Get the Upshot in your Inbox. Black boys raised in America, even in the wealthiest families and living in some of the most well-to-do neighborhoods, still earn less in adulthood than white boys with similar backgrounds, according to a sweeping new study that traced the lives of millions of children. White boys who grow up rich are likely to remain that way. Black boys raised at the top, however, are more likely to become poor than to stay wealthy in their own adult households. Even when children grow up next to each other with parents who earn similar incomes, black boys fare worse than white boys in 99 percent of America.
Advertise Donate Read the latest issue Newsletter. Obviously, you are not just a white boy. And I am not just a black girl.
I was talking to my friend, Kim, as we sipped cocktails at a bar in Hollywood. She followed my gaze. I nodded. She raised an eyebrow and slurped on her vodka cranberry. Some background might be helpful here.