OPINION | SECTION
why the african american community should pay attention to the prospect of a U.s.-iran war
Black men and women have participated in every American war from 1775 to the present day. They did so while facing enormous discrimination at home.
By John Paul RoBeare | July 12, 2025
“”Black Americans helped to build and defend this nation—often without receiving the justice they deserved. Though history shows repeated neglect after each war, continued engagement remains vital to ensure that future generations can rise, thrive, and lead. Depending on the circumstances of the war, there is always the option to protest through your constitutionally protected rights of the First Amendment.
Why should African Americans and Blacks care about the Israel-Iran War or President Donald Trump’s attack on Iran? Many Blacks say It’s not our business. It’s a long war that has been going on for decades, if not centuries—rooted in deep religious differences, squabbles about land, and political power and domination in the Middle East.
Even more perplexing, what, if any, would a war between the United States and Iran have to do with Black struggles in America? Blacks have enough on their plates trying to survive in a racist system that strips people of color of their dignity and the right to live free of discrimination, harm, and want.
Well, quite frankly, the answer to that question is emphatically, a lot. The Black community and its future is severely aligned with the decisions of this White House to enter into a war with Iran or any other country.
Besides the fact that African Americans had a well documented and not so endearing of a struggle in America historically—now, under this abusive “Trumpian,” corporate, bureaucratic, technological, immoral, and totalitarian controlled administration—we must still find a way to endure. These are not just empty words to describe this administration, it is real and factual, and the fallout resulting from Trump’s executive orders are happening now. in real time.
Today, in 2025, African Americans are fully immersed in the American culture and system of government and democracy. African American/Africans have played a vital role in building and shaping the United States of America. From America’s very foundation to its development and defense, Blacks contributions are woven into the fabric of American culture and its history.
So, there can be no standing on the sidelines, as your action is required. Black enslaved people built America’s infrastructure and its economy. Black soldiers fought in every major war defending this country and its honor—giving them equal ownership to this land. And although Blacks were discriminated against as they defended the nation, Blacks must fight for their stake in this country whether in war or protesting against it. Your decision and voice is crucial and valued beyond what one can imagine.
FACTS REGARDING THE POSIBILITY OF A MILITARY CONFRONTATION WITH IRAN TO HELP IN THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS
A war with Iran sparked by U.S. involvement through Trump’s self-glorified “Operation Midnight Hammer” would have significant and disproportionate effects on African Americans—both directly and indirectly. Historically, marginalized communities in the United States, especially African Americans, have often borne the brunt of national crises—militarily or economically.
If the Trump administration is unable to secure a deal and Iran should take steps to retaliate against the U.S., and ignite a full-blown war, African Americans/Blacks could be adversely impacted in several key areas including military service, economic stability, civil rights, healthcare, and their community’s well-being.
Trump announces that the U.S., under his direction, bombed Iran’s Nuclear sites with multiple airstrikes. He has insisted the military “obliterated” the Iranian nuclear facilities. As he declares victory, conflicting reports indicates doubt. The question now is will he go back to finish the job?
Firstly, African Americans are overrepresented in the lower ranks of the U.S. military. This means that in the event of a war, especially one that demands rapid escalation and deployment of ground forces, Black service members would most likely face increased risk of injury, trauma, and death, as many would be on the first line of defense.
Additionally, if a draft were reinstated—which, while unlikely, but is always a wartime possibility—it could disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities which may have fewer avenues for deferment or exemption. The psychological and familiar toll of war deployments would ripple through Black communities across the nation.
THE ECONOMIC IMPACT EXPLAINED IN DETAIL
Wars tend to raise the issues of “Guns and Butter”—which refers to the economic trade-offs the U.S. would face when deciding how and where to allocate its resources between military spending. For example, guns, require more money for defense, weapons, personnel, and equipment. On the other hand, Butter requires social programs like education, healthcare, welfare, and infrastructure development.
In simpler terms, it comes down to a decision of whether the federal government will choose to spend more of its currency on the war efforts or problems at home. Lets be strategically clear, as Blacks in America, we are part of America’s human ecosystem (regardless of whether we are treated fairly or not, which is a separate issue). However, Black citizens living in America must take part in the process. And that’s whether we support the government’s war effort or the citizens’ protesting under their Constitutionally protected First Amendment—to stand up against the senseless and destructive Israel-Iran war or a U.S. incursion elsewhere.
Photo by Odette Cattryese
The inner-cities and its people are already under distress from unequal and discriminatory programs aimed at minorities across America. Another unjust war can only make worse, an already bad situation.
Economically and historically, wars tend to strain national resources and redirect public-spending from domestic programs to defense. African American communities, which already suffer from higher poverty rates and lower access to economic opportunity—under a war with Iran, potentially, could see reduced funding for social programs, public education, healthcare, and housing assistance. All of these reductions are in the wake of the passing of Trump’s new “Big Beautiful Bill,” which will deplete the level of funding earmarked to support low income American citizens.
These divestments would further widen the racial wealth gap and reinforce systemic disadvantages. Additionally, inflation and job market instability are common consequences of prolonged military conflict and would likely exacerbate financial insecurity in already vulnerable communities. The time to let your voices be heard is before a war breaks out is now, because after it does, it’s too late.
Photo by ev
During the Vietnam War, blockades of thoroughfares and other forms of protest became increasingly common place. Ultimately, these protest forced President Johnson to begin peace talks with the North Vietnamese to suspend the bombing. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., played a key role in the Vietnam War—although unpopular—he declared the war was an enemy of the poor and disenfranchised citizens in America.
Coupled with the mentioned controversial war time effects on African Americans, it will also strain many in white America. This cause and effect would inevitably cause a shift back to the days of Jim Crow for many: a period, which took place primarily in the South, where state and local laws promoted racial segregation, inequality, and disenfranchisement of African Americans/Blacks.
They also promoted a series of other practices that included: voter suppression, redlining, and more. Today, the United States and its citizens are in a precarious position, where people are forced to make undesirable decisions as survival mechanisms. These decisions compel tribalism: the strong identification with and loyalty to one’s group at the expense of others. These attributes further lead to negatives consequences like prejudices, and discrimination against those outside tne group and even violence.
Finally, the cumulative stress of war, economic instability, and systemic inequality can lead to deteriorating mental and physical health issues in Black and minority communities.
Ultimately, limited access to quality healthcare and mental health services will be the norm. This will mean that African Americans may struggle to cope with the indirect consequences of the war. For instance, things like grief, anxiety, and community trauma and even death, would become pervasive and problematic. Which by all appearances seems to be an acceptable standard for this administration.
In summation: In the broader sense, a war with Iran or any other country, could amplify existing disparities and further entrench racial inequality and prevent safeguarding at-risk populations during times of national crisis.
Photo Regarn Hope
Any war, no matter the cause, puts everything on the line and at risk—but none more so than the future of our most vulnerable: the children who will inherit the world we leave behind. They stand to not only lose their family, friendships, safety, and dignity, but their dreams, and hopes for a better life. A life of adventure and real opportunity—promised by a government that said, “We got your back.“