Before the current global pandemic began, we were already in crisis. Powerful, wealthy, and largely white-led corporations and individuals were attacking us not just as workers, but as people of color, mothers and fathers, tenants and homeowners, patients and debtors, caregivers, students, and community members. We were living on the edge: one paycheck away from financial ruin, one phone call away from losing our freedom or our lives. All of this while corporations and billionaires were increasing their wealth and power at rapid rates. 

Communities of color were particularly under siege, facing not only all these realities to a greater degree, but on top of them, the daily threat of violence from a racist system. The global pandemic has deepened all of these problems. The uprisings after George Floyd’s murder have magnified them. 

We can already see what is coming next: City, state, and federal governments, corporations, and politicians across our country are calling for austerity and concessions from workers and communities, on the one hand, while proclaiming “Black Lives Matter,” on the other. Disney recently laid off 100,000 workers — even though it still plans to give $1.5 billion to shareholders — while sharing a video touting how the company aims to “lead the way” on addressing racism. 

The reality is that while the richest folks in the world have increased their wealth by hundreds of billions, the companies they lead are planning to evict us, lay us off, and cut vital programs that keep our families fed and off the streets. 

We need to go on offense united to make sure they pay their fair share – a more equitable world is possible.

For more information on our austerity work, contact KB at kb.brower@gmail.com.