January 2026

Community Discussion on Federal Policy and Black Americans

Notes by Sharon Jarrett

Participants read an article from The Root. The Root is an online magazine oriented to the African American community. The magazine was established in 2008 by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Donald E. Graham.  The article was titled "13 Ways Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' will impact Black Americans."

The analysis in the article predated the passage of the legislation.  The analysis identified the following impacts:

1.     Tax Cuts

         The bill proportionately benefits those who own stocks and bonds.  

2.      Medicaid

          Black Americans make up 21% of those who use Medicaid. This group of users will be impacted. Both by actual financial reductions and additional requirements to qualify for the program.

3.       Pell Grants

           African American students will be effected by the reduction in number of available grants and 

           new enrollment requirements.

4.       Asylum Fees

          Fees are being increased

5.       Restrictions on Enforcement of deportation cases and DEI lawsuits

6.       Climate Change

          Impact Black and low income communities 

7.       Reduction of 2,000.00 Child Tax Credit to 1,000.00

8.       Reproductive Rights limitations

9.       Food Stamps

          27% of recipients are African American, benefits would be cut 30%

10.     Deportations 

           Increased funding for deportations reduces funding for other programs

11.     AI Regulation

          Violates states rights which has larger impacts

12.     Increase in National Debt

           Reduces funding for other programs

13.     No taxes on tips

           Small positive for the African American community

Participants touched on some of these topics in a wide-ranging discussion. Additional topics discussed included: refugee status, racial profiling, the targeting of certain cities for National Guard deployments and complications in understanding current events caused by artificial intelligence and poor fact checking skills.

The book "The Great Contradiction: The Tragic Side of American Founding" (2025) by Joseph Ellis was recommended in the course of the discussion.

The meeting adjourned at 1:30 PM PST. The next meeting will be January 16, 2026 at 12:00 PM PST.