Economic Liberation

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‘The tools of capitalism can be neutral’: Author Rachel Laryea talks ‘Black Capitalists’
MSNBC· 2025-06-29 19:45
Core Concept of Black Capitalism - Black capitalism acknowledges the impact of race on participation in capitalism and aims to create a more equitable system, especially within the Black community [2] - It recognizes the exploitative, extractive, violent, and racist underpinnings of capitalism while seeking ways to engage with the system to achieve new economic outcomes [2][3] - It balances the tension between the potential of free market capitalism for Black liberation and its historical role in oppressing Black people [4] Reconciling Contradictions - The approach involves being critical of the existing system while acknowledging that the tools of capitalism can be neutral and used creatively and innovatively to create new economic outcomes [6] - It emphasizes leveraging available tools in the present while striving for a more just and equitable system in the future [7] - Individuals can participate in the economy in a less exploitative and extractive way by making conscious choices with their wallets [9] Individual and Communal Impact - Personal experiences, such as witnessing wealth correlated with whiteness, can shape the desire to explore what it means to be both Black and thriving [11] - Black capitalism provides a blueprint for individual and communal thriving while acknowledging the tensions and problematics inherent in the system [13] - There are scalable and communal examples of how to engage with capitalism in ways that disrupt traditional understandings and experiences [13] Global Considerations - It addresses the balance between participating in free market capitalism in America and avoiding global imperialism and oppression in other markets [7] - Individuals should strive for financial freedom and economic liberation in a way that is not dependent on someone else's exploitation and extraction [9]