Foundations of Inequality—From Slavery to Segregation

This video is part of our six-part series, “Echoes of Inequality: Tracing the Roots and Routes of Economic Disparities in Black America.” In this episode, we explore the deep historical foundations of economic inequality affecting Black Americans, beginning with the brutal institution of slavery. We examine how slavery not only stripped Black Americans of their humanity but also denied them the opportunity to accumulate wealth, which contributed to building much of the nation’s economy. Following the Civil War, the brief hope for progress during the Reconstruction era was quickly overshadowed by the rise of Jim Crow laws, reinforcing segregation and economic disenfranchisement. We also delve into the Great Migration, where millions of African Americans sought better opportunities in the North, only to face new forms of discrimination and systemic barriers. By examining these key historical moments, we reveal how the legacies of slavery, segregation, and discriminatory policies have laid the groundwork for today’s racial wealth gap and continue to affect Black communities.

Our exploration begins by delving into the historical roots that have shaped the economic landscape for Black Americans. This episode examines how the brutal institution of slavery, the turbulent Reconstruction era, and the oppressive Jim Crow laws established systemic barriers that persist today. We also delve into the Great Migration, a period when millions of African Americans moved northward in search of better opportunities, only to encounter new forms of discrimination. By understanding these foundational events, we uncover how historical injustices have laid the groundwork for contemporary economic disparities.