And the largest single factor that's led to the gap? Home ownership.
Shapiro says that blacks take longer to save up enough money to buy a home.
They may also face discrimination when it comes to financing. And
where you end up buying a home is a major factor as well. Shapiro says that
homes in traditionally white neighborhoods appreciate in value at a much faster rate than homes in more diverse or racially segregated neighborhoods.
"As homes are bought a little lower down in the socioeconomic ladder, housing wealth does grow," Shapiro said. "But the point is it doesn't grow nearly as much or as fast."
Unemployment has had a devastating effect on the wealth of black families as well. The
unemployment rate for whites is 7%, while
the black unemployment rate sits at nearly double that,13.8 percent.
Shapiro tells the story of a college-educated black couple that started off making nearly $100,000 a year. They both lost their jobs during the recession and had to eat into the retirement savings to get by.
They went from planning for the future -- saving for a new car, putting money away for their kids' education -- to living day by day. Just one example of how unemployment can lead to massive depletion in wealth.
And with unemployment disproportionately affecting African Americans, there's also been a disproportionate hit to their accumulated wealth.