By Rabbanni FurQaan | 100 Black Men of Phoenix
When I joined 100 Black Men of Phoenix as a young boy, I experienced firsthand how community and education has the ability to empower and transform a young person of color. I truly credit much of my success as an adult to the support and knowledge I received through the organization, which is dedicated to empowering and improving the quality of life for African Americans and communities of color in Greater Phoenix.
Through my continued involvement, I’ve seen the same story unfold again and again in the lives of the youth we serve. I’ve also had the privilege of getting to know their families — and what becomes clear, every time, is just how deeply rooted economic inequality is in our communities. It never ceases to amaze me how grateful parents are for the efforts of organizations like 100 Black Men make to provide their children with life-changing knowledge and skills that they themselves never had access to.
Here’s what it comes down to: Generational wealth gaps don’t close on their own. The key to breaking that cycle isn’t just access to better wages, its early financial literacy, thoughtful career preparation and consistent mentorship.
Let me be clear, this isn’t an isolated observation — it’s a reflection of reality. According to U.S. Census data, as of 2021, households with a white householder made up 65.3% of all U.S. households and held 80.0% of all wealth. In stark contrast, Black households accounted for 13.6% of households but held only 4.7% of total wealth. Their median wealth was just $24,520 — about one-tenth the median wealth of white households at $250,400.
Historically, systemic barriers and racial prejudice have denied communities of color access to financial education and limited their opportunities for investment and long-term financial growth.
These inequities ripple outward, affecting entire communities — impacting access to stable housing, contributing to safety concerns and fueling a cycle of economic disparity so severe that many are forced to take desperate measures just to get by.
So then what is the solution? How do we work to close the gap and heal? I believe that Nelson Mandela said it best: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
Organizations like 100 Black Men of Phoenix are working toward change by providing hands-on financial education, job training and real-world exposure to economic opportunities. By equipping youth with these essential skills, we’re not just empowering individuals — we’re transforming entire lives and families.
Take the Wells Fargo Jr. Investment Program, for example. Each year, our organization guides a group of mentees through an interactive stock market simulation, challenging them to grow an allotted $100K. Over the course of several weeks, they gain hands-on experience with investing while also learning key financial concepts like how banking works, the importance of saving, using credit responsibly, and understanding the value of long-term financial planning.
Preparing students for the workforce is one of the most powerful ways we can empower them to build a stable future. Through our programs, we bring in mentors who guide students through the fundamentals — how to prepare for a job interview, build a strong resume and present themselves professionally.
But it doesn’t stop there. We also help students explore potential career paths based on their interests and goals, connecting them with professionals in those fields. For example, when we learned some of our students were interested in engineering, we partnered with Honeywell to show them firsthand how engineering plays a role in a major company. These experiences not only expand their understanding of what’s possible — they help students begin to see themselves in those spaces.
There are so many ways to show up for our youth. Whether it’s through partnerships like the ones our organization has with local school districts, hosting tours and career days for underserved students, or simply mentoring a young person in your own life. It can be as simple as helping them explore a career path, prepare for an interview, or understand the basics of budgeting and saving.
It’s time to show these children that we care — not just in words, but through action. Because this isn’t just a kind gesture. It’s life-changing support. And the impact can last for generations.
Editor’s note: Rabbanni FurQaan of Tempe is president of 100 Black Men of Phoenix. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
