In his farewell address, President Joe Biden delivered a stark warning about the dangerous power of the ultra-wealthy, a class that has cemented its status by perpetuating poverty. This systemic inequality, designed to protect the interests of the few, disproportionately impacts Black women.
The economic reality for Black women is dire. Black women earn just 64 cents for every dollar earned by white men. This wage gap represents more than just a number; it’s a systemic barrier to financial independence and upward mobility. The American Association of University Women has consistently shed light on how income inequality for Black women perpetuates cycles of poverty and limits opportunities for advancement. These disparities are not simply coincidental but the result of deeply ingrained structures of racism and sexism.
Financial insecurity is a key reason why many Black women stay in unhealthy or abusive relationships. When leaving means risking homelessness or being unable to feed their children, the decision to stay can feel like the only option. Poverty is a trap, and for too many Black women, the system is rigged to keep them ensnared.
President Biden highlighted the dangerous concentration of wealth. Policies that favor the ultra-wealthy—from tax loopholes to inadequate labor protections—exacerbate income inequality. The Department of Labor’s data underscores these disparities. Black women are overrepresented in low-wage industries and underrepresented in leadership positions. Despite being primary breadwinners in many households, they often face discrimination in hiring, promotions, and pay.
So, what can be done? Recent executive orders eliminating DEI programs are dismantling the strategies we previously relied on. However, this moment calls for reimagining our approach. Advocacy, grassroots movements, and community-driven solutions must take center stage to combat income inequality for Black women. We must focus on building alternative pathways and holding institutions accountable in innovative ways. This policy cancellation should not deter us but rather galvanize our efforts to address these systemic issues in innovative and impactful ways.
Concretely, we need to rally local and national support to demand equitable policies and practices that uplift Black women, and at the same time, bolster mutual aid networks, establish community funds to address urgent financial needs, and reduce dependence on systemic structures. We also need to use consumer and employee advocacy to demand transparency and accountability in wage equity and leadership representation, as well as advocate for third-party reviews of corporate practices to ensure fairness.
Addressing income inequality for Black women is not just a moral imperative; it’s a societal one. The ripple effects of economic justice extend far beyond individuals. When Black women thrive, families and communities thrive. We all benefit from a society where opportunity is not limited by race or gender.
Poverty is not an accident. It stems from systemic choices that create barriers for those striving to escape it. For many, the lack of access to equitable opportunities—despite their efforts—ensures they remain trapped in cycles of financial instability. For too long, these choices have prioritized profit over people and power over equity. It’s time to look at the root causes. The United States government and corporate entities must revamp the structures that perpetuate poverty and prioritize creating equitable opportunities for those striving to improve their circumstances. Ensuring that Black women—and all women—have the tools they need to succeed requires systemic changes that address the root causes of inequality.
President Biden’s farewell address reminds us that the concentration of wealth is not just an economic issue; it is a moral one. Let’s heed his warning and take action. Poverty, y’all, isn’t inevitable. It’s the result of deliberate systemic failures that, more often than not, obstruct opportunities for those striving to improve their lives, ensuring they remain trapped in financial instability. Let’s choose differently.