EVENT DESCRIPTION PROVIDED BY CENTRAL EXCHANGE:

It could take more than 200 years for the average black family to accumulate the same amount of wealth as a similar white family due to disparities in generational wealth and systemic inequalities. But how do you accumulate wealth in the United States? For most Americans, the foundational tools for building wealth and financial well-being are homeownership and quality affordable rental housing. While lawmakers have sought to make it easier for citizens to access these tools, the efforts have almost exclusively benefited white households and displaced people of color, denying them access to the same wealth-building opportunities and segregating them into isolated communities.

This residential segregation has resulted in a type of tribalism that sees people from different races and social classes as “others” who we are in competition with for resources. This scarcity mindset is reinforced by policies and regulations that exaggerate divisions, both politically and ideologically, and provide little incentive for change.

 Kansas City has an unfortunate history of redlining and have heard about “The Troost Divide.” While progressive efforts have taken place over the years to erase the stigma attached to Troost, are they enough and are they helpful?

 Join our panelists as we discuss:

• Barriers to wealth building and accumulation for people of color
• Tribalism as it relates to residential segregation
• Importance of small business and minority-owned business support during the pandemic
• Local efforts for improvement and neighborhood impact