United Shades of America Season 6 Episode 4 The Wealth Gap

In season 6, episode 4 of United Shades of America, titled "The Wealth Gap," host W. Kamau Bell explores the economic disparities between different groups in America. The episode focuses on the wealth gap between Black and white people, Asian and white people, and also how economic policies have impacted the Indigenous people of America.

Bell first visits the city of Boston and meets with the CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston. The bank is responsible for controlling the money supply in the United States and thus is responsible for managing the country's economy. Bell learns from him how the bank contributes to economic growth in America. The CEO also explains how they help communities across the United States, which includes creating jobs and providing resources to small businesses.

After exploring the role of the Federal Reserve Bank, Bell meets with a group of Black entrepreneurs in Boston. There, he learns about the challenges that Black-owned businesses face, as well as the opportunities that exist for Black entrepreneurs. Bell discusses the role that systemic racism plays in creating a barrier to entry for Black-owned businesses and how we can work towards a solution.

Bell then travels to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to discuss the infamous Tulsa Race Massacre with a historian. The massacre was a tragic event that took place in 1921 when white rioters destroyed the prosperous Greenwood District, known as "Black Wall Street," which was home to many Black-owned businesses. Bell visits the area where the tragedy took place and speaks with residents about the impact it has had on the community.

After discussing the trauma of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Bell then travels to California to meet with a group of Asian American entrepreneurs. He learns about the "bamboo ceiling," the metaphor that describes how Asian Americans face discrimination when it comes to being promoted to managerial positions. Bell also talks with Asian American business owners who share their experiences of facing discrimination and how they have overcome them.

Lastly, Bell travels to the Navajo Nation Reservation to learn more about the impact of economic policies on the Indigenous people. He speaks with a Navajo entrepreneur and a community member who discuss the various challenges the Navajo Nation faces, such as a lack of access to banking and difficulties in starting a business.

Overall, the episode sheds light on the economic disparities that exist in America and the ways in which we can work towards bridging the wealth gap. It highlights the challenges that different communities face, such as systemic racism and lack of access to resources, while also showing how they are overcoming these obstacles and creating their own opportunities.