The last few years have highlighted many of the inept and unpatriotic policies that have plagues our society for generations. Prevailing wisdom throughout the country proclaimed that elements such as racism, gender equality and equal pay were at or near a resolution. Some pundits argue that racism does not exists and is instead of vestige of antiquated thinking (Petree, 2020). Still others persist in believing that racism is a tool used to captivate and distract the general population from more pertinent issues plaguing society (Gerald, 2019). Unfortunately, the facts provide a different narrative as it relates to racism and its impact on the future of the African American community. The first and arguable most important element relates to the ownership and control of assets. Minorities in general, have been significant laggards as it relates to asset ownership in America. Outside of the home, African Americans are less likely to owns stocks, bonds, and other forms of income producing assets. In addition, incomes within the community continue to lag comparable peers in the country. Finally, criminal justice initiatives have only increased incarceration rates and broken up families, further contributing to the plight of the African American community. Although, to be fair, the African American community must accept some accountable, the racist and often inhumane policies of racism have contributed to the condition of the African American community.

To begin, the system of capitalism is predicated on owning, controlling, and influencing assets. Assets are items that are expected to provided future economic benefits to the holder of a specified holding period. These can include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, farms, timber land, and so forth. To prosper and ultimately make changes in society, individuals must own or influence assets. African Americans have historically not been large owns of American business and enterprise. As of 2019, only 33% of African Americans owned stock. This percentage is nearly half of white households which are at 61%. This is particularly troublesome as stocks represent ownership claims to the earnings of a business. Stocks are considered equity investments in a business. As such, the equity investors are entitled to a portion of the companies profits. Management typically distributes these profits in the form of dividends which are issued quarterly, or share repurchases which enhances the ownership claim of existing shareholders. As a result, share ownership provides future economic benefits to the owners of the company. Unfortunately, only 33% of African Americans are even participating in this value creation mechanism with nearly 60% of white America is. Ultimately, this will create a wealth imbalance which where are currently realizing in society today. As more white Americans own income producing assets, their own personal income, wealth, and status increases. This increase will occur at a much faster rate than African Americans as the white community participates more in the ownership of income producing assets. Overtime, more and more of these assets will be controlled by the white community and as such, the company will reflect their values as shareholders. This inherently isnt a negative issue as they values are what allow society to prosper. For example, shareholders who value the environment often push for environment conscious policies during shareholder meetings and quarterly conference calls. In fact, many shareholders have been advocates for African American causes such as diversity in the workplace, better police force training, and support for historical black colleges and universities. Many shareholders have also stood behind the African American community during the George Floyd protests across America. Although these initiatives are well intentioned...…by white workers. For example, African American workers often see their unemployment rates go up sooner than white workers when the economy sours, and their unemployment rates also take longer to decline when the economy improves than is the case for whites. This too contributes to the inequality we are currently experience in society today. First, African Americans primarily due to past racist activity are less likely to invest in productive, income producing assets. In addition, they most contend with lower wages based on similar qualifications than their white counterparts. In addition, those who do have high paying jobs are often the first to get fired and the last to get hired. All these elements of wealth and income have their roots in racial inequality.

Finally, African Americans have very lower healthcare coverage rates. Due the affordable care acts the number of uninsured African Americans now stands at 11.5% which still the second highest rate next to Hispanics. Unfortunately, due to lower incomes and wealth statistics African Americans spend a larger portion of the incomes on health care expenditures. In addition, disparities still exist across health conditions when comparing African Americans and whites, including maternal mortality, infant mortality, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other health issues. Social factors, including economic disadvantage, inequities in education, and lack of access to health care, impact a persons ability to lead a healthy and productive life. African American women are three times more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than white women. African Americans are more likely to die from cancer and heart disease than whites and are at greater risk for the onset of diabetes.

In conclusion African Americans face a long and uphill battle as it relates to equality. They must contend with lower wealth, lower incomes, and high consequences as it relates…