Methodology
How we gather, verify, and date our data
Every number we publish carries a source, a date, and a link back to the original release. This page explains where the data comes from, how often it refreshes, and what to do if you think we got something wrong.
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Sources
Where our figures come from
We publish primary-source government and regulator data wherever it exists, and label anything else as an estimate.
| Source | What we use it for | Refresh cadence |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Census Bureau — American Community Survey | Median Black household income and Black homeownership rates, nationally and by state. | Pulled live from the Census API; the ACS releases annually. |
| U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Employment, unemployment, and wage indicators. | Reviewed and refreshed quarterly. |
| Federal Reserve — Survey of Consumer Finances | Household wealth and wealth-gap figures. | Reviewed on each triennial release. |
| Grants.gov | Federal grant opportunities surfaced in the Opportunity Center. | Synced automatically; expired listings archive on their deadline. |
| SAM.gov | Federal contract solicitations, including 8(a), HUBZone, and other set-asides. | Synced automatically; expired listings archive on their deadline. |
| FDIC and NCUA institution data | Black-owned banks and credit unions in the directory. | Checked against the quarterly MDI list. |
How we date every figure
Each indicator shows the release it came from and the "as of" date of that release, not the day we published it. When a source revises a number, we replace the figure and note the revision date.
How we verify directory listings
Listings are reviewed before publication against public filings, certifications, and regulator lists. We label ownership precisely — Black owned, Black founded, Black controlled, and Black led are separate categories and are never used interchangeably.
How opportunities are screened
Grants and contracts are imported from official federal systems, filtered for relevance to Black and minority applicants, and linked directly to the issuing agency's application page. Listings archive automatically once their deadline passes.
Corrections
If a figure looks wrong, tell us. We check it against the primary source, correct it prominently, and note what changed.
Report a correctionDisclaimer
Information published by The Black Wall Street Economy is educational and journalistic. It is not individualized financial, legal, investment, or tax advice. Always research an investment and consult a qualified professional before acting.
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Sales & Support
Questions about our data or sources?
Ask our sales and support AI on any page, or send the team a correction request directly.
Escalated issues receive a response within 24 hours. Most messages are answered within two business days.