Why So Many Black Children Are Set Up for Failure and How to Change It
Disclaimer: Good Day, Readers. WealthBuildingPowers blog is a financial literacy/competency blog and does not provide specific investment recommendations.
A Stacked Deck: The Lifelong Disadvantages Black Children Face
A black child born into the wealthiest nation is less likely to achieve success in financial status, educational attainment, career opportunities, and life expectancy.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that their Creator endows them with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
EDUCATION
Education is a critical component in determining future success. Black kids lag behind other races in educational achievement. One reason is that black high-school students spend about 25% of the time on homework that Asian students do and 50% of the time of white students. This shows up on standardized tests and college entrance exams. Contrary to the excuses offered by the Chicago Teachers Union that standardized tests are biased against black students, the test accurately predicts the future success or failure of students.
| Outcome | Asian American Child (%) | White Child (%) | Black Child (%) | Hispanic Child (%) |
| High School Degree | 95 | 91 | 80 | 82 |
| Four-Year Degree | 60 | 40 | 24 | 18 |
| Graduate Degree | 25 | 13 | 9 | 5 |
| Incarcerated | 1 | 2 | 10 | 4 |
Note the correlation between study time and educational achievement.
- Asian descent spent ~134 minutes/day studying.
- White descent spent ~56 minutes/day.
- Hispanic descent spent ~50 minutes/per day
- Black descent spent ~37 minutes/day.
INCARCERATION
The incarceration rate for Black Americans is falling but is still nearly six times the rate for White Americans. Many of our inner-city schools resemble a conveyor belt populating prisons.
FAMILY INCOME STATUS
THE MORE YOU LEARN, THE MORE YOU EARN
| Race/Ethnicity | Lower Class | Middle Class | Upper Middle Class | Millionaires |
| White | ~40% | ~45% | ~12% | ~8.5% |
| Black | ~50% | ~30% | ~8% | ~5% |
| Hispanic | ~60% | ~28% | ~7% | ~5% |
| Asian | ~35% | ~45% | ~17% | ~8% |
| Other | ~45% | ~38% | ~10% | ~2% |
- The gap between Black and White annual household incomes is about$29,000 per year.
- Black Americans are over twice as likely to live in poverty as White Americans.
- Black children are three times as likely to live in poverty as White children.
- The median wealth of Black families ($17,000)—is less than one-tenth that of White families ($171,000).
Addressing the Disadvantages Faced by Black Youth
I am weary of excuses: Systemic Racism, Slavery’s Sins {ended 160 years ago}; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Reparations etc.
. What I never hear is the differences in family and home life that a Black child may experience. We cannot wait for more failed government policies and more borrowed money. If the black community truly wants change, we must accept accountability.
Educational Attainment
Research indicates that children raised in stable two-parent homes fare better socioeconomically. Two loving parents are better than one. During this time, children undergo rapid cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development, laying the foundation for their future education and success.
One study finds that 80% of the variation in public school performance results from family influences, not the teachers.
Single Moms are raising 72% of black kids born today. Yes, many single Moms do an outstanding job raising successful kids while having 50% fewer resources (time, money, sets of hands, etc.) than the norm in the 1960’s black family – Two parents. This was before President Johnson’s Failed War on Poverty.
Wealth Gap
The median wealth of white households is significantly higher than Black households. A Black child born in the U.S. today may experience distinct differences in family and home life compared to children from other racial or ethnic backgrounds. These differences may include access to books, Wi-Fi, computers, assistance with homework, and tutors. These differences have profound implications for the financial, educational, career, and life expectancy of black kids!
Residential Segregation
Many Black families live in racially segregated neighborhoods, often in areas with fewer resources. These neighborhoods may have underfunded schools, limited access to quality healthcare, fewer job opportunities, and higher crime rates.
Housing Quality
Black children are more likely to live in substandard housing conditions, which can impact their health and well-being. Issues like exposure to lead, mold, and overcrowding are more prevalent in lower-income areas.
Employment Challenges
Black parents often have lower levels of educational attainment. This limits their job opportunities and earning potential, affecting their family’s socioeconomic status. Black parents frequently face higher levels of job insecurity, unemployment, or underemployment.
Cultural and Community Support
Black children may have less access to professional networks that can open doors to internships, job opportunities, and career advancement. It’s about growing up from childhood in a more connected area,” he said. “It shapes your aspirations. It shapes the things you think about and the career paths you pursue. If you’ve never met an engineer, architect, business owner, or anybody who’s gone to college, you probably don’t think about applying to college or a place like Harvard.
Conclusion
My brother and I won the lottery when we were born. We were raised by two well-educated, hard-working parents who demonstrated Christian values and the power of education. But what about the kids not as fortunate? While government programs have lifted some out of poverty, President Johnson’s “war on poverty” failed to close the gaps in education and wealth. Electing more black politicians has accomplished little to close these gaps.
Too many parents, both male and female, made horrible and selfish choices. Their choices fall on the shoulders of brown kids who face lower odds of success in their future. Too many come from shattered homes with few or no stabilizing influences.
There is an alternative to accepting this failure. It requires more parents to commit to marriage before having a child, complete as much education as possible, spend less than they earn, and men EARN the cherished title of DAD.
To help black kids have an equal chance, we must restore the black family model to what it was before the disastrous welfare state came into play.
A return to two-parent homes is desperately needed, where parents can ensure their children are studying. Accepting the reality of education does not stop at the school doors. We must jettison victimhood.
RECOMMENDED READINGS
DO YOU FINALLY WANT TO STOP PAYMENT ON CLOSING THE RACIAL WEALTH GAP?
WHY ASIANS AND JEWS ARE NOT CONSIDERED MINORITIES
HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM! WE ARE LOSING DADS!
SEEING YOURSELF IN YOUR ROLE MODELS IMPROVES YOUR ODDS OF SUCCESS
LET ME GET THIS RIGHT BROWN PEOPLE ARE TOO STUPID TO BE PROFICIENT AT MATH, READING, AND WRITING!
THE INJUSTICE OF LOWERING STANDARDS FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDENTS
CAN YOU SPARE 15 MINUTES/DAY TO HELP YOUR KIDS PROSPER?
The paths to financial freedom are UNLIMITED. CHOOSE YOUR OWN!
LET’S MAKE SOME MONEY – CRYPTOCURRENCY, ANYONE?
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YOUR GREATNESS IS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE; IT’S WHAT YOU GIVE! – SOME CHARITIES I SUPPORT
St Jude Hospital: The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family’s ability to pay.https://www.stjude.org/
Wounded Warrior Project: An American charity and veterans service organization that offers a variety of programs, services and events for wounded veterans of the military https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Folds of Honor: Providing life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military. And now, our mission expands to the families of America’s first responders. On our watch, those who protect our freedoms and our families will know they are not forgotten. https://foldsofhonor.org
Wilson’s No-Kill Animal Shelter: A N0-Kill shelter that is a top-rated non-profit. They compassionately care for all their animals. https://wilsoncountynokillanimalshelter.mywcn.com/
Tunnel To Towers: Since 9/11, we have been helping America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. We are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001. https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout
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ABOUT ME
I am a proud nerd (as my beautiful wife and daughter have told me) investment and finance blogger with an NC. State, Chemical Engineering, University Rutgers, MBA and Harvard University, Advanced Management education.
I left a corporate career because I desired to make a difference as a speaker and writer. I was blessed to be coached and mentored by strong women and men in my family and professional life. It is my time to serve and give back.
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I started my first business at ~13 years of age (a small but brilliantly created plant nursery). I am a successful investor in stocks, options, and real estate and am happy to share my finance and investment lessons. I am NOT a licensed financial advisor. Please do not construe my suggestions on this blog as recommendations for your situation. As an investor, you must establish your risk/loss tolerance. Investment in any asset involves risk, including complete loss.
Please seek your licensed CPA or fiduciary financial advisors for individual financial advice.
I write this weekly blog to make an impact by reaching an audience and demonstrating the need for financial literacy. I will help you get there.
