Events

Thomas Shapiro, Heller School for Social Policy at Brandeis - "Racial Wealth Analysis, Public Discourse, and Narrative Development"

The empirical dimensions of the racial wealth gap in the U.S. are not challenged. A narrative regarding why the gap exists and is widening, however, is highly contested. Professor Shapiro's talk will survey the development of the racial wealth gap state-of-the-art and then focus on the public discourse and the challenge of constructing a national and constituency-centered narrative that can mobilize support for public policy.

Professor Shapiro directs the Institute on Assets and Social at The Heller School for Social Policy, Brandeis University. Professor Shapiro's primary interest is in racial inequality and public policy. He wrote The Hidden Cost of Being African American. With Dr. Melvin Oliver, he co-authored Black Wealth/ White Wealth, which received the 1997 Distinguished Scholarly Publication Award from the American Sociological Association.

A light lunch will be provided. This lecture is free and open to the public.