Black Wealth in the Last Decade: Progress, Pressure, and the Power of Ownership

Over the last ten years, conversations about Black wealth have grown louder—but wealth gaps remain stubbornly wide. The reason isn’t effort. It’s access, structure, and policy.

Income Is Not the Same as Wealth

Many Black households increased income over the last decade, yet wealth accumulation lagged. Why?

• Rising housing costs

• Student loan debt

• Limited access to capital

• Fewer inherited assets

Wealth isn’t what you earn—it’s what you own, protect, and pass forward.

The Shift Toward Entrepreneurship

More Black entrepreneurs started businesses than ever before in the last decade. This created opportunity—but also risk.

Without:

• Proper entity structure

• Tax planning

• Credit alignment

Business income can become another trap instead of a bridge to ownership.

What Changed—and What Didn’t

What improved:

• Representation in business ownership

• Access to online markets

• Financial literacy conversations

What didn’t:

• Access to affordable capital

• Tax system navigation support

• Estate and legacy planning

The Path Forward

The next decade of Black wealth won’t be built on hustle alone. It will be built on:

• Ownership

• Education

• Tax strategy

• Legacy planning

Wealth grows when income is structured, not just earned.