19 Basic Rules for Black Unity, Survival, and Progress
1. Support Black religious and non-religious institutions, Community-Based Organizations, and Activists who are consistently
addressing community issues.
2. Support Black businesses, create Black micro-economic enterprises; make donations to Black causes.
3. Support Black family and community life; establish better Black male/female relations; assist Black youth and protect Black
elders.
4. Support positive independent Black media; challenge negative media. Be informed and inform – “each one teach one.”
5. Stop Black-on-Black violence; oppose crime, drugs, and exploitation of Black communities.
6. Be concerned about the plight of Blacks in prison; create and support prison outreach programs and re-entry efforts.
7. Oppose unjust wars, oppression, racism, discrimination, gentrification; demand civil and human rights.
8. Oppose and organize against police profiling, harassment, and brutality.
9. Register to vote and hold elected officials accountable; but more important than voting is to participate in building strong
self-determined Black community institutions.
10. Get involved in local school issues; create community-based alternative educational learning centers.
11. Secure and defend Black communities; have pride in Black neighborhoods; advocate for Black interests.
12. Organize block-clubs and mutual-aid networks; promote principled and operational Black Unity.
13. Have regular open community forums; discuss and debate critical social economic issues; offer constructive criticism.
14. Oppose self-serving agendas, divisiveness, dis-unity; don't spread gossip, and control jealousy.
15. Participate in community affairs; become a volunteer or mentor.
16. Promote health awareness; exercise and eat nutritiously.
17. Be concerned about environmental issues; don't litter.
18. Practice the 3 R’s of Respect, Responsibility, and Righteousness.
19. Observe Black History Month, Juneteenth, Black August, the Day of Atonement (Million Man March), Kwanzaa, and other
significant Black Days of Remembrance.
