In this episode of Bias Detox with the Morris Perspective, host Connie Morris tackles the pervasive myth that Black poverty is due to personal failings, laziness, or lack of effort. Through an in-depth examination, she uncovers how systemic housing discrimination, notably redlining, has contributed significantly to the racial wealth gap in America.
Connie explains redlining as a government-sanctioned policy from the 1930s that used racially discriminatory maps to deny Black families access to home ownership—a fundamental pathway to building generational wealth. The episode reveals the long-lasting effects of this practice and its role in shaping economic disparities that persist to this day.
Listeners are encouraged to educate themselves on the history of housing discrimination, understand its impact on wealth accumulation, support fair housing policies, and challenge misconceptions about economic disparities. By recognizing these systemic barriers, the conversation about racial justice and equity can be reframed for true progress.