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What is Behind the Persistence of the Racial Wealth Gap?

Event
Black households in the U.S. have, on average, considerably less wealth than white households. Why hasn't this gap closed over the past half century, even with the passage of civil rights legislation? Researchers at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland have found that, together with barriers including discrimination, the primary driver maintaining the wealth gap is that the earning power of blacks in the labor market continues to trail that of whites.

That’s contrary to other studies which generally concluded that the wealth gap was “too big” to be explained by differences in income.

  • How can economics inform us about racial inequities in wealth accumulation?
  • Why has the wealth gap between blacks and whites persisted?
  • What can be done and how long will it take to actually close the wealth gap if we maintain the current course?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3sdHffzPmA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3sdHffzPmA

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Moderator:

Jennifer Jordan, Anchor/Reporter, WJW-TV Fox 8

Presenters:
Panelists
  • Stephanie McHenry, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Business Affairs and Finance, Cleveland State University
  • Randell McShepard, Vice President, Public Affairs and Chief Talent Officer, RPM
  • Jill Rizika, Executive Director, Towards Employment

Panelists will take part in an audience Q&A following moderated discussion.

When & Where

November 18, 2019
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland – Superior Entrance
Cleveland, Ohio