Black People: Who Got Us?
I am sure that you’ve heard the statement, “When Non-Black folks in America catch a cold, Black folks catch the flu.” Ladies and gentlemen, we are sick, literally and figuratively.
On March 10, 2025, the Chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) sent a lengthy email to the Bruin Community titled “Initiative to Combat Antisemitism,” followed by another email on March 12, 2025, titled “Supporting Our Immigrant and International Communities at UCLA.” These emails come in the wake of Donald Trump diverting $400 million in funding due to Columbia’s involvement in the protests against Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip and their impact on the Palestinian people. Trump has also been explicit about his views on immigration and the role universities play in protecting DACA students.
In addition to UCLA’s message, messages from various advocacy agencies encourage the groups above and other marginalized groups, including, but not limited to, the LGBTQIA+ community. Unfortunately, these groups have shown that they have a one-track mind throughout this time of cold season for America, hence why Black folks are sick literally AND figuratively.
Project 2025, what is it?
Before writing this OP, I took a moment to review the ACLU’s breakdown of Project 2025. I heard so much about it and had a premise of what the “project” was about, but I did not have a complete synopsis of the underlying goal of the behaviors of Trump, Musk, and the entire cast of characters in the White House. While reading the ACLU’s synopsis, I noticed the mention of the “project’s” goal to end racial equity. I thought the ACLU would outline what that looked like as it relates to Black people (adding a portion regarding Black women would have been icing on the cake). Unfortunately, their synopsis did not mention Black people once. Their synopsis only mentioned racial equity and racial justice, which was only to recognize the goal of the “project” and neglected to confirm HOW the “project” would end racial equity and racial justice. The ACLU’s breakdown of the “project” did not focus on how they would champion on behalf of Black people.
Who Should Advocate for Black People
After the 2024 election, Black women no longer took the front stage with advocacy.
Before the election, Black women have consistently led movements advocating for the rights of Black men, women, and children. For Black men, we marched to recognize the impact of police brutality. For women and children, we stood at the forefront of the Me Too Movement and the fight for reproductive justice. This struggle is not new for us; we’ve been battling since we were trafficked here from Africa; fighting is how we survive and thrive. We have assumed the role of protectors rather than being protected. This is not a position we desire; it is often a role we find ourselves in because we cannot afford the luxury of being a damsel in distress while feigning tears for support. We have had to bootstrap our way through pain and suffering while supporting our and others’ communities.
Once Black women (affectionately known as the 92%) witnessed the rest of the country select an unqualified white supremacist to determine what’s best for them and their family members (and the 92%), Black women knew that our work was in vain. We needed to pivot the way that we approached social movements and change. Now, listen, our non-profit, the AHN Foundation, already took this approach with our programming centered on creating Safe Spaces for Black Women™. These safe spaces are for Black women and curated by a Black woman (me). I am thankful that Black women are opting to PUT US FIRST!
The question remains: who should advocate for Black people? Answer: EVERYONE.
Summer of George Floyd
During the Summer of 2020, the summer of the uprising of frustrations regarding police brutality against the Black community. Black women were specifically fueled to protest because of Breanna Taylor’s death and the lack of prosecution against the police officers who stormed into her home and killed her. As the protests began to rise, we saw growing support from other cultures and ethnicities across the globe. The Black Lives Matter movement was birthed and spread worldwide, including in Germany and other European nations. This type of support for Black lives was amazing, confusing, suspect, and encouraging (for me). During this time, racism was labeled as a public health crisis, anti-Black monuments were taken down, street names were changed to uplift the enriching culture of the communities, policies were changed, reparations were discussed, and more. Let’s not forget that we elected a Black woman as Vice President. Were we living in Wakanda? Was racism against Black people reducing? Did the hierarchy finally get “it?” We know the answers to those questions.
One thing we know to be true is that advocacy and protest in partnership with Black people elevate everyone. Hospitals were held accountable for the maltreatment of Black women; HBO distributed a documentary about Black maternal health and more. We succeeded in our messaging and created a space where Black people, especially Black Gen Zers, felt seen and heard. Black women could leave their jobs and become consultants, sharing their diversity, equity, and inclusion expertise, launching nonprofits to support their communities, and more. Diverse communities validated and uplifted Black women, facilitating their financial and professional growth. Life seemed promising in certain areas. Had we transitioned to a new normal that included positivity for Black women? Were we experiencing that “soft life” we have longed for? Were those who wished for us to call them allies acting as allies? Were we valued? Did people see our Blackness and everything it encompasses? My 2020 answer: perhaps.
Advocacy for Black People in 2024 & 2025
My 2024 answer: No! The first Tuesday in November 2024 confirmed that our Blackness and everything it encompasses was not seen when an unqualified white supremacist won the Presidential election over an overqualified Black woman.
My 2025 answer: Not at all! Let’s revisit an earlier part of this piece: Who advocates for Black people? The answer remains the same: Black women. The difference now is that we have fragmented our advocacy by centering our Blackness rather than supporting everyone and trusting that we would all benefit from a more comprehensive approach. Our advocacy includes and is limited to issues that plague our community and not any other community. We are taking a moment to sit and watch the destruction of the nation that our ancestors built, but at what cost?
What is it worth to you to prove your point?
This is the question we must ask ourselves.
Focusing solely on ourselves is worthwhile. This has been my approach since 2022, when I began creating Safe Spaces for Black Women™. Establishing spaces where we collectively celebrate, develop advocacy plans, and receive health education and information regarding Black-centric employment protections is more beneficial than any approach that includes groups not reflecting our concerns. Looking back to 2020, we advocated for everyone who needed our support; we were in crisis, and all hands needed to be on deck. Now, in 2025, are all hands on deck for issues that concern the Black community? You be the judge.
Alicia Coulter, MPH, MSW, is the author of Safe Spaces for Black Women and the founder of AHN Foundation and Harmony Development Associates. She is dedicated to creating affirming spaces for Black women through her lifestyle brand, the Alicia Nicole Experience, through education and advocacy. Follow her for advocacy, sisterhood, wellness, and personal growth insights. Connect with her by texting “sis” to 855.940.1486.
