The events of January 6, 2021, when a violent mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, represent more than an attack on democracy—they symbolize a rejection of the progress that countless Americans, particularly African Americans, have fought generations to achieve.
As we observe Black History Month, it’s crucial to connect these dots: the insurrection wasn’t just about overturning an election; it was about denying the power of votes cast largely by Black communities in cities like Atlanta, Detroit, and Philadelphia.
The Historical Context
African Americans have fought for economic freedom since the first enslaved person arrived on these shores. From emancipation through Reconstruction, from the Great Migration to the Civil Rights Movement, the struggle for economic justice has been inseparable from the fight for political power. The right to vote wasn’t just about civic participation, it was about having a say in economic policies, labor laws, housing access, and wealth-building opportunities that had been systematically denied.
The 2020 election saw record Black voter turnout, particularly in key states. These voters weren’t just exercising democratic rights; they were advocating for economic policies addressing systemic inequality, healthcare access, student debt relief, and living wages. The insurrection sought to nullify these voices.
Economic Freedom Under Threat
When insurrectionists attempted to overturn election results, they attacked the economic aspirations of communities that have historically been excluded from wealth-building. Consider the statistics: the median white family has roughly eight times the wealth of the median Black family. Black unemployment consistently runs higher than white unemployment. The homeownership gap between Black and white Americans remains wider than it was during the Jim Crow era. Reducing this gap has become my life’s work.
These disparities didn’t happen by accident—they resulted from deliberate policies including redlining, discriminatory lending, and ongoing wage theft. Political power through voting is one of the few tools available to address these injustices through policy change.
The Ongoing Struggle
The January 6th insurrection reminds us that progress toward economic and political equality faces fierce resistance. Just as Reconstruction was followed by Jim Crow, and Civil Rights victories were met with backlash, today’s movements for economic justice face organized opposition.
Black History Month calls us to remember not just the struggles of the past, but to recognize their continuation in the present. The fight for economic freedom for fair wages, affordable housing, access to capital, quality education, and healthcare remains as urgent today as when Dr. King led the Poor People’s Campaign in 1968.
Moving Forward
We honor Black history by defending democracy and expanding economic opportunities. This means protecting voting rights, supporting policies that address wealth gaps, investing in Black-owned businesses and communities, and ensuring that the voices of all Americans are heard and respected in our political process.
The insurrection failed, but the work continues. Economic freedom and political power remain intertwined, just as they were when formerly enslaved people first fought for their right to vote and own property. This Black History Month, we must recommit ourselves to the unfinished work of building a society where democracy and economic opportunity are accessible to all, regardless of race.
The struggle continues, and so must we.
Bill Diggs is the executive director of the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust.
