During the Civil Rights era, one of the most effective and unifying actions ever taken was the Montgomery Bus Boycott. It wasn’t about violence or confrontation—it was about discipline, unity, and purpose. For over a year, ordinary men and women refused to ride the buses that discriminated against them. They walked, carpooled, and organized. Their actions spoke louder than any speech, and the power structure had no choice but to listen.
That same spirit of unity and purpose is needed today. We live in a time when major corporations and other entities take our hard-earned money but give nothing back to help improve the conditions of our communities. Many of these companies profit off our loyalty while offering us subpar products, poor services, and no real investment in our neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, in many Black communities, very little is owned by the people who live there. Businesses that serve us are often owned by outsiders, and the profits they make are taken elsewhere. Schools remain underfunded, housing is overpriced or neglected, and too many families struggle just to get by. These are not accidents—they are the results of economic neglect and a lack of collective action.
It’s time we get their attention again, not by marching in the streets, but by controlling where we spend our dollars. The Montgomery Bus Boycott showed that economic pressure is a powerful tool for justice. We can apply that same principle today by being intentional about where and how we spend.
Start by supporting local and Black-owned businesses. Every time you buy from a business that invests back into the community, you strengthen that neighborhood. Every time you deposit your money into a Black-owned bank or credit union, you give them the power to lend to small business owners, future homeowners, and students. When we choose quality over convenience, we build a foundation for lasting change.
We should also hold major corporations accountable. If they expect our dollars, they should invest in our schools, sponsor youth programs, and create jobs in our communities. We must demand fair treatment, quality service, and visible reinvestment. If they fail to meet those standards, we can take our business elsewhere.
This is not just about economics—it’s about dignity, empowerment, and self-determination. Our goal should be vibrant communities where people own their homes, where children attend schools with the resources they deserve, and where local businesses thrive because they’re supported by the people they serve.
We’ve seen the blueprint before. Our elders showed us that real power comes when we move together with purpose. The Montgomery Bus Boycott changed history because people refused to fund their own oppression. Today, we can do the same—by funding our own freedom.
The time for talking is over. The time for unity and action is now. Let’s get their attention again.
To Inspire, Inform, Encourage, and Empower Others
Marvin Dixon/Founder
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