SisterTableTalk™

Black women did not create welfare; however, they became the face of it when its origin was for white widowed women. If you've ever wondered how Black women became associated with welfare in America's social perception, you're about to discover a history that will transform your understanding. Spoiler alert: What you think you know about the story may not reveal the complete truth. The Real Origin of Welfare Picture this: It's 1935, and America is drowning in the Great Depression. President Franklin D. Roosevelt launches his New Deal, creating the foundation of what we now call "welfare." But here's what your history books probably didn't emphasize: these programs were designed by white people, for white people. Understanding this context helps us appreciate the complexities behind our social systems today. The Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) program was initially designed with a narrow focus, specifically to assist white widowed wome...

Sisters, we need to have an honest conversation about what's happening in our economy right now. The numbers don't lie, and they're telling a story we can no longer ignore. The unemployment rate for black women has surged to 6%, double that of white workers, with the most significant spikes occurring in recent months. While other groups are maintaining or improving their employment rates, we're regressing. In May, black women's unemployment climbed to 5.8%, up from 5.3% a year ago, even surpassing the jobless rate for Black men. But here's the deeper issue that nobody is talking about: where our money goes after we earn it. The Money Trail: Following Our Dollars Out the Door Understanding Our Economic Footprint: A Candid Look at Our Spending Patterns. We must be honest about where our money goes. When we invest in our appearance, whose benefits are we truly reaping? Research from the University of Georgia's Selig Center reveals a painful truth:...

For women facing crises like escaping domestic abuse, losing a job unexpectedly, or dealing with housing instability, economic empowerment is essential. This empowerment is more than just earning a paycheck; it is a key step toward a better life. It helps women not only survive but also thrive, leading them to greater success. By working together, we can support this vital change and make a lasting impact on their lives! Self-Sufficiency: Meeting Needs Without Sacrificing Dignity Self-sufficiency means having equitable systems and support that restore dignity and independence, enabling one to provide for oneself through a combination of adequate resources, essential skills, and a strong sense of confidence in one's abilities. It encompasses the capacity to meet basic needs, such as nutritious food, safe and secure shelter, accessible healthcare, and reliable childcare, all while maintaining independence from external dependencies. Agency: The Right to Choose and Control Agen...

In Matthew 25:14–30, Jesus shares the Parable of the Talents, which is a powerful story about three servants entrusted with resources by their master. While two invested and multiplied their talents, the third hid his talent out of fear. His excuse? "I was afraid." How many of us are doing the same? Letting fear, perfectionism, or comparison diminish our gifts can lead us to hide our ideas, dreams, and skills — the things that have the power to transform our lives and those of others. Remember, God placed purpose within you not to be buried, but to be built upon, to grow, to multiply, and to make an impact on the world. Whether it's your voice, your vision, your creativity, or your ability to lead, you are accountable for what you do with what God gave you. At The SOFEI Group , we help women overcome fear and self-doubt to achieve financial independence. You don't need more permission, you need movement. Now is the moment to embrace your authentic self ...

For generations, women have faced heart-wrenching decisions, with one of the most difficult being the choice between pursuing a fulfilling career and embracing the role of a full-time mother. While men often receive admiration for their fatherhood without significant professional repercussions, women frequently feel compelled to sacrifice their economic stability, career aspirations, and long-term financial security when they choose to become mothers. It's a complex and emotionally charged struggle that reflects the deep-seated societal expectations placed on women. But What is the Real Cost? According to national labor data, women who take career breaks for caregiving experience significant financial setbacks, losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in wages, retirement savings, and opportunities for promotion over their lifetimes. For Black and Brown mothers, the consequences are even more severe because of fewer safety nets, limited access to paid leave, and considerable bar...

Psalm 139:14 states, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well," This verse goes beyond your spiritual comfort and straight into your career strategy? What Is Divine DNA? Every woman carries a Divine DNA , a unique blend of gifts, experiences, wisdom, and purpose that is irreplaceable and unmatched. Your natural talents, lived experiences, and deepest calling are what the world needs. Divine DNA transcends mere skills ; it embodies your unique approach to everything you do, instilling a sense of safety in clients that they find nowhere else. For example, your team turns to you for genuine solutions rather than temporary fixes because your Divine DNA empowers you to perceive problems and possibilities others overlook. Imagine two women with the same degree and years of experience in the same industry. One woman turned her financial hardship into strength, mastering the art of resource...

Recent headlines regarding artificial intelligence and automation often evoke concern, such as AI Will Replace Millions of Jobs and Automation is Coming for Your Career. For individuals who have recently experienced a layoff from a federal position or public institution, these messages can resonate on a personal level and may feel daunting. It is critical to stay informed and understand the implications of these developments in the job market. What AI Cannot Replace? AI has made significant advances in tasks like composing emails and analyzing data; however, AI cannot fully replicate human qualities such as empathy, ethics, effective communication, and sound judgment. These traits are crucial in many high-demand careers, where individual experiences and insights play a significant role in making a positive impact, and certain professions will prevent individuals from being displaced by AI. Here are fields actively seeking people with your combination of experience and em...

Sarah's world turned upside down on a Tuesday morning when she received the divorce papers, coinciding with the week her job was eliminated. With two kids, a mortgage to pay, and no clear direction for her future, she felt overwhelmed. However, six months later, she was running her own consulting business and had never felt more confident about what lay ahead. What changed? Sarah learned that empowerment isn't something that happens to you; it's something you create for yourself. Beyond the Paycheck: What Real Empowerment Looks Like Economic empowerment goes beyond your bank account balance. It involves having the ability to make choices about your life, the confidence to pursue your goals, and the clarity to envision a path forward, even when circumstances appear challenging. When women are economically empowered, they can survive unexpected challenges and transform them into opportunities. They move from reacting to life to actively creating the life they want. Th...

"The Big Beautiful Bill" was initially promoted as a significant advancement for American families. However, following its passage and the decline in public enthusiasm, a different reality has emerged. The legislation appears to provide more reductions in services than benefits, particularly impacting low-income households, women of color, and women-led families who are the most vulnerable and who cannot afford to lose crucial support, raising an important question: Whose beauty are we celebrating? What's Actually in the Bill: A Closer Loo k Instead of expanding opportunity as promised, the bill introduces deep reductions to social safety net programs millions of Americans rely on to survive and thrive. SNAP (Food Stamps) Under Attack The bill introduces stricter eligibility criteria and expands work requirements, which may disproportionately affect single mothers and older women. When considering the impact of inflation, the actual value of benefit amounts is dimin...