Key takeaways:
• A GOP consultant claimed Black male income equals white male income.
• Data shows Black men earn less than white men at every level.
• Critics highlighted the low net worth of the average Black family.
• Public data contradicts claims about a 60% Black poverty rate in 1968.
Did Cory Ruth Mislead on Black Wealth?
On Saturday, Cory Ruth appeared on CNN. He said Black male income matches white male income. He even claimed Black men earn two cents more per dollar. Immediately, Pastor Jamal Bryant shouted, “That’s a lie!” Meanwhile, political strategist LaTosha Brown also challenged him. Both experts said Ruth’s numbers were wrong. They pointed out real data on Black wealth and poverty.
Ruth leads Mergence Global and once advised Republican presidential campaigns. During the debate, he argued Black Americans saw the fastest poverty drop in history. However, his figures did not add up. Critics say he ignored major facts about wealth gaps and policy impacts.
Key Facts About Black Wealth Today
Black wealth remains far below white wealth. Yet, Ruth painted a rosier picture. Here are the real numbers:
• In 2023, Black men’s median weekly earnings were $970.
• White men’s median weekly earnings reached $1,225.
• That means Black men make about 98 cents for every white dollar.
• Average net worth of a Black family sits below $5,000.
• By contrast, white families average over $200,000 in net worth.
Moreover, home ownership still lags. Today, fewer Black families own homes than in 1968. Scholars link this gap to redlining and discrimination. They also note mass incarceration and DEI rollbacks hurt Black wealth growth.
Why Critics Call Out These Black Wealth Claims
Pastor Jamal Bryant and strategist LaTosha Brown both rebuked Ruth. They said his claim about equal income is false. Bryant explained the average Black family net worth falls under $5,000. He warned that, by 2030, net worth could plunge further. Brown added that Ruth skipped over critical decades. She said he ignored the Reagan era and the 1990s mass incarceration surge. As a result, his analysis missed key setbacks to Black wealth.
They also pointed out wrong poverty figures. Ruth told viewers that 60% of Black Americans were in poverty in 1968. In fact, Census Bureau data shows about 35% were in poverty then. By 2023, Black poverty stood near 17%, not the dramatic drop Ruth implied.
How Data Actually Shows Black Wealth Gaps
First, wage data paints a clear picture. Black men still earn less than white men. This gap persists even when comparing people with the same education, industry, and experience. Second, home ownership rates reveal another divide. Today’s Black home ownership rate is below levels from 1968. This difference stems from decades of housing discrimination.
Third, net worth data shows deep inequalities. White families have roughly 40 times more wealth than Black families. That gap impacts access to education, healthcare, and business opportunities. Meanwhile, policy changes like DEI rollbacks led to 300,000 Black women losing jobs since April. Such shifts directly erode gains in Black wealth.
Fourth, incarceration rates also affect Black wealth creation. The U.S. system locks up Black men at higher rates than white men. Time in prison disrupts careers, lowers income, and reduces future earnings. These factors combine to slow wealth growth for many Black families.
Finally, civil rights enforcement in the 1960s and 1970s helped raise Black incomes and home ownership. However, gains stalled under later administrations. Experts note that without continued policy support, progress can easily reverse.
What Comes Next for Black Wealth Discussion
This CNN exchange underscores a larger issue: facts matter in public debates. When leaders share incorrect data, they risk misleading millions. Moreover, they undermine trust in honest discussions about inequality. Moving forward, experts suggest these steps:
• Demand accurate data in media appearances.
• Highlight policies that support wealth building.
• Promote comprehensive analyses of income and asset gaps.
• Encourage accountability from public figures who cite statistics.
In the end, the fight for economic justice depends on true facts. Only by facing real numbers can policymakers craft solutions. And only by holding voices like Cory Ruth’s accountable can we guard against misinformation.
FAQs
Why did Cory Ruth claim Black male income equals white male income?
He based his claim on an analysis that ignored key factors like the overall wage gap. Public data shows Black men still earn about 98 cents for each white dollar.
What is the current net worth gap between Black and white families?
On average, Black families have a net worth under $5,000. White families average around $200,000. This large disparity reflects historical and ongoing barriers.
How accurate are the poverty rate figures for Black Americans?
Ruth said 60% of Black Americans lived in poverty in 1968. Census data shows the rate was closer to 35%. Today, roughly 17% of Black Americans live in poverty.
What role do policies play in shaping Black wealth?
Policies like housing discrimination, mass incarceration, and DEI rollbacks directly affect income and assets. Conversely, strong civil rights enforcement and economic support programs help grow wealth.