly from reporters in Africa. I wanted to set up an RSS feed to get content directly from credible reporters in Africa.”

Howell said because of an ICABA member that was in the meeting, he was able to connect with a media professional from Nigeria and another professional who was connected to a media network in the same region.

“Within an hour, both had reached out to me separately after the meeting, offering assistance. Assistance that I had been trying to get on my own for about a year.”

Hutchinson, with a mother as a social worker and a father as an entrepreneur, describes himself as a “social impact entrepreneur.” He says his family had the greatest impact on his ICABA vision and the direction of his life.

His bio tells the story of his success. He launched Kentucky’s first Black-owned television station, WYCS-TV, in 1998. In September, he launched ICABA’s “Thrivin’” podcast on ICABA TV with Hutchinson as the host.

Hutchinson has developed Black Professionals Month as a platform for collective advancement rather than individual recognition alone. His philosophy centers on the belief that professional success becomes more meaningful when it is leveraged to create opportunities for others.

“The value gained from networking is determined by the value of what you share versus what you seek,” Hutchinson said. “Through leadership development, relationship-building, professional visibility, and economic empowerment, Black Professionals Month has become the ICABA World Network's most impactful initiative. Its continued growth demonstrates that meaningful progress is often driven not only by individual accomplishment but by communities that intentionally invest in one another's success.”