Wealth Is The New Black: Welcome to Freedom
Wealth Is the New Black
Introduction
Listen. I don’t know about you, but for some reason, I always struggled with the idea of being both black and wealthy. The term “black wealth” felt like an oxymoron, like bringing together words that contradict one another. You know that book, “Marriage Is for White People?” I think, subconsciously, I felt that well-funded bank accounts, investments, and nice homes were for white people, too. I felt a little dirty and guilty for wanting to be comfortable. I felt morally bankrupt for believing I deserved pleasure and fulfillment. And I felt greedy for quietly wanting to be compensated for my labor. I felt that wanting things made me selfish and a bad person, even when I experienced, firsthand, the struggles that came with not having them.
If I’m honest, I’ve sabotaged myself so many times just to get back to a place of financial struggle because hardship was familiar — my normal. This is partly because, somehow, I’ve felt that the only way to be authentically Black was to stay in “the trenches.” Now, I know you’re not like that. I’m the only one who has dealt with this issue, right? Whether this post is for me or for us, I’m unclear. But I am certain that Blackness and financial freedom make a nice pair.
Wealth Is the New Black
As we kick off the first week of June, we celebrate Bad Girl Fit Week by focusing on the second principle of our pledge: "I pledge to mind my greens: mustards, collards, and dollars claiming both my culture and wealth without apology." This principle underscores the importance of embracing both our cultural heritage and financial empowerment. For mothers who identify as Infamous Mothers, this dual embrace is particularly significant as we often face unique societal pressures and expectations that challenge our pursuit of a life not rooted in struggle.
The month of June is dedicated to exploring the theme of freedom in honor of Juneteenth. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed the last remaining enslaved individuals that they were free two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This month-long discussion on freedom starts with our second Bad Girl Fit principle. This blog post challenges the notion that Black mothers must live in constant struggle and invites us to embrace the freedom to own both our culture and wealth unapologetically.
From Here to There
Freedom to Embrace Culture and Wealth
I know that we live in a world that expects, if not demands, Black people and women to either struggle or play small. If we are born into poverty, it expects us to accept it, hold on to it, nurture it, and wear it like a badge of honor. But should we expect the same? While we should never be ashamed of where we start, we it’s ok to want more. This post is an invitation to embrace the freedom to own both your Blackness and your wealth, without apology.
The Wealth Piece
The freedom to own both our culture and our wealth is a revolutionary act, especially in cultures and subcultures that frequently labels black peoeple as "sellouts" or "white adjacent" for seeking a life of comfort and ease. This mindset is a limited and anti-Black notion of the Black experience in America. Acknowledging the struggles our ancestors endured, it is valid and necessary for us to take pride in pursuing lives rooted in rest, fulfillment and comfort.
Pursuing wealth is not about abandoning our roots but honoring the sacrifices of our forebears by achieving the success they dreamed of for us. Wealth allows us to invest in the issues, causes, and people that matter most to us, providing resources to explore, expand on, and share knowledge around topics relevant to Black people. It positions us to better care for our families and communities, offering more opportunities for self-care and healthier living.
Women and Culture
The Culture Piece
Embracing a life of pleasure, a "soft life," or a life rooted in thriving rather than striving does not equate to adopting a "white" experience. It aligns with our ancestors' wildest dreams. Achieving financial stability and wealth allows us to invest in cultural preservation, support community initiatives, and ensure that future generations understand and appreciate their heritage.
Living a life of ease and satisfaction gives us the freedom to explore and expand on our cultural expressions, creating and sharing art, music, literature, and other forms of cultural production. This freedom also enables us to support causes that uplift our community and advocate for social justice, equity, and inclusion.
Call A Thing A Thing: Some Reasons We Struggle to Pair Blackness with Wealth
There are several reasons why many of us don't talk about wealth and Blackness as much as we should:
Fear of Dreaming Too Big
Many of us are afraid to set grand aspirations because we fear failure and the disappointment that may follow.
Fear of Disappointment
We often avoid setting high expectations to protect ourselves from potential letdowns.
Feelings of Unworthiness
There is a pervasive belief that we are not deserving of more than what we currently have.
Fear of Alienation
We worry that gaining wealth might distance us from our loved ones and communities.
Respect for Past Struggles
We fear that achieving success might seem disrespectful to those who didn’t have the same opportunities or who struggled more.
Identity Crisis
Struggle has become so ingrained in our identity that the idea of living without it can be frightening.
Lack of Representation
We lack visible examples of Black wealth that show it is possible and attainable.
Systemic Barriers
The systemic challenges and barriers make the pursuit of wealth seem insurmountable.
Community Pressure
There can be pressure from within the community to conform to a narrative of struggle.
Internalized Limitations
We have internalized societal limitations that keep us from pursuing tremendous financial success.
I don’t know about you, but a lot of this stinkin’ thinkin’ had me stuck in places, situations, and with people I didn’t need to be with, all in the name of “keepin’ it real” and not selling out. To be honest, I don’t know if it’s fair to call it stinkin’ thinkin’. Maybe it’s more accurate to call them cultural strongholds rooted in limited ideas and a fear of our greatness, whether that fear was imposed on us from the outside or the inside. Wherever it came from, we have the power to give ourselves permission to choose freedom.
Preserving Culture
Ten Ways Gaining Wealth Can Be for the Culture
We are clear about all the ways that struggle is embedded in Blackness and the culture. Now, let's explore ten ways that gaining wealth can also serve our culture:
Empowering Education
Wealth enables us to fund scholarships, build schools, and provide educational resources that empower the next generation of Black leaders.
Supporting Black Businesses
Financial resources allow us to invest in Black-owned businesses, fostering economic independence and growth within our communities.
Cultural Preservation
With wealth, we can support museums, cultural centers, and artistic endeavors that preserve and celebrate our rich cultural heritage.
Health and Wellness Initiatives
Financial stability allows us to create and fund health and wellness programs that address the unique health challenges faced by our community.
Political Influence
Wealth provides the means to support political candidates and causes that advocate for policies benefiting the Black community, increasing our political power and influence.
Community Development
Investing in real estate and community development projects can revitalize our neighborhoods, creating safe, vibrant, and thriving environments.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Wealth allows us to give back to our communities through charitable donations and social impact initiatives that drive positive change.
Media and Representation
Financial resources enable us to produce and support media that accurately represents our stories, experiences, and perspectives, combating stereotypes and promoting positive images.
Innovation and Technology
Investing in tech startups and innovation can propel our community into new industries and opportunities, ensuring we are at the forefront of technological advancements.
Legacy Building
Wealth ensures that we can leave a lasting legacy for future generations, providing them with the resources to continue thriving and making a difference.
Legacy
Conclusion
Embracing both our culture and our wealth unapologetically is not just a personal journey but a collective movement towards broader societal change. By rejecting the notion that Black life must be rooted in struggle, we redefine what it means to thrive as Black people. Let us continue to support each other in breaking free from these constraints and celebrate each step towards true freedom, ensuring that thriving becomes our new standard of living.
While we center the voices of Black women, the Infamous Mothers community is very diverse. These principles of embracing culture and wealth apply to all women and birthing people in our community, across race and class. Embracing culture and wealth empowers us all to live fuller, richer lives. Regardless of your background, investing in your culture and pursuing financial stability can help create a more equitable and thriving society for everyone. This approach allows us to care better for our families, support our communities, and ensure that we all have the resources to live out our fullest potentials.
Hey, Besties! Let’s Talk about It
We invite all members of the Infamous Mothers community and supporters to join in this dialogue. Share your stories of how you've navigated the challenges of embracing both your culture and your wealth. Let’s continue to support each other in demanding and aiming for a life of comfort, ease, and satisfaction, no matter where we start. Together, we can redefine the Black experience and live out our ancestors' wildest dreams.
P.S. — It’s Covet Season
In the Infamous Mothers Universe (IMverse), we're fully immersed in the transformative Covet season. This is the phase where extraordinary women in our world wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to becoming the versions of themselves that once seemed out of reach. During this season, women are achieving their health and wellness goals, increasing their bottom lines, and accomplishing things that were once deemed 'impossible'. Our mission is crystal clear: we exist to inspire, motivate, and educate you as you relentlessly pursue the very dreams you've longed for.
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Photo Credit: Chris Charles
ABOUT THE BLOGGER
Dr. Sagashus Levingston is an author, entrepreneur and PhD holder. She has two fur babies, Maya and Gracie, six children (three boys and three girls), and they all (including her partner) live in Madison, WI. She loves all things business, is committed to reminding moms of their power, and is dedicated to playing her part in closing the wealth gap for people of color and women. She believes that mothering is a practice, like yoga, and she fights daily to manage her chocolate intake. The struggle is real, y’all…and sometimes it’s beautiful.
Follow her on Instagram: @infamous.mothers