"Often when people are talking about discrimination, we're talking about the morality of it, we're talking about the injustice associated with it, and I wanted to take a different look at it. I wanted to look at the financial cost." Shawn D Rochester from his Talks at Google presentation

I've been diving into African American history recently, and amazed at what I never learned in K-12 or in University about the African American experience. What I appreciate about Rochester's book is that he clearly outlines, with substantial data, the economic impact of systemic discrimination and oppression. It's mind boggling, and really illustrates how historical actions, from slavery onward, still have tremendous impact on the financial well-being of African Americans today. For example, consider the impact of lack of inherited wealth over the generations, when freed former slaves started with literally nothing upon emancipation.

This is a pretty quick read, but you get a lot of out it. I appreciate that he was able to make his case and deliver his message so quickly and with such impact. My next step is to research Black-owned businesses and make a conscious effort to add them to the list of places I patronize.