‘State of Black Chicago’ Report Outlines Path to Wealth Building in Black Communities

By National Urban League
Published08 PM EDT, Sat Aug 2, 2025
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The Chicago Urban League (Chicago, IL) is sounding the alarm on the widening racial wealth gap in its new report, “The State of Black Chicago.”

It draws from research from the New School’s Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy, which found that in 2024 the median net worth for Black Chicago-area households was zero dollars — compared to $210,000 for White households.

The Urban League is now calling for a plan of action to help Black communities build wealth. The report recommends additional grants and funding opportunities for small businesses, workforce development and training programs, homeownership assistance, and expanded health access, among other things.

Read the full report.

“It’s time to stop talking just about the disparities and focus on solutions,” said Calmetta Coleman, the Chicago Urban League’s chief operating officer. “Really thinking about how to increase homeownership, which is one of the key paths to wealth building, as well as thinking about investments and starting our own businesses and really not leaving that on the individual to do but thinking about how can institutions and organizations collaborate on solutions.”

Coleman said community outreach and education are key to work toward progress on addressing the disparities. The Urban League is working in partnership with Kinexx and Ani Real Estate to expand homeownership access in Black communities. It is also working to promote Kredit Quest, a mobile app that rewards users for expanding their financial knowledge.

The report comes amid growing concerns about the impact of federal cuts to Medicaid, HeadStart and many other programs that serve as a lifeline for Black families living in poverty. President Donald Trump takes aim at Chicago for its policies on immigration and diversity, equity and inclusion just as state and city policymakers are under increased pressure to come up with funds to support the types of programs the Urban League calls for.

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