The First Congress of Black America: Rise Up, FBA! Build Our Future, Free from Oppression

The devaluation of Black men across the globe demands we declare: Black Men Matter. We are vital to our families, communities, and the world. As Foundational Black Americans (FBAs)—descendants of enslaved Africans in the U.S.—our history of surviving slavery, Jim Crow, unfulfilled civil rights promises, the mirage of Obama’s “post-racial” era, and MAGA’s backlash proves we need our own voice. The First Congress of Black America is our solution—a unified body to reclaim our power, preserve our heritage, and build a future free from oppression. Join us at blkmenmatter.com to make this vision real, inspired by leaders like Ibrahim Traoré breaking free from colonial chains in Burkina Faso.Mission StatementThe First Congress of Black America will empower Foundational Black Americans through political, economic, and cultural self-determination. We aim to demand reparations, protect our unique FBA heritage, and establish a sovereign platform for Black unity, echoing global movements for Black liberation.Why We Need a Black American CongressOur story is one of resilience against relentless harm. Slavery robbed us of wealth, creating a racial wealth gap where White households hold 11.5 times more net worth than Black ones (Federal Reserve, 2020). Jim Crow’s segregation and disenfranchisement linger in redlining and discriminatory policies. Civil rights victories didn’t end systemic racism—Black men are jailed at six times the rate of White men (The Sentencing Project, 2022). Obama’s presidency sold a “post-racial” dream that ignored ongoing inequities, while MAGA’s rhetoric attacks our progress. Like Traoré’s fight against colonial exploitation, we must break free from systemic oppression to secure our future. Without a congress, our heritage faces erasure, and our men remain devalued. Black Men Matter, and we need representation to prove it.Goals of the Congress

1. Reparations: Secure financial and land reparations to address centuries of stolen wealth.
2. Heritage Preservation: Safeguard our cultural legacy—from spirituals to hip-hop—against co-optation.
3. Economic Power: Build Black-owned schools, banks, and businesses for self-sufficient communities.
4. Political Voice: Advocate FBA-specific policies, independent of mainstream agendas.
5. Global Solidarity: Align with diaspora movements, inspired by Sahelian anti-colonialism, to uplift Black men worldwide.

Outlooks: A Vision for FreedomWe envision a Black America where FBAs thrive in self-governed communities with Black-owned farms, tech hubs, and schools teaching our true history. Reparations will fund every FBA family, mirroring Traoré’s resource reclamation in Burkina Faso. By 2030, we aim for a fully operational congress with elected delegates, a reparations framework, and global partnerships with African nations, ensuring Black men’s value is undeniable.Where Will the Congress Operate?

• Virtual Hub: A digital platform on blkmenmatter.com for FBAs to strategize, vote, and connect nationwide.
• Physical Base: A headquarters in a historic Black hub like Atlanta or Harlem for assemblies and cultural events.
• Global Reach: Chapters in diaspora communities (e.g., Brazil, Haiti) to align with the African Union’s Sixth Region vision, as we’ve discussed for diaspora unity.

What Will the Congress Do?

• Policy: Push for reparations, land grants, and protections against gentrification and incarceration.
• Community: Fund Black-owned institutions to foster economic justice.
• Culture: Create museums and media celebrating FBA contributions, rooted in our hip-hop generation vibe.
• Global Advocacy: Partner with anti-colonial leaders like Traoré to demand diaspora accountability.

When Will It Start?The time is now. Systemic harm—police violence, economic exclusion, cultural erasure—demands action. We propose:

• 2026: Virtual summit on blkmenmatter.com to draft a charter and nominate leaders.
• 2027: First in-person assembly to elect delegates and set reparations goals.
• Ongoing: Monthly forums and annual conferences to sustain momentum.

Leaders to Ignite the CongressWe need bold FBA voices to lead this charge. Let’s call on:

• @19KeysOfficial: Inspiring Black consciousness and FBA pride.
• @DrUmarJohnson: Advocating Pan-Africanist education and Black institutions.
• @BoyceWatkins: Driving financial empowerment to close the wealth gap.
• @NuriMuhammad: Promoting discipline and community through Nation of Islam teachings.
• @RizzaIslam: Rallying youth for justice and self-determination.
• @RolandSMartin: Amplifying FBA issues through fearless journalism.
• @TommySotomayor: Sparking raw dialogue on Black men’s challenges.

These leaders, rooted in FBA identity, can shape a congress that speaks to our heritage and future, just as Traoré leads Burkina Faso’s liberation.Call to ActionBlack Men Matter, and our heritage demands a First Congress of Black America to break free from oppression. This is our moment to build a nation where FBAs thrive. Visit blkmenmatter.com to join the movement and share your vision. Comment below: Should we prioritize reparations, education, or economic power? Rise up, FBA! #BlackAmericaRising #FBA #ReparationsNow