Race Matters: Unequal Opportunities for Rural Family Economic Success

Summary

Economic impact laws that appeared race-neutral have had significant impact on poor people of color in rural areas. Racial equity can only be attained if regional discrimination and unintended bias is addressed. This 2006 fact sheet brings awareness to the rural economic issue, shows the consequences of unintended bias and discriminatory actions and presents policy strategies to tackle the issue. This brief is part of a comprehensive Race Matters toolkit. For more information, visit the Race Matters Institute. 

Table of Contents

• Why Equal Opportunity is Important
• Barriers to Equal Opportunity
• The Consequences of Unequal Opportunity
• Strategies to Promote Equal Opportunity

Key Takeaway

Racial equity in rural areas

96% of rural U.S. farm owners were white and controlled 98% of the acreage at the time of this report.