Bill Drake: Racism and poverty in America
“Racism has been a significant contributor to poverty for racial minorities in the U.S. Historically it has been directed at indigenous peoples, Asians, Hispanics and blacks. American slavery existed for 240 years and was followed by a century of harsh ‘Jim Crow’ laws in the South (which sometimes applied to all non-whites) and blatant racism in the North. During this time, blacks and other minorities were generally excluded from land grants and employment opportunities that strengthened our country. Even after the Civil Rights Acts of the 1960s, while things improved, discrimination continued in the areas of housing, employment, and education. Inherited wealth and cultural exposure to social skills and social connections related to getting better jobs, better housing, and a better education have also put whites at an economic advantage.”