EQUITY | According to a new report from the Pew Research Center, the wealth gap between whites and minorities has “risen to a historic high” (WaPo, 7/27):
Between 2005 and 2009, the median net worth of Hispanic households dropped by 66 percent and that of black households fell by 53 percent, according to the report. In contrast, the median net worth of white households dropped by only 16 percent.
The median net worth of a white family now stands at 20 times that of a black family and 18 times that of a Hispanic family — roughly twice the gap that existed before the recession and the biggest gap since data began being collected in 1984.
Related: The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region has a section of their website built around their annual meeting theme, Putting Race on the Table. It has excellent resources related to racial equity.
YOUTH | As agencies slash budgets and eliminate summer programs for kids, the privately funded Horizons Greater Washington program combats the “summer slide” by offering low-income youth learning opportunities coupled with fun. (WaPo, 7/27)
HOMELESSNESS | More than 10,000 Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans are either homeless or in homelessness prevention programs. The bad economy and post-war psychological trauma are key factors. (USA Today, 7/27) We should be able to take better care of our veterans. Period.
Related: Walter Reed closing after 102 years helping troops (WTOP, 7/27)
EDUCATION
- After Michelle Rhee was criticized for not accepting enough public input in her reform efforts, DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson has been working to better engage the public as she puts together a strategic plan for the school system. (WAMU, 7/27)
- George Washington University has a new MBA program called STAR (Special Talent, Access and Responsibility) for, well…stars. It aims to prepare famous people – like Redskins linebacker Rocky McIntosh – to “make a huge difference in the community and be better corporate citizens.” (Examiner, 7/26) I met Rocky once. He was very quiet and I avoided making loud noises so that he didn’t tackle me.
FACTOID | It’s Philanthropy Factoid Wednesday – with a shot of insulin! (WG Daily, 7/27)
When I read that the wealth gap had risen to “a historic high,” my first thought was “an historic high.” Pet peeve, and not the first reaction I should have had. It also reminded me of this brilliant comic.
