The Racial Wealth Gap and The Legacy of Colonialism

Holistic Wealth With Keisha Blair

In this exciting episode of the Holistic Wealth podcast with Keisha Blair, our very special guest is Danté Stewart. In this episode, we discussed the racial wealth gap and the legacy of colonialism in light of recent events such as the death of Queen Elizabeth II. We also discussed the issue of reparations (what is needed and why) and the Black Maternal Health crisis. Danté Stewart is an award-winning writer, speaker and author of Shoutin' In The Fire: An American Epistle. Danté was named by the Georgia Writers Association as "Georgia Writer of the Year” 2022 (Memoir); by The Center for American Progress as one of "22 Faith Leaders to Watch in 2022"; and by Religion News Service as one of "Ten Up-And-Coming Faith Influencers," his work has appeared in The Atlantic, New York Times, the Washington Post, TIME, ESPN's Andscape, Oxford American, Sojourners, NPR, CNN, Parents, and more.

Today, Black Americans make up roughly 13% of the U.S. population but hold just 3% of the country’s wealth. The median net worth of a White family in the United States in 2019 was $188,200, as compared with $24,100 for a Black family. The racial wealth gap is large, persists across income groups, and has not changed in over a century. We discussed issues such as reparations, the breadth and scope needed to really affect change as well as the history of financial barriers faced by Black people in securing vital loans.

Wealth matters because it is a fundamental determinant of health. Health equity strategies that fail to address the racial wealth gap will be ineffective. In particular Black Maternal health crisis continues to persist. Tune in to listen to this episode of the Holistic Wealth podcast with Keisha Blair and special guest, Danté Stewart.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Shoutin In The Fire: An American Epistle

Holistic Wealth Expanded and Updated: 36 Life Lessons To Help You Recover From Disruption, Find Your Life Purpose and Achieve Financial Freedom.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Danté’s amazing journey, as a writer, minister and Faith Leader and how spiritual self-renewal intersects with oppression and racism.

• The racial wealth gap and the legacy of colonialism (especially in light of the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II).

• Reparations – why they are important and why they need to be holistic in nature to cater to all needs in order to properly address trauma and oppressive systems.

• Danté’s personal story and moving essay on Parents.com on Black Maternal Health.

• Danté’s thoughts on thriving in systems that are oppressive and advice on how to take care of your mental well-being.