A Message For The Publisher
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.’” Psalm 46:1-3
By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.
The world is in chaos. Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel threatens to further destabilize the Middle East, edging the world closer to larger conflict. At home, Hurricane Helene, one of the most destructive storms in U.S. history, leaving over 100 victims in her wake, has displaced thousands and left communities in ruin. The Mother Continent of Africa, ongoing conflicts and political instability only add to the global chaos. Meanwhile, here in the America, hate-filled speeches and divisive politics continue to splinter our nation, encouraging fear and distrust.
On top of this, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), a predominantly Black and Brown workforce, is striking for fair wages and against the rapid integration of automation. Workers are fighting for their livelihoods as machines threaten to replace them at the docks, where generations of Black families have worked to build stable futures. The fight of the ILA, standing on picket lines to defend their right to work, represents another aspect of the global and national chaos that is increasingly impacting America and the Black communities the worst.
For Black and Brown Americans, these consistent crises hit us particularly the hardest. Global conflict, from the Middle East to Africa, leads to economic instability that disproportionately affects Black workers and Black businesses. In the end result of natural disasters like Long-Haul Covid, and climate change Black communities often face slower recovery and fewer resources. And in the political landscape, conflict-ridden (aka dog whistles) language continues to target Black voters, seeking to suppress and confuse our messages to limit our political influence.
The strike by the ILA is a powerful symbol of the broader challenges facing Black workers today. Automation and machines threaten to erase good-paying jobs, and this loss is deeply felt by Black communities already facing high unemployment and economic disparities. The ILA’s stand against automation is about more than fair wages; it’s a fight for the dignity of work, the right to provide for families, and the preservation of economic opportunities for future generations.
Across the African continent, the chaos only deepens the crisis. Civil wars, famine, and climate-induced displacement continue to weaken the region, affecting millions. Now, these struggles resonate deeply with Black Americans, who have begun to embrace the long-standing connection with the continent and feel the impact of these conflicts altogether.
Among these challenges, unity is our greatest weapon and strength. We must stand with the ILA workers in their fight for fair wages and against job-killing automation, just as we must rally behind Black communities recovering from natural disasters and combat efforts to silence our voices at the ballot box. Internationally, we must show solidarity with those suffering from war and political turmoil, knowing that global instability affects us all.
In these chaotic times, we cannot afford division. Our survival, our progress, and our future depend on our ability to come together, to fight for justice, fairness, and peace. Whether it’s defending the rights of workers on the docks, standing firm against climate disaster, or ensuring our voices are heard in the voting booth, unity is the path forward.
The world may be in crisis, but all of our strengths and strategies together can direct us through. Together, we can rise above the madness and build a better future that is inclusive of all.
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