Inequalities in economic policy - Throughout our nation’s history, Black people have been excluded from government programs that were created to help Americans build wealth and attain financial security. For example, during World War II, Black soldiers were denied access to programs like the G.I. Bill of Rights, which enabled many white families to buy homes and attend college for the first time by assisting some military veterans with housing, education, and employment. Black people have also been excluded from receiving access to affordable health care, as well as homeowner loans and other forms of credit. The collateral consequences of incarceration, like denied access to food stamps or financial aid for education, also have a disproportionate impact on people of color. Additionally, many states and local communities shift the cost of their judicial system to poor citizens through predatory fines and fees. See The 1619 Project’s article on the Racial Wealth Gap for more information.
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