The aspiration of the American Dream feels increasingly out of reach for many in Contra Costa County, especially within Black communities. Generations of discriminatory policies have created deep-rooted inequities in income, homeownership, and access to opportunity. Today, white families earn nearly ten times more than Black families in the region, a gap that reflects centuries of systemic disinvestment. Achieving racial and economic equity requires more than acknowledgment—it demands intentional investment in communities of color. By supporting Black workers, homeowners, and business owners, we not only confront the legacy of inequality but also unlock the full potential of our local economy and collective future.