PowerNomics : The National Plan to Empower Black America

by Claud Anderson

PowerNomics: The National Plan to Empower Black America is a five-year plan to make Black America a prosperous and empowered race that is self-sufficient and competitive as a group by the year 2005. In this book, Dr. Anderson obliterates the myths and illusions of black progress and brings together data and information from many different sources to construct a framework for solutions to the dilemma of Black America. In PowerNomics: The National Plan, Dr. Anderson proposes new principles, strategies and concepts that show blacks a new way to see, think, and behave in race matters. The new mind set prepares blacks to take strategic steps to create a new reality for their race. It offers guidance to others who support blacks self-sufficiency. In this book, Dr. Anderson offers insightful analysis and action steps blacks can take to redesign core areas of life - Education, Economics, Politics and Religion - to better benefit their race. The action steps in each area require new empowerment tools that Dr. Anderson presents - a new group vision and a new culture of empowerment - tools designed to counter, if not break many of the racial monopolies in society. Vertical integration and Industrializing black communities are other major concepts and strategies that he presents in the book. He places a great deal of importance on building industries in black communities that are constructed upon group competitive advantages. A the same time he announced the release of PowerNomics: The National Plan, he also announced that he has established several models of the strategies he proposes in the book. PowerNomics: The Plan, is infused with Dr. Anderson's trademark creative thinking and answers questions such as: - Why are blacks the only group that equates success with working in a White corporation, government or the entertainment industry? - How did power and wealth - businesses, resources, privileges, income and control of all levels of government get so disproportionately distributed into the hands of White society?

Genres: Economics, Nonfiction, Politics, Race, Business, History, African American

288 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2001

Reviews

[Ced Crawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Claud Anderson does in this book what only one other scholar (the late Dr. Amos Wilson) has done - he introduces a full-fledged, well considered and well researched *plan* to black America to improve its socio-economic condition in the United States. Further, Dr. Anderson shows how these conditions have come about and what specific, key solutions are required to prevent black people in this nation from falling further behind and into a pit of economic, political, and cultural malaise from which the good doctor believes there may be no return after a time.

Bear in mind that the concepts introduced in "Powernomics" were done back in the 1990s, so Dr. Anderson's predictions, some of which have taken place, were designed to prevent the further disintegration of the black American community and its continued fall into a state of disrepair. But his ideas are still worthy and, this reviewer says, must be implemented at once if black America is to preserve itself from the economic and social haze that is already upon this nation!

This is a book every serious black person in the States should have already read, absorbed, and put into action at some level in his or her community.

[Reka Beezy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definite read for pro-black people who wish to make a difference; this book provides the framework.

[Kyle Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Claude Anderson starts out sharing a little bit of history about United States & racism from economic & political lens. Then he goes into sharing ideas that he believes can be helpful to building the black community taking a look at behaviors & beliefs that many black people hold.

Black empowerment is about moving with self-interest of the group in mind. Finding ways to help build our communities vertically and in a cooperative manner. It’s not about looking down or spreading hate to other communities. It’s about gaining control over our own resources and using proper organization & strategy to help each other. Most groups act out of self-interest most of the time we collaborate with other groups our wants/needs get out on the back burner. Most groups that have arrived in America after black Americans have succeeded them. Most people view this as normal and it’s not. Many even go to the extent of blaming black Americans. America is weird place.


When I first started this book I was pretty pessimistic, thinking I was about to dive into hypothetical ass solution. But honestly, this books has some gems, here’s 4 of my Take always.

• This book has helped me understand the idea of black economics & what we can really do if we can keep increasing how often the dollar circulate in the black community. On a personal I’ve started swapping items that I use with more black owned products/services (conscious consumerism) . S/o the inters of nets.

• I always wondered why after the civil rights movement so many black movements seemed to die down. I even went to the African American history museum in D.C and read every poster. But couldn’t really put together an answer. But I think this book has helped me gain a better understanding. I’ve begun to notice the ebb & flow of black education, entertainment , business, health & wellness , & financial literacy all coming together.

• I keep reading more and more about the power of churches. They accumulate about 13 million a year as of 2013. He talks about the role that churches have to play in development of Buisnesses in the black community. This is not something I’ve heard a lot of Christians talk about in my experience. But it seems that the black church have the resources to serve as a major catalyst of change. So some will and some won’t. Maybe someone else can educate me on this one haha

• I like how he compares different groups of communities to each other and identifies some values, behaviors, strategies that they’ve use to get where they are. And tries to pin point which one’s the black community can use & gives ideas of how.

Through out the book I’ve had questions related to the diversity of black people. Because I feel like we’re skipping steps when we start talking about black people moving as one, since we’re so diverse. We have different values, beliefs, hopes, and fears. With out the natural interest & education how can we even start to integrate vertically? Dr. Anderson talks about how not everyone will be on board, and he also talks about how our goal towards economic & political empowerment should be stronger then our differences in beliefs. And I’m willing to move with that in mind first, but I winder if others will.

Over all I enjoyed the book! And am glad I read it . Hope you enjoy it if you decide to .

Balance

[Don Deezy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book, thank’s Dr. Claud Anderson for this very detailed plan for our community and for your continued efforts to fight for our quality of life & economic self sufficiency in a country that is growing more and more hostile towards us “Native Black Americans” as the most hated out group in this country.

[Dustin Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written 20 years ago and it's astonishing how many of his predictions have come true. The good news is we in the black community have begun to apply some of the ideas in listed.

A great read for any African American contemplating their place in U.S. society after post-2020.

[Luis Carlos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m biased, but this book should be required reading for every Black adult. Dr. Claud Anderson lays out a way forward for Blacks in a clear and succinct manner. The details and execution may need to be modified but the bones of Powernomics are solid.

[Jalen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the blueprint for economic success.

[Pemmwa Thee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The National Plan to Empower Black America, well thats thee under title, but Its for all peopel of thee world, it's just that it seems most fitting for Blacks inb America because of thee every day struggles in life that we face, but yet most of those struggles come from, not coming together as a culture. All in all a good read. It's a book that you will want to refresh yourself with from time to time

[Jonathan Cleveland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Anderson produces a great aid, through the development of this National Plan to empower and enrich Black Americans from the plagues of slavery and Jim Crowe which continue to haunt our communities in the present day. Unlike previous Black leaders, Dr. Anderson urges Blacks to put their feet to the pavement to demand their justice instead of waiting for them to be handed down by the domineering white society that has shown zero to little interest in liberating the "minority underclass". The only ways in which Blacks can begin to reclaim these liberties is through community unification and homogenous group practices like bloc voting, group economics, and creating codes of conduct to instill accountability. Jewish communities of New York and the Cuban communities in South Florida are popular examples he likes to tout as blueprints for Blacks to follow. In addition to these practices, Dr. Anderson also shares the dangers of aligning Black plight with other marginalized groups for it legitimizes their claim while taking away from the Black struggle and even re-envisions a new role for the Black church within our communities.

[Shannon Stamps (Shannon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I hope the reader understands that for Black's to challenge the concepts of immigration, minority, diversity and multi-cultural does not mean that we are against other groups. It does mean that we expect concentric circles of justice and that the people who built this country, Black people, should be at the center of the circle. We are the nation's oldest and most patriotic population group. Ninety-nine percent of all Black people were here fore 99 percent of all other population groups arrived. What is owed to us has never been acknowledged nor paid. We are the people who built the foundation of the greatest country on earth. We should receive the benefits of our work and that of our ancestors... " - Claud Anderson, Ed.D.

I honestly feel all Black people should read this

[Born Uhuru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus Garvey, Carter G. Woodson and Walter Rodney resurrected in this title. This is a must read title for African descended people. So much is relevant in this book and nothing Claud Anderson suggest is wrong. This is the only way that we’ll trod forward as a people and not as individual beings leashed under serfdom. Marcus Garvey advised us of this 100 years ago and now our backs are against the wall. We’re not going to be respected until we have economic power, undying respect and love for our “team.” African people are the share holders of a great history and we need to start showing that.

[Antione · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book in which should be required reading for Black people. It was frustrating to read because even though I knew we are at the bottom of every category it was hard to read why. I believe this plan could work and you wonder why more people like him are not on TV saying such. Praying and inclusion are not going to get Black people out of the conditions we are in, it has to be a plan like this.

[Trey Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend EVERY black person in America read this book. We tend to complain about there being no plan to fix our dilemma in this country; well this is a great start. Dr. Claud Anderson does an amazing job of pointing out other races that have succeeded in America by having a sense of unity among their people, and it’s time we do the same.

[Suave Marve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every black person living in America should have or should be reading this book! This book is excellent! It explained and answered a lot of things that I have question in life. It gives the solutions to many of the problems affecting the African American Community.

[Lazone Grays Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read to understand what can be done with a proper mindset.

[Iris Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Author period! This book is a great tool with solutions.

[Leon Kwasi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far only about 40% finished, but so far it's one of the best books that I have ever read. A lot of information and insight on how to correct a lot of the problems within the African diaspora.

[genita smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

i ike power nomiics

[Reads. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read. Informative and provides a plan blacks should live and strive to live by.

[joi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most necessary book of the year. Plan for all Americans who love Black culture to save it and heal the hurts of the black community

[Ronnie Fairley · Rating 4 out of 5]

PowerNomics was the first Black American-authored and topic-focused book I read. I enjoyed reading this book. I read PowerNomics in high school, and so many points went right over my head. From my recent reread, Dr. Anderson hones in on his reasonings for racial inequalities regarding Black Americans. He often comes from his experiences, from running a bus company to be involved in politics on Capitol Hill. Dr. Anderson talks about race, economics, religion, and culture. And their effect on Black Americans. The book features many in-depth charts and graphs relevant to the times and topics. I like how the author doesn't shy away from controversial issues. I would recommend this book, especially since it has aged well, in my opinion.

[Donald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great because it gives a plan for how to change the power and economic dynamics. Very interesting and worthy read

[Kimia LaShawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Black American, this particular title is constantly referenced when giving the conversation of self improvement is the topic. This book gives a detailed analysis of what Dr. Anderson feels would best impact the Black American community when dealing within and outside of the community and how we can (and he insists we must) improve the living and socioeconomic conditions of all melanated people globally, specifically the entire continent of Africa and the country of Brazil. Out of the 12 point plan I agree with 8, maybe 9. Each of these are specifically discussing the Black American community and her members. The idea that we have the influence (or affluence) to impact various communities on various continents (by 2005 according to Dr Anderson) will always be a far fetched idea and mostly unnecessary. Black American philanthropist and the likes will, and have, make the effort to impact ethnic groups outside of our own, the ability to do this requires that there is a majority still primarily and solely focused on applying portions of this great plan, or/and others, to the and for the Black American ethnic group.

Looking forward to reading the rest of the Dr.'s work! Awesome conversational piece with people who have read it.

[Zakiya Abdul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps I have a bias because I am Black, but this is necessary literature for ALL BLACK'S irrespective of where you live in this global world. Economies are the foundation of nations and states. A successful and effective nation has an efficient economy. This book outlined the historical reasons for the position of the black populous as an aggregate. He provided solutions and opportunities within this literature that can assist in actualizing advancement and economic opportunity for black community, neighbourhoods, which will then translate to towns, cities, etc.

Touches on the psychology of blacks, to provide context. Good playbook for anyone being introduced to economics in relation to black communities. Should be mandatory reading either in schools, or household. If I have children, will be passing this on.

Foundational educational literature for blacks that I found you can pick up and reference, make notes, and don't need to read it like a novel. Can reference sections, it has diagrams and charts to also bring home the idea to the reader.

[A37 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Capitalist Nigger speaks about the spiderweb doctrine but offers no way to achieve it.

Powernomics writes a plan on how to achieve this spiderweb doctrine and how a well-co-ordinated black nation would operate.

His video on YouTube that breaks down the pillars of Powernomics would be a good start before the reading the book.
Then after that, read the book.

The book was edited quite well.
It’s often sad to see poor workmanship on important African texts but Claud Anderson’s publishing is of the highest quality. He’s a highly functional man.

It’s just sad at the end when you contemplate whether we’ve implemented this or not.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anderson drafts a blueprint for a subtle revolution. PowerNomics challenges foundational assumptions to envision re-weaving Black people into American society as economic equals.

Applying his core idea of group action to multiple areas of life/society make the presentation a bit repetitive. Definitely worth reading.

[Amber Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful, none the less.

[Thoughtful Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I only wished I could have been at an open forum conference when reading this book. Simply reading this book is not enough. This book calls for action!!! Change will come.

[kimberly kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! A must read for African Americans it is very progressive and provides realistic and practical ideas for improving the state of black America!

[Diya Shakoor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read!