The relationship between social class and race is deeply intertwined, having always existed in close proximity. One influences the other, shaping a legacy of inequality that has historically placed Black Americans in an underclass position. Forced, unpaid labor laid the groundwork for an uphill struggle with no systemic remedy in place to correct the course. This legacy has left an enduring impact, as the structures built on these inequalities have perpetuated cycles of hardship still visible today. Low socioeconomic status continues to limit financial opportunities, access to basic needs, vital human resources, and overall quality of life for many Black Americans. The intersection of race and class serves as a compass for organized disenfranchisement, cycles of poverty, and social exclusion, reinforcing societal hierarchies.
The legacy of colonialism and segregation has created deep-rooted disparities that persist across generations. In the United States, Black Americans and other marginalized racial groups have historically faced institutional barriers to wealth accumulation. These barriers include redlining, exclusion from New Deal policies, denial of earned G.I. Bill entitlements, restricted access to higher education, and discriminatory employment practices. A stark example of this occurred in 1959 when Marion Hood, a Black medical school applicant, received a rejection letter stating: “I am sorry I must write you that we are not authorized to consider for admission a member of the Negro race.”
Today, movements to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives argue against “reverse discrimination” and anti-American rhetoric. These efforts aim to erase the historical context that created the need for DEI in the first place. The consequence? A supposed “reset” that overlooks the history and behaviors contributing to the racial wealth gap. Studies reveal that job applicants with names perceived as “ethnic” receive fewer callbacks than those with traditionally white-sounding names, even with identical qualifications. This illustrates that old prejudices persist, influencing critical opportunities for social mobility.
Globally, colonial rule has also entrenched racial and ethnic divisions. In South Africa, apartheid enforced racial class hierarchies, concentrating economic power and land ownership among the white minority while restricting resources for the Black majority. Even after the legal end of apartheid, economic disparities continue to hinder social mobility. Similarly, in the U.S., Black households consistently hold lower median wealth compared to white households due to discriminatory housing policies, wage gaps, and unequal access to quality education.
Educational disparities reflect this systemic inequality. Schools in low-income neighborhoods–often predominantly Black–face resource shortages and lower graduation rates, perpetuating the cycle of limited opportunities. Healthcare disparities are also prevalent, as communities impacted by historical disenfranchisement often struggle with financial barriers and systemic biases in medical care. Additionally, racial disparities within the criminal justice system disproportionately impact Black communities, tracing back to Black Codes, slave patrols, and racialized propaganda. Discriminatory policing and sentencing practices further limit economic opportunities and reinforce social class divisions.
Classism and racism are inherently linked. Addressing them requires an honest analysis of their origins and lasting effects. Systemic changes in economic and policy reforms are crucial to dismantling the barriers designed to maintain social imbalances. Ignoring this history and assuming America has moved beyond Jim Crow merely conceals the truth and its lingering consequences, allowing classism to persist in new forms. The narrative of “failed repair” is now used to justify the rollback of DEI initiatives, despite the generational wealth gaps resulting from historical injustices.