
February marks Black History Month in the United States, a time to honor the resilience, achievements, and ongoing struggles of Black communities. This year’s theme, “African Americans and the Arts”, gives us the opportunity to honor not only the superstar artists we all know and love, like Aretha Franklin and Denzel Washington, but also lesser-known creatives like cartoonist Jackie Ormes and rodeo showman Bill Pickett.




Of course, beyond impressive achievements in the arts, Black Americans have blazed trails in all areas of life, including business, science, education, and government. These achievements are remarkable in their own right, but even more extraordinary given that they were accomplished against our nation’s backdrop of structural racism and segregation.
So, even as we reflect on the legacy of Black history and celebrate Black greatness, we must also confront one of the most pressing challenges facing our country today: the racial wealth gap.
The racial wealth gap refers to the disparities in wealth accumulation between different racial and ethnic groups. Despite decades of progress and activism, Black households continue to face significant economic challenges compared to their white counterparts. According to Prosperity Now, the median wealth of white households is nearly ten times that of Black households. This vast disparity is rooted in historical injustices such as slavery, segregation, and discriminatory policies that have systematically excluded Black Americans from wealth-building opportunities.
For a more in-depth analysis of the racial wealth gap, read “Black wealth is Increasing, but so is the racial wealth gap” by Brookings.
The consequences of the racial wealth gap impact every aspect of Black Americans’ lives, including the ability to achieve financial stability and generational wealth. Moreover, the racial wealth gap exacerbates disparities in health outcomes, educational attainment, and access to essential services.

Here in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Crisis Assistance Ministry plays a vital role in addressing the immediate needs of our neighbors facing financial crisis, including those disproportionately affected by the racial wealth gap. By providing emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities, basic needs such as clothing and household goods, as well as access to public benefits, food, and resources for financial empowerment, Crisis Assistance helps stabilize vulnerable families. We believe everyone deserves the dignity of a safe place to live, healthy food to eat, and a pathway to economic security.
Black History Month serves as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. It’s also an opportunity to confront the challenges and injustices that persist, including the racial wealth gap. We at Crisis Assistance Ministry know that through collective will and action, our community can honor the legacy of Black history while working toward a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and prosper, regardless of race or background.