Historian Calvin Schermerhorn Explores Racial Wealth Gap in 'The Plunder of Black America'
Historian Calvin Schermerhorn's book, 'The Plunder of Black America,' delves into the historical roots of the racial wealth gap in the United States. The book traces the economic struggles of seven Black families over multiple generations, highlighting systemic barriers that have prevented wealth accumulation in African American communities. Schermerhorn examines the concept of 'plunder,' as described by Frederick Douglass, to explain how Black income and wealth have been systematically stripped away. The narrative spans from the early days of slavery, with stories like that of Anthony and Mary Johnson, to more recent events such as the Tulsa massacre and the subprime lending crisis. Through these stories, Schermerhorn illustrates the persistent racialized disadvantage that has shaped the economic landscape for Black Americans. 
