How to Differentiate the Food Stamp Program from the SNAP

When a struggling and disabled black man in the US runs out of money to buy food, where should he go? The first thing that comes to mind is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that is better known under its former name, the Food Stamp Program. As the US Federal Government's most extensive food aid and nutrition program, it is meant to address the food adequacy needs of low-income households. The first iteration of the program was in 1939 with orange and blue-colored stamps or coupons. Individuals eligible for relief were issued the equivalent amount in orange stamps of their food expenses that they can use to buy any type of food. For every dollar of the orange stamps, 50 cents of blue stamps were given to buy food identified surplus by the government.

The second coming of the Food Stamp Program came by way of the Food Stamp Act of 1964 under the administration of President Lyndon Johnson. It was subsequently revamped by way of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 whose claim to fame was the removal of the food purchase requirement imposed on the qualified recipients. 

With the passage of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, the Food Stamp Program was given a new label, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It also authorized the use of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) as the vehicle for the release of assistance, and effectively ended the era of food stamps.

by Chibike I. Nwabude

What are the Rights of a Disabled Black Man in the US

The US is not known to be the most benefits-friendly country in the world for persons with disabilities (PWDs). According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, European countries like Sweden, Norway, and Finland have more generous compensation or benefits given to disabled persons than the US.  It is worth mentioning that the integration of the PWDs to society, including the workforce, in the US is above the OECD average. However, its integration efforts still pale compared to the inroads made by countries like Germany, Denmark, and Finland. A disabled black man in the US who wants to assert his rights can call on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to protect him.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the guiding civil rights law that shelters PWDs from unwanted discrimination. Passed as a law in 1990, its amended version with the title Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments (ADAAA) was signed into law and took effect on January 1, 2009. It mandates a no-discrimination policy for individuals with disabilities in the areas of employment, public transportation, and public accommodation. For those who experience discrimination at work, the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the agency tasked to regulate and enforce the law. The US Department of Justice, meanwhile, prosecutes violators in the public transportation and public accommodation sectors.

Black men and women PWDs need to know that discrimination should not be tolerated. When subjected to such, they have, at their disposal, the means and mechanism to fight back. 

by Chibike I. Nwabude

Where to get Housing for a Struggling Disabled Black Man or Any Destitute Person

 Being a black man is hard enough when you are in the US. It is even more so when one is financially struggling and disabled. Where can a needy and disabled black man or a destitute person go to have a roof over his head? What is he to do to avoid becoming one of the homeless vagrants out on the streets? 

One of his options is to take advantage of Section 8 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 that provides for subsidized housing. The subsidy falls under the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) run the Section 8 programs. In the Voucher Program, the eligible recipients still pay rent equivalent to at least 30% of their income. The balance of the rental payment comes from the Federal government in the form of vouchers. For disabled individuals who are working, there is a provision for sliding scale program pay as you earn and also another provision wherein the HUD will not consider the income earned for the first year and only 50% of the income for the second year. This keeps the rental amount partially frozen to allow the beneficiary to attain self-sufficiency. That goes with the saying, where there is a will there is a way. 

A second option is to avail of the HUD’s Supportive Housing Program. It involves housing projects converted by developers into long-term lease units in exchange for an acquisition or renovation grant of up to US$400K from the HUD. A tenant is required to pay at least a third of his income in rent. 

by Chibike I. Nwabude

Where Am I on My Rights as a Struggling Black Man?

 It may be old news to most Americans, but only a few people in the world know, that the 35th president of the US, John F. Kennedy, played a significant role in the continued protection of the civil rights of black Americans. Before his assassination in 1963, President Kennedy endorsed the law now known as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for approval of Congress. His untimely demise was the catalyst that catapulted the bill's passage through to the filibustering House of Representatives and the Senate before it was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded President Kennedy. To this day, struggling black men and women all over the US have taken refuge in salient provisions of the law.

First, the law made it possible for American citizens of any color to ride together on public transportation like buses. Second, it mandates that colored citizens are free to patronize hotels, restaurants, theaters, and other public places without fear of discrimination. Thirdly, it allowed American citizens, black or white, to study together in the same public schools. Finally, a provision that proved to be very significant was the creation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Any black man or woman who experiences discrimination in the workforce can file a complaint with the EEOC within 180 days of the discriminatory practice happening.

 Discrimination takes place when its target allows it. One must insist that the law be enforced. President Kennedy will roll in his grave if it is not.     

by Chibike I. Nwabude     

Bullying - Know Your Rights (Part 2)

Some people say that bullying is part of the experience of growing up. But bullying is never OK.

Responsibilities:

Individuals

Just as we are all born with human rights, we also have responsibilities to respect and protect the rights of others. This means that it is important to always be respectful of other people. We all have a responsibility to avoid all forms of bullying, including spreading gossip or making offensive comments about others online.

Respecting the rights of others applies to everyone, including people who are your friends and those who are not, people who are isolated, new to your school or workplace or may not be very popular.

If you see someone that has been bullied or treated badly you may be able to take safe and effective action to support them. Bullying is everyone’s problem. We are all part of the solution. Please read the fact sheet related to bystander bullying. A bystander is someone who sees or knows about bullying or other forms of violence that is happening to someone else. Bystanders can be either part of the bullying problem or an important part of the solution to stop bullying.

School and work

Your school has a responsibility to provide a safe learning environment free from violence, harassment and bullying. This protects your right to education.

Your boss has a responsibility to provide a safe work environment where there is no violence, harassment and bullying. This protects your right to work.

Government

Your human rights are protected by Federal human rights laws that the government has agreed to uphold. There are also laws that protect you from some forms of bullying and harassment. Some helpful information on where to go is provided on Federal Laws | StopBullying.gov

by Chibike I. Nwabude

Bullying - Know Your Rights (Part 1)

 If you are being bullied and need support, it is important that you read this factsheet and find out about your rights.

Human rights are important for everyone, everywhere, every day. All of our human rights are equally important and should be respected by everyone.

You have a right to feel safe and to be treated fairly and respectfully. Bullying or harassment can be a violation of these rights.

Bullying is an abuse of your human rights. It is a serious problem with serious mental and physical impacts. Bullying can affect you at home, school, work, in your social life and in your ability to feel happy, healthy and secure.

It is up to governments, schools, workplaces and individuals (including you) to make sure that every human right is respected. Please do not stand by and watch someone being bullied. Stand up and speak out.

Some of your rights that could be violated by bullying include:

- Your right to be free from mental, emotional and physical violence. Bullying is a form of violence. You have a right to be in a supportive environment (be that at school, work or online) that is respectful, safe and free from violence.

- Your right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Bullying can cause physical injuries, depression and other health issues.

- Your right to survival and development. Bullying can have serious impact on your physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development

- Your right to work and have a fair and safe workplace. Bullying at work can lead to physical and mental stress and depression. It can stop you being able to do your job well and cause you to need increased days off work.

- Your right to leisure and play. Bullying that occurs in places you play and socialize such as at school and on social networking sites and can impact on your ability to relax and enjoy different activities

- Your right to education. Bullying at school can make you feel unsafe and unwelcome. It can impact on your concentration and your mental and physical health. This may affect how well you do at school.

- Your right to participate and have your voice heard. Bullying can make you feel unsafe and prevent you from expressing your feelings and opinions at school, home, work, and with your friends. You have the right to express your views, to have your concerns taken seriously and to participate in decisions that directly affect you.

- Your right to privacy. Bullying, in particular cyberbullying can make things that are personal public. You have a right to have your privacy respected by others.

by Chibike I. Nwabude