The racial wealth gap in America is both striking and durable. It is neither inexplicable that the gap exists, given the history of the country, nor surprising that it persists, given the nature of wealth. As the authors note in this report:
“[W]ealth begets more wealth. Higher levels of wealth enable greater access to more favorable terms for credit. Wealth provides individuals and families with financial agency and choice; it provides economic security to take risks and shields against the risk of economic loss.
