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The Black Wall Street Economy

Economic News

Reporting that ends with what you can do

Every story carries an action box. We publish breaking news, analysis, investigations, opinion, educational explainers, opportunity notices, and community alerts.

Two Black contractors reviewing blueprints at a construction site
Opportunity
Government Contracting

Federal agencies open a $4.2B window for small construction and services firms

Three agencies posted set-aside solicitations this month. Registration in SAM.gov takes weeks — firms that wait will miss the cycle.

By Editorial Desk · Published Aug 1, 2026 · Updated Aug 1, 2026

Action box

Verify your SAM.gov registration and confirm your NAICS codes this week.

Sources: agency filings, federal data releases, and company statements. Corrections are published on the article page.

A young Black couple receiving the keys to their first home
Investigation
Housing

Denial rates for Black applicants remain double the national average in 14 metros

A review of federal mortgage disclosure filings shows persistent gaps even among applicants with similar income and credit profiles.

By Research Team · Published Jul 29, 2026 · Updated Jul 29, 2026

Action box

Request your full underwriting denial reason in writing — lenders must provide it.

Sources: agency filings, federal data releases, and company statements. Corrections are published on the article page.

Analysis
Banking

Deposits at Black-owned banks grew for the sixth straight quarter

Community deposit campaigns and public-sector accounts are quietly rebuilding the lending base of a shrinking sector.

By Markets Desk · Published Jul 26, 2026 · Updated Jul 26, 2026

Action box

Move one recurring deposit to a Black-owned bank or credit union this month.

Sources: agency filings, federal data releases, and company statements. Corrections are published on the article page.

Educational
Access to Capital

What lenders actually look at when a small business applies for credit

Revenue consistency, debt service coverage, and documentation quality outrank the pitch every time.

By Founder's Desk · Published Jul 22, 2026 · Updated Jul 22, 2026

Action box

Pull 12 months of business bank statements and calculate your debt service coverage ratio.

Sources: agency filings, federal data releases, and company statements. Corrections are published on the article page.

Breaking
Jobs

Monthly jobs report: Black unemployment ticks up while overall hiring holds

The headline number hid a widening gap. Here is what changed and which sectors drove it.

By Markets Desk · Published Aug 2, 2026 · Updated Aug 2, 2026

Action box

If your sector is contracting, update your résumé and start a 90-day emergency fund plan.

Sources: agency filings, federal data releases, and company statements. Corrections are published on the article page.