2012 Holds the Key to Black America's Success ... or Failure

Sure President Obama is up for reelection but there is more at stake

As 2011 closes, the African American community stands at a crossroads.  For the first time in our nation's history, an African American presidential candidate enters an election year as an incumbent.  No longer relegated to the margins of political power, people of African decent have finally proven that they can break through the proverbial glass ceiling and perform under pressure.  And Barack Obama may not have walked on water his first term, but he tip-toed on hot charcoal.  From the Affordable Care Act to the death of Osama Bin Laden, Obama was able to push forth meaningful initiatives, even while dodging thinly veiled racism and political tom foolery from his opponents.  Yeah, we don't live in a post-racial society, but these last 4 years have had to be rough for die hard racists. #justsaying

But even though President Obama has shattered the boundaries, the majority of African Americans are really struggling.

The once growing black middle class is shrinking by the month.  By the time the year ends, more than 11% of African American homeowners will have lost their homes,  16% of African American workers will be unemployed and 36,000 blacks will have been murdered since the president took office.  And it doesn't look like things will be getting any better any time soon. The current economic forecast looks dark for dark skinned people as manufacturing, construction and a changing health care industry have all been hampered by the sluggish market. Without a stimulus sized investment in 2013, many experts predict that the American economy will likely spiral into a depression during the next four years.  Whoever is elected in 2012 will have to bring it like Billy Blanks if the African American community has a chance of getting back into even half way decent financial shape.