A Time For Reassessing Dollars and Priorities

December 10, 2025

In this opinion piece, Dr. John E. Warren argues that rising costs and shrinking product sizes are creating financial strain for all Americans, but communities of color have long faced affordability challenges. He contends that African Americans, who collectively spend over $4 trillion annually, should leverage their economic power more strategically by demanding better treatment from businesses and holding elected officials accountable.

Who is affected

African Americans and people of color generally
Marginalized community members
Consumers facing rising prices and smaller product quantities
Media outlets owned by communities of color (specifically regarding Good Friday advertising)
White members of Congress (criticized in the article)
Corporate America and merchants

What action is being taken

The President is wrestling with understanding what "affordability" means
The nation is gearing up for Good Friday
The nation is beginning to wrestle with "affordability"
People are praying as intercessors

Why it matters

This matters because it addresses the economic power and agency of communities of color in America. With African Americans spending over $4 trillion annually, their collective purchasing decisions represent significant leverage that could compel businesses to treat them more equitably and advertise in their media outlets. The piece connects economic justice to broader issues of racial equity, healthcare access, and political accountability, arguing that financial decisions are a form of civic participation that can drive systemic change.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint