“Nobody has poverty on their vision board”, Health and Human Services leader Dr Alicia M. Johnson states on this episode of Black Wealth Unlocked. Yet we still find ourselves in a society with Black people experiencing poverty at a much higher rate than the white population, and they’re passing that poverty down to their children. So in this episode, host Dr Janelle Williams talks with Dr Alicia M. Johnson and economic justice activist Jessica Norwood about where Black poverty comes from and what we can and should do to prevent it.

Jessica tells her story of growing up poor in Alabama and shares her observations on how Black people are excluded from the virtuous circle of intergenerational wealth. The conversation turns to how historic segregation impacts society today, particularly in the southern United States, and how the examples of Black exceptionalism can hold back Black advancement. Listen out for the guests’ thoughts on reparations and how community-based wealth creation models could help tackle racial poverty.

Despite discussing poverty, inequality and racism, this episode of Black Wealth Unlocked is still uplifting and joyful, as you’ll hear in the guests’ final thoughts.