The story of welfare in America is not just about helping the poor. It’s about control. It’s about power. And it’s about the slow, deliberate dismantling of the Black family. What started as a well-meaning program to lift people out of poverty turned into something far darker. The Democrats, who championed these policies, created a system that didn’t just fail Black families—it actively worked against them. Let’s break it down.
The Birth of Welfare: A Trojan Horse
Welfare in America didn’t start with the Democrats. It began in the early 20th century as a way to support widows and orphans. But in the 1960s, under President Lyndon B. Johnson, welfare took on a new form. Johnson declared a “War on Poverty” and launched programs like Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). On the surface, it seemed like a noble effort. But the fine print told a different story.
AFDC had a critical flaw: it rewarded single-parent households. If a father was present in the home, the family often didn’t qualify for benefits. This created a perverse incentive. Men were pushed out of the household to ensure the family could receive financial support. The result? A skyrocketing number of single-parent homes in Black communities. In 1960, about 22% of Black children were born to single mothers. By the 1980s, that number had more than doubled. Coincidence? Hardly. This was a calculated move. By breaking up the family unit, the government gained more control over individuals. A fractured family is easier to manage, easier to manipulate, and easier to keep dependent.
The Cycle of Dependency
Welfare didn’t just encourage single-parent households—it trapped people in a cycle of dependency. The more people relied on government assistance, the harder it became to break free. Jobs were often out of reach because welfare benefits would be cut if someone earned too much. This created a “welfare cliff” where working didn’t make financial sense. Why work 40 hours a week when you could lose your healthcare, housing, and food assistance?
This system didn’t just keep people poor—it kept them powerless. Black families, who were already facing systemic racism and limited opportunities, were hit the hardest. The Democrats framed welfare as a safety net, but in reality, it was a trap. And once you were in, it was nearly impossible to get out. This dependency also had another effect: it guaranteed votes for the Democratic Party. When people rely on the government for survival, they’re less likely to vote against the party that provides those benefits. It’s a clever strategy, but one that comes at a devastating cost.
Hellbound and Down 