Mountain View News June 6, 2026 

CHRISTOPHER NYERGES 

[Nyerges is the author of “Urban Survival Guide,” “Extreme Simplicity,” 
and other books. Information about his books and classes is available at 
www.SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com] 

CONSIDERING JUNETEENTH AND 
ECONOMIC SECURITY 

“Juneteenth” comes from June 19th 1865, when slaves in Texas finally learned they were 
free. Remember the Emancipation Proclamation ending slavery was enacted in 1862, but 
it took a civil war to finally make it clear to the slave states that the U.S. was no longer going 
to allow slavery. Just because Lincoln declared slavery was over didn’t stop many southern 
slave owners from holding on to their free help as long as possible. Slaves in different 
places learned about the end of slavery at different times, and there were lots of twists and 
turns along the way. 

And there were fierce efforts to suppress these once-enslaved peoples since the southern 
landowners resented that the government could take away what they regarded as “property.” 
Some slave owners were actually paid “reparations” because of their loss of “chattel.” 
Reparation to those enslaved was not a concept. It is not a stretch to say that even though 
slavery ended about 11 or 12 generations ago, its effects are still with us and are not entirely 
abolished. 

Most white people don’t want to hear about this since it is regarded as ancient history, or 
they are afraid of being made to feel guilty for the sins of their forefathers. But when I talk 
with my black friends about this, the subject is so very much alive, not at all ancient history. 

Case in point: We have a president who has been attempting to rename military based by 
their former Confederate names! The Confederates lost the war and those who understood 
what the war was about would have nothing to do with Confederate principles. Yet, here 
we have a president who is attempting to revive elements of the racist past of the South. 

In a positive vein, I want to introduce you to Dr. Boyce Watkins, an economist and former 
professor, who has started The Black Business School. He wrote the “Ten Commandments 
for Black Economic Power.” He tells you right away that this is not a “how-to” book for 
getting rich, quick or otherwise. And because I grew up in what was then a lower middle 
class neighborhood, I identified and empathized with the “poor,” and still do, as long as 
there is a mindset towards not being “poor.” 

Dr. Watkins’ book should be read by everyone. I found the principles he lays out to be 
common sense and universal. He says that “I wrote this book for black people because we 
have a job to do. Our job is to reverse hundreds of years of discrimination and exploitation 
and the expropriation of trillions in black wealth that continues to evade our community….
My goal is to put black people first and to help us solve the economic problems that have 
plagued us for generations.” He points out that he is not in any way condoning hate towards 
any other group of people, that he is not “anti” anyone; just that he is pro-black.” 

That said, anyone reading this book will benefit by putting these common sense principles 
into action. 

Each of his “commandments” is full of examples to illustrate his points. Commandment 
one is to always be an asset to your family. Be the one that others can rely on, but don’t be 
that person that is always begging for money and having children that you cannot afford. 

Another “commandment” is that learning about money should be rite of passage within 
the family. Parents should inform children about the necessity of money from an early age, 
and include the children in businesses. 

His Commandment #5 is to Invest in Healthy Relationships and Maintain them. While 
Dr. Watkins emphasizes the need to have a positive relationship with money, and ways to 
grow your money within the family, he also adds that “What I’ve seen over time is that if 
you only focus on money, you’re going to miss at least 95% of the wealth all around you. 
Relationships are a huge part of your wealth-building process. Having healthy relationships 
with others and being able to pour into the right relationships can go a long way toward 
securing your economic future.” And then he goes on to give some insightful examples. 

Commandment 7 is Capital Must be Preserved, Protected, and Efficiently Used. In this 
chapter, He says that “African Americans are not taught to go after wealth. We are instead 
taught to chase income until we grow old and die. This isn’t healthy.” 

He provides what he calls the Three Pillars of Wealth. These three are owning your own 
business, investing in the stock market, and real estate ownership. 

I’ve taken several economic classes over the years, and usually it feels like you are studying 
mathematics, not something that affects every part of your life. Dr. Boyce Watkin’s book 
provides a real world pathway to healthy economic viability, and I highly recommend it to 
everyone. 

His book can be obtained from www.BoyceWatkins.com 


ROCKY ROCKS IT! 

Rocky is a confident and 
loving male. He looks like a 
little panther cub with his silky 
smooth coat, and he has a verylong and fluffy tail, but he is 
solid LOVE. He loves people, 
and wants to be your best 
friend, especially if you pet and 
brush him or play with him. He loves attention and will go where you go, 
and try to participate in whatever you do. He also loves his mealtime! 


If you are home and are looking for a true best friend, he would be a great 
addition to your home. If you are gone most of the day, he needs to be 
adopted with one of his siblings: Ollie, Sammy, or Dottie, who are all at the 
same foster home. Apply to meet Rocky at https://www.lifelineforpets.org/
mindys-kittens.html, or use the qr code. 


Pet of the Week 

Meet Jon Snow, a 4-year-old Siberian Husky atPasadena Humane who is ready for his second chapter!
This handsome boy is the perfect mix of adventure 
buddy and couch companion. He loves his daily walksand can get excited when it's time to explore, but once 
he's had some exercise, he's calm, relaxed, and happyto lounge nearby. According to his foster, Jon Snow ishouse-trained, thrives on a consistent routine, and is 
known for his sweet habit of giving kisses to the peoplehe loves. 

Jon's friendly personality shines wherever he goes. Ata recent adoption event, he charmed everyone he met.
Treat-motivated and eager to connect, Jon Snow is awonderful companion looking for a home where hecan share both his playful spirit and his loving nature. 

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptionsinclude spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriatevaccines.

 
Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. View photos of adoptablepets at pasadenahumane.org.

 New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA AnimalHospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet. 
Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone callsor email. 


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