When the world feels like it’s closing in, Black folks spot it immediately and respond smarter than ever. From hostile politics to creeping oppression, this unforgiving climate demands sharpened instincts, strategic moves, and protection of what matters most. Even as the Trump Administration raises eyebrows a daily basis, our heightened awareness allows us to stay resilient and grounded. And when it comes to making a way out of no way, Black people have been perfecting the art for generations.
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Black communities aren’t just surviving in these challenging times — we’re watching, learning, and responding with intention. Here are 13 ways Black folks are turning awareness into action and obstacles into opportunity.
We’re Not Taking the Bait
There’s been a shift in our attitude when it comes to rage — and let’s be real, we’re not taking the bait anymore. Gone are the days when being on the “front lines” was seen as a badge of honor. We’ll show up when it counts, but we’re no longer sacrificing ourselves just to prove a point. We know what we’re dealing with, and we’re playing our cards right.
We Know Their Playbook
Our history with white people and those in power stretches back through slavery, Jim Crow, and segregation. Black folks have endured bondage longer than any other racial group, and generations of mixing ancestry has only deepened our understanding. By now, we know their playbook — the strategies, the players, and the game. And we’re using that knowledge to move wisely and navigate the murky waters ahead.
Keeping It In the Group Chat
Now more than ever, we are leaning on friends and family and unpacking how we feel in our group chats. We’re fully aware we are in some crazy times, and when it comes to the mess, we’re chatting amongst ourselves and letting off some well-deserved steam.
Living Below Your Means
With financial uncertainty looming, many are finding ways to be more frugal than we have in the past. This includes scrapping car payments in favor of used cars, buying second hand and vintage, scrapping unnecessary subscriptions, and adding to that savings account as often as possible. A recession could be coming, and Black folks aren’t waiting around to be caught off guard.
Prioritizing Mental Health
While a stigma has lingered in our community about “seeking help” for years, you can never go wrong prioritizing your mental health — especially during these dark political times when folks are stressed and anxious about their next move amid uncertain times.
Staying Informed, Saving Ourselves
As 300,000 Black women were removed from the workforce in 2025, it’s abundantly clear that nobody is coming to save us. It seems this administration is coming for our jobs and our freedom, and it’s up to us to stay informed, alert, and act. As Don Lemon puts it, “fascism is no longer hypothetical,” and now is not the time to be apathetic.
Preserving Black Stories, Art, Culture
Black culture isn’t just art — it’s history, identity, and resistance. Preserving music, literature, and traditions keeps communities grounded and strong. Griot & Grits is keeping our legacy alive powered through AI. Trump may be removing famed abolitionists from Naval ships, per Syracuse, but we’re preserving our stories by any means necessary.
Increasing Political Literacy
Political literacy isn’t just voting. It also means folks are aware and stay informed when some mess hits the fan. When the government shut down on Oct.1, Black folks instantly kept their eyes peeled for what’s next and planning the best way forward, which of course includes saving some extra coin for emergencies.
Community Organizing
Dating way back to segregation, Black folks have connected to build power from the ground up. Organizing neighbors, mutual aid networks, and local initiatives turns collective effort into real protection and progress. When the system fails, community strategy becomes survival.
Increasing Entrepreneurship
Black-owned businesses are leading the way in terms of getting some extra coin in your pocket. Building enterprises strengthens local economies and puts resources back into the hands of Black people. Even without a business, folks are being more and more frugal everyday with financial decisions and spending.
Protecting Our Peace
There’s nothing wrong with making time for a little extra TLC. These dark times can be heavy, and it can begin to feel like we’re swimming in anxiety as politics continues to consume our homes, our phones, and everything we consume. The truth is, we’re on edge. Whenever necessary, keep a close watch on your friends, your mental health, and therapy if necessary.
Health Is Wealth
We know that our body — and our melanin — is a form of power. Black communities are prioritizing preventive care, wellness, and access to healthcare to protect themselves and their families as health care continues to be under attack. Staying healthy is a non-negotiable strategy for physical strength and survival.
Staying Together Through it All
Back in the day our parents used to say, “If y’all are going together, you stay together — and you come home together.” During these dark times, the same rules apply. We’re coming together, we’re staying together, and we’re going to get through these harsh political times, together.
Straight From 
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