The racial wealth gap is the disparity in median wealth between different racial groups in the United States. In a 2018 study, the Federal Reserve found, “The median Black household has less than 11 percent the wealth of the median white household (about $15,000 versus $140,000).” Evidence shows that this gap has been growing for over 60 years. How can we make sense of such vast inequity, and how can we create an equitable system for all Americans? The answers are informed by a nuanced understanding of historical decisions, housing policies and access to opportunity.