Poor health is costing Black Americans not only their lives but also their financial futures. Research highlighted in Rolling Out shows how chronic illnesses disproportionately affecting African Americans strip away billions in potential wealth, creating an underrecognized driver of economic inequality.
Cardiovascular disease affects 60% of Black adults, a rate far above national averages. The toll is stark: Black Americans die from heart disease at rates 54% higher than whites, cutting off decades of earnings and preventing families from building generational wealth. Diabetes adds another layer of burden, with more than 12% of African Americans living with the disease compared with 7.4% of non-Hispanic whites. The costs are not limited to doctor bills—these conditions reduce energy, increase sick days, and force early retirements, depleting retirement savings meant to grow across generations.
The ripple effects extend well beyond the patient. Families often see children struggle academically when parents are ill or acting as caregivers. Adult children may forgo promotions or leave jobs altogether to care for sick relatives. This cycle of diminished earning power locks entire families into economic vulnerability.
The report stresses that preventive care, nutrition, and mental health support should be viewed as wealth-building strategies. Regular screenings, healthier diets, and community wellness programs could reduce costly chronic illnesses while preserving long-term earning power. As the piece concludes, investing in health is not simply a personal matter—it is a financial strategy essential to creating generational wealth in Black communities.
See: “How poor health costs Black Americans billions in wealth” (August 15, 2025)