San Antonio often ranks as one of the most racially integrated cities overall, but a recentreport finds the city's black and Hispanic communities are disproportionately affected by poverty – especially in four specific zip codes.
Policies created a hundred years ago to limit home ownership and entrepreneurialship, among other things, have resulted in generations of economic inequity. Black men and women of all ethnicities are the least economically mobile populations in San Antonio.
What institutional systems helped create this wealth gap? What discriminatory practices are still in play today?
What are the 10 key areas that limit asset-building, especially for people of color? When addressing poverty, are local governments and nonprofits treating the symptoms and not the problem?
What programs are currently available to help low-income families? What connections need to be made for services? How does a holistic approach help address the interconnectedness of poverty, health, transportation and education?
What more is needed to move the needle and ultimately break the cycle of intergenerational poverty?
Guests:
- Frances Gonzalez, program officer for theSan Antonio Area Asset Funders Network
- Christine Drennon, associate professor of sociology and anthropology at Trinity University
- Mary Garr, chief executive officer of the Family Service Association
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*This interview was recorded on Thursday, August 22.
