Opinion: The Time is Now to Invest in Black Women in California

Kellie Todd Griffin, Special to California Black Media Partners President and CEO Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute Kellie Todd Griffin OPINION (CBM) – California prides itself on its progressive values and its commitment to diversity and inclusion. However, the economic disparities that Black women face in the state present a troubling contradiction to this self- image. With more than 1 million Black females living in the golden state, which is the 5th largest population in the country, it is important to cast a light on the inequities that we face. The data speaks volumes: Black women are systematically underserved and undervalued, challenged by wealth gaps, high poverty rates, and substantial economic burdens.Consider the stark wealth gap: Black women hold a mere 10% of the wealth of their White male counterparts, with a median wealth of only $6,000. This is the lowest among all racial and gender groups in California. Moreover, when it comes to earnings, Black women make just 57 cents for every dollar that White, non-Hispanic men earn, according to the Status of Women in California report produced by Mount Saint Mary’s University – Los Angeles. Black Women would have to work an additional 30 years (91 years old)...