At this year’s Atlanta Black Expo, the conversation was deeper than business and networking, it was about power, politics, and the future of Black communities. In an insightful sit-down, Lex Kelly interviewed Kazemde Ajamu, a community leader, author, and founder of the Black Dot Cultural Center, to unpack the role of politics as a community management system and why understanding the flow of money is crucial for Black empowerment.
For too long, politics has been seen as a game played by politicians, but Ajamu wants Black communities to see it as something much more personal, a system that manages the resources that impact our daily lives. He emphasized that money moves from the federal level to the state and then to local governments, and understanding that flow is key to holding officials accountable.
“If we don’t pay attention to where the money is going, it won’t reach our communities in the ways we need it to,” Ajamu explained. He highlighted the necessity of civic education, stressing that knowing how local government works is just as important as voting.
Beyond DEI: Prioritizing civil rights
Ajamu also addressed the growing corporate focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), arguing that while these initiatives have value, they should not overshadow civil rights. “Equity without civil rights is just a watered-down promise,” he said, urging Black professionals to ensure that corporate and government policies actively benefit Black communities, not just serve as performative gestures.
The power of community involvement
According to Ajamu, real change doesn’t come from just electing officials; it comes from active participation. He encouraged more community members to engage with local government, whether through town halls, school boards, or civic organizations and to start building institutions that support future generations.
“We need more than just representation, we need infrastructure. Schools, businesses, cultural centers, financial institutions—we have to create what will serve us long-term,” he stated.
AI and the future of Black leadership
In a world rapidly evolving with technology, Ajamu is not only focusing on tradition but also looking ahead. He shared how he’s integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into his workflow to improve his writing, outreach, and community engagement. AI tools, he said, help streamline his work and expand his impact, particularly in educating and mobilizing the Black community.
“AI isn’t just for big corporations. We need to be leveraging this technology for storytelling, business, and education in ways that benefit us,” he emphasized.
Support Black businesses: Visit Black Dot Cultural Center
Before wrapping up, Ajamu made a call to action: support Black businesses. He invited attendees and listeners to visit Black Dot Cultural Center, his bookstore and leadership academy dedicated to empowering Black communities through literature, history, and education.
“Our dollars should circulate within our community multiple times before leaving it. When you support Black businesses, you’re investing in our future,” Ajamu said.
Final thoughts
This conversation at the Atlanta Black Expo was a necessary reminder that politics isn’t just about elections, it’s about economics, accountability, and community-building. Ajamu’s insights serve as a blueprint for how Black communities can navigate power structures, integrate technology, and build institutions that will last for generations.
For more on Kazemde Ajamu and how to support his work, visit blackdotcc.com.
