The late comedian Redd Foxx once said, “Negroes, we don’t kill ourselves. We too hip to suffering.” I’ve always believed he was right. But the more I see Black people sinking under the weight of the bad economy; I’m starting to wonder.

I am going to believe the tragic incident in Los Angeles is an isolated occurrence of a man and woman who in their weakness, despair and selfishness decided to say “F— it” and take their lives along with the lives of their children. I won’t believe this is a trend. Sure an individual can see no way out and think his or her life is no longer worth anything so why bother living an up-hill climb; but to take the life of innocent children moves this case to another level where temporary insanity and the most irrational thinking overcame two people who could not think of any possible option for anyone in their family.

Wondering if you will have a job today, tomorrow, next week or next month puts tremendous strain and pressure on even the strongest, practical people. People are suffering from too many financial obligations. Too many people and families are one paycheck away from not being able to meet those obligations.  Individuals with savings or some kind of nest egg worry about life and how it will be lived if a pink slip comes their way so imagine how one can feel if they are living paycheck to paycheck as so many families are. Everyone wants a better life for themselves and their family. People work hard and deserve the comforts of life. Count me in as one of those people. Unfortunately, a better life usually means more and better material things that have to be paid for usually over time aka credit.

Back in the mid-60’s when Foxx made his remarks which were part of his act, Black American families for the most part did not enjoy the lifestyle and opportunity they do now. Few enjoyed the fruits of the American dream as so many Black families do today. Personal prosperity, home ownership, college graduates, business ownership, and professional employment are at the highest levels in Black American history; this in spite of the economy. But let us not forget when America catches a cold, Black America catches pneumonia. This current cold called the economy is the biggest cold America has experienced since the depression of the late 1920’s and early 1930’s. In great numbers Black Americans are losing well paying jobs, our dream homes in trendy neighborhoods are in foreclosure, our late model cars are being repossessed, and creditors are relentlessly calling about late or missed payments. We now have much more to lose than we did when Foxx made his joke.

When we are unable through no fault of our own to pay for the lifestyle we have earned and acquired do we take our lives? I say no. I say that is not our call. I say our children need us to show them how to survive no matter what life has thrown our way. I say live. Live and be strong in the face of adversity for what is in us is greater than what is in the world and because of that we can make it. Life is a great gift, live it, and be creative in how you approach this or any crisis.

Say It Loud!