When Congressman Hank Johnson took his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, he embarked on a journey to enhance citizens’ civil liberties. Serving his eighth term in the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia’s 4th Congressional District, his efforts to empower constituents continues to climb up the political hierarchy and improve the quality of life for everyday Americans.
What do you suggest future leaders consider in crafting policy and laws for this country?
Can you share your part in helping advance equity for HBCUs and black-owned businesses?
Rolling out has had a part in making this happen. For us to bring equity into U.S. government spending with Black-owned businesses, even in media. Millions of dollars are spent per year by various agencies by subcontracting out this media work with large media firms that are supposed to, in good faith, parcel out work to everyone. But instead, throughout history, we’ve found that the spreading of those dollars never ends up in the hands of the few Black media outlets that have ever existed in this country. I appreciate having the opportunity to work with you all to bring awareness that the money has yet to be forthcoming, and we are still mistreated even after paying taxes. Those dollars should be used to enhance the viability of our businesses, and we are still waiting to see this across the board.
Why should our youth demand equity from this society?
We’ve got to acknowledge and come to grips with the fact that racism is endemic in this country. Systemic racism permeates the soil [and] until we understand that we’re not going to make progress. So, folks don’t want to part with the privilege and the money from that privilege. I mean, greed among people is just a condition of living. It’s hard to escape from. Those trying to establish an equitable position are met with hostility and resistance. So, we always have to be doing battle in every industry and enterprise. It’s unfair that we provide value to society, business, and government. But yet, we don’t enjoy our proportional share of the wealth.