ATLANTA — A new study shows a significant wealth disparity between white and Black families in Atlanta.
The study reveals that Black families in the city have three times less wealth than white families.
11Alive dove into the root causes of this disparity and explored the efforts being made to address and help fix the situation.
Bejane Kareem, a former classroom teacher, emphasized how this gap extends into the education system, adversely affecting Black communities. Kareem, having experienced the challenges firsthand, has become an advocate for change.
Also, being the author of a book aimed at helping teachers access necessary classroom resources without spending out of pocket, Kareem actively uses her work to empower others. Through workshops and practical sessions, she guides educators in securing grants to enhance the learning environment for their students.
"This shows teachers how they don't have to spend out of pocket to get the resources that they need for their classroom," Kareem said.
The grants she helps in getting aim to level the playing field, providing high-quality resources and innovative learning spaces for students. Kareem believes that closing the wealth equity gap starts with providing children with the tools they need for a successful future.
A recent study from the Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative displays the severity of the problem, revealing that white families in Atlanta possess three times more wealth than Black families. Lauren Priest is working towards a solution and acknowledges the historical and current contexts contributing to this disparity, including redlining and ongoing housing discrimination.
"As a single parent, I wish that I would have had this type of resource when I was living in poverty. It's absolutely huge," Priest said.
Through the charity she works for, Priest actively provides resources to individuals like Kareem. The charity recently granted Kareem $5,000 to further her mission of helping teachers and, consequently, impacting the lives of students.
"It's a victory. It's a win. And we're all cheering," Kareem said.
Lauren Priest's initiative and Kareem's advocacy underscore the collective effort required to address the racial wealth gap in Atlanta. As the community comes together, these initiatives aim to create a more equitable future for all.