Black Americans were excluded from wealth-building opportunities for centuries through slavery, broken promises and discriminatory policies, leaving a racial wealth gap that persists today. Now, economists and advocates point to homeownership and greater control of capital as key pathways toward closing that divide and achieving true economic freedom for Black families.
Category: Financials
Posted inOpinion
Tossing the cap, taking control: 5 smart financial steps for Maryland’s class of 2026
Financial tips for new grads: Understand employer benefits, start investing early, practice soft saving, seek professional advice, and maximize resources.
Posted inFinancials
Reinventing retirement: How young adults are preparing for a future after work
Young adults are redefining retirement as traditional paths like pensions disappear, with entrepreneurs, corporate workers and graduate students each navigating different financial realities and levels of stability.
Posted inOPINION
Rising hardship withdrawals signal financial stress among US workers
Hardship withdrawals from retirement accounts are increasing, with 6% of U.S. workers affected, and disproportionately impacting Black and Hispanic households due to the racial wealth divide.
Posted inCommentary
Beyond racism, materialism and militarism
The State of the Dream 2026 report warns that current policies are reinforcing racial and economic inequalities, leading to a potential Black Recession, and urgent action is needed to address these regressive trends before generational losses occur.
Sponsored
Scammers don’t take holidays: How to help protect your money this season
With the holiday season upon us, it’s important to be aware of the increasing sophistication of online scams and to take steps to protect yourself, such as shopping with trusted retailers, being wary of unrealistic deals, and using secure payment methods.
Posted inFinancials
Maryland Bankers Association to host community talk on credit equity at Coppin State
The Maryland Bankers Association and the Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship at Coppin State University will lead a conversation on credit equity in Maryland on Oct. 24.
Posted inBUSINESS
Harbor Bank of Maryland opens new branch in Silver Spring
The Harbor Bank of Maryland has opened a new branch in Silver Spring, marking its seventh location and a strategic expansion into the Montgomery County market. The community-focused bank celebrated the soft opening with a visit from Afrofuturist icon George Clinton, whose artwork is now on permanent display inside the branch.
Posted in!Front Page Baltimore News
There’s a clear gap in credit scores depending on race and place: How Baltimore is working to fix it
By Victoria Mejicanos AFRO Staff Writer vmejicanos@afro.com The weight of a number For residents of Baltimore, the barrier to buying a home, starting a small business or managing unexpected costs doesn’t rely on ambition alone. There’s a three digit number that plays a major part: the credit score. Research shows that a person’s credit score, […]
Posted inFinancials
The president’s last tax cuts failed Americans like me– let’s not repeat the mistake
Brakeyshia Samms is a senior analyst at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. This week, she discusses why Black women often don’t see the benefits gained from tax cuts put in place by political leaders.
Posted inFinancials
Preparing for retirement is hard– here’s how to make it easier
Jason Brown, founder of The Brown Report, encourages Black Americans to prioritize financial education and redefine retirement as financial independence rather than a fixed age. He stresses the importance of understanding personal finances to overcome systemic barriers and build long-term wealth.
Posted inFinancials
Retirement tips for the self-employed
With more Americans turning to self-employment for greater fulfillment, experts emphasize the importance of starting retirement savings early—even amid unpredictable income. From opening a Roth IRA (Individual Retirement Arrangement) to eventually establishing an SEP (Simplified Employee Pension plan), building a flexible, consistent approach is key.
