Our Insights

The McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility’s mission is to help private-, public-, and social-sector leaders take coordinated action to accelerate Black economic development by providing in-depth research, convening with stakeholders, and translating research into practical assets and capabilities to create real-world impact.

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Our research methodology

The McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility holds itself to a high standard as it develops independent, objective research to support recommendations that can improve racial and economic inequities in communities around the world. In our process, we draw upon data from a wide range of sources and leverage research from leading academic institutions, think tanks, and global institutions—in addition to our unique McKinsey assets to produce new knowledge for the field.
Three generations of a Black family pose together and smile outside their home.
Report

The state of Black residents: The relevance of place to racial equity and outcomes

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At the current pace of change, it could take decades to improve outcomes for Black Americans and more than three centuries to get to racial parity. How can different types of communities move closer to delivering a better quality of life for all residents?
Group of Black friends together on the some stairs of a home, having fun looking at a mobile phone.
Article - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
Mapping the road to prosperity and parity for Black and Latino residents across America
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Black and Latino US residents experience different levels of prosperity and parity depending on where they live. Our interactive map explores this variation across all US counties.
Portrait of Cheryl Pegus with a welcoming smile and seated in a office chair and her head resting on her chin.
Interview - McKinsey Health Institute
The business of healthcare: ‘I’m always optimistic about what’s possible’
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Clinician and business executive Cheryl Pegus shares her bold vision for healthcare and the role businesses can play in ensuring everyone has access to high-quality healthcare.
Woman using a smartphone against a vibrant blue sky backdrop, surrounded by vivid streaks of colorful light.
Article
The impact of generative AI on Black communities
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Generative AI has the potential to widen the racial economic gap in the United States by $43 billion each year. But deployed thoughtfully, it could actually remove barriers to Black economic mobility.
A signpost with arrow shaped signs of different colors pointing in different directions.
Article
Examining philanthropic funding for racial equity across the United States
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Philanthropic capital can help communities achieve more racially equitable outcomes. Our interactive maps reveal where the funds are going and where they are needed.
Homes surrounded by flood water in South Carolina after a hurricane.
Interactive - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
Impacts of climate change on Black populations in the United States
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Explore how extreme weather can put the prospect of Black livelihood, well-being, and socioeconomic mobility at greater risk.
Brown University's Juliet Hooker headshot.
Interview
Author Talks: Brown University’s Juliet Hooker on what you can gain from losing
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Why political defeat sometimes unleashes grief and grievances: A political scientist shares what you can do to reframe feelings of loss.
Children from diverse racial identities, who appear to be in middle school, are creating a mechanized forklift type of machine on wheels in a mechanics class with a teacher helping them.
Article
Advancing racial equity in US pre-K–12 education
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Six actions could help close racial gaps in US pre-K–12 academic achievement.
A skyline view of Colombus against a bridge
Article
Sustainable, inclusive housing growth: A case study on Columbus, Ohio
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Rapid economic growth has created ample opportunity—as well as a housing shortage. How the city and the surrounding region respond could provide a blueprint for other US cities.
A black male volunteer teaches three black elementary age children how to plant seedlings in a community garden.
Interview - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
Building Bridges: Closing equity gaps across DC’s Anacostia River
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The president of Building Bridges Across the River talks about the equity challenges his organization works to address in the nation’s capital and the importance of giving community voices a platform.
Black consumers and the opportunity for growth and equity
Collection
The state of Black consumers: An opportunity for growth and equity
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Black consumers’ collective economic power is set to expand dramatically, from about $910 Billion in consumption in 2019 to $1.7 trillion (in nominal dollars) in 2030. Even so, they are more likely than their non-Black counterparts to live in consumer deserts and be underserved across all areas of consumption. This collection of research highlights both the social and commercial benefits of integrating broad racial-equity goals into consumer businesses to better serve Black consumers.
Portrait of husband and wife embracing in front of home
Interview - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
A community Dr. King would be proud to call home: Revitalizing Atlanta’s westside
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The president and CEO of the Westside Future Fund shares learnings from working to revitalize neighborhoods in Atlanta and the impact the organization has had in the community since being launched in 2014.
Businesswoman with headphones on a video conference
Interview - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
Diagnostic approaches to support community-based racial-equity efforts
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A McKinsey team using a place-based model to drive social change and address racial inequity shares learnings and highlights key considerations for executing a place-based diagnostic approach.
A patient receiving an injection from a nurse
Article
Reimagining public health programs to deliver equitable impact
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By placing equity at the center of public health programs, government agencies could more effectively address disparities and improve health outcomes for all Americans.
Men, women, and children catching up at the staircase to a home
Article
Zooming in: Using local insights to inform US racial-equity efforts
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Neighborhood-level data could help cities across the United States strategically craft interventions to effect real change for Black and Hispanic residents.
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Article - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
Corporate commitments to racial justice: An update
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In the two years since McKinsey first analyzed corporate pledges to fight racial injustice, companies have continued to pledge money—but how it’s being spent remains unclear.
Low angle portrait of young African American data engineer working with supercomputer in server room lit by blue light and holding laptop
Article - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
How to close the Black tech talent gap
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Businesses risk billions if Black professionals continue to be underrepresented in tech jobs. Closing the gap means making changes to education, recruiting, and retention initiatives.
Elderly Black man and woman holding hot beverage tumblers
Report
A guide to impact investing in Black economic mobility
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Eight socioeconomic pillars can support the growth of Black-owned businesses and increase opportunities for Black communities.
Article
Closing the digital divide in Black America
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Five steps could help to bring broadband and digital equity to every Black household in the United States—urban and rural—while bolstering efforts to create a more inclusive economy.
Black consumers in an apparel store
Article - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
Unlocking the full potential in fashion for Black consumers
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Fashion brands can forge stronger connections with this segment by pursuing four strategies.
Annie Jean-Baptiste photo
Interview
Making product inclusion and equity a core part of tech
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Annie Jean-Baptiste, the head of product inclusion and equity at Google, talks about how and why the tech giant works to incorporate DE&I and belonging into every aspect of the development process and what others can do to make the same shift.
Shot of a young woman using a laptop in a server room - stock photo
Article
Mining for tech-talent gold: Seven ways to find and keep diverse talent
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A wealth of diverse tech talent is available, if companies expand their approach to hiring them.
Woman reviewing financing on smart phone
Article - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
Investing in—and with—Black consumers in financial services
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Financial-services companies—specifically in banking and insurance—have an opportunity to address equity and gain commercial benefits by better serving Black consumers.
Happy Black Family Of Three Singing Having Fun Riding Car
Article - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
Rules of the road: Equitably serving Black automotive consumers
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Black consumers’ automotive spending is projected to grow, and companies have opportunities to create more equitable experiences.
Frontline worker of color in an apron.
Report
Race in the workplace: The frontline experience
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Three of four frontline workers want to be promoted, but less than one in four achieves it. Companies can take targeted actions to better support these workers.
photo students working at desk
Article
Racial and ethnic equity in US higher education: Students and faculty
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Most nonprofit institutions have significant progress to make to reach their stated goals of representational parity.
photo students working on laptop
Article
Racial and ethnic equity in US higher education: Completion rates
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Supporting students from underrepresented populations can help accelerate progress toward racial and ethnic equity in US higher education.
photo man and woman looking in binder
Executive Briefing
Racial and ethnic equity in US higher education
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Institutions have the potential to use their roles in teaching and learning, research scholarship and creative expression, and service to the community to collectively work toward greater equity.
photo mother and daughter, both smiling, looking at each other as daughter drops coins into piggy bank
Interview
The role of financial services in improving racial equity in the US
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In April 2022, McKinsey gathered a group of leaders in financial services to discuss the work they are doing to increase financial inclusion, address systemic challenges, and catalyze efforts to close the racial wealth gap.
A group of six women conversing
Article - McKinsey Quarterly
Black representation in the beauty industry
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Black beauty consumers and brands face deep challenges when it comes to equity. Removing those barriers can lead to greater opportunity for everyone in the industry.
Tracee Ellis Ross headshot
Article - McKinsey Quarterly
Meet the Black beauty execs
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Creating a path to a more equitable beauty market for Black brands represents a $2.6 billion opportunity. McKinsey talked to four founders and entrepreneurs who are leading the way.
Article - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
Nourishing equity: Meeting Black consumers’ needs in food
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Retailers and restaurants have an opportunity to give Black consumers equitable access to the foods they want.
Three people greeting each other
Article
Expand diversity among your suppliers—and add value to your organization
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Companies can unlock more value in their supplier diversity programs by including higher-growth sectors and promoting diversity across the business ecosystem.
portrait of Shelley Stewart III
Video
Marketing to the multifaceted Black consumer
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To attract Black consumers, brands must demonstrate quality, social mission, and good value.
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Article
What Black and Latino consumers want healthcare stakeholders to know
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Understanding consumer behavior and attitude drivers may help stakeholders improve health outcomes and experiences for Black and Latino patients.
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Article
The rise of the inclusive consumer
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Social values are shaping purchase decisions more than ever—and retailers that act now stand to attract consumers’ loyalty and spending.
Investments in Black consumers in pursuit of equity
Report - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
Black consumers: Where to invest for equity (a preview)
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Effectively pursuing broad racial-equity goals can help consumer-facing companies better serve Black consumers.
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Podcast
Serving the Black consumer is a $300 billion opportunity
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Tailor products specifically to meet Black consumer needs and wants, and not only is there economic value to be gained but also a greater chance to meet social and moral objectives.
Woman dressing manikin
Article
The Black unicorn: Changing the game for inclusivity in retail
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In the age of the inclusive consumer, harnessing the power of retail can increase demand for Black-owned brands.
Trucker and woman
Article
Toward an equitable economic recovery in Minneapolis–St. Paul
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By closing long-standing racial equity gaps and preparing people of color for the future of work, the region can put itself on track to recover both equitably and more quickly.
Black farmers in the US: The opportunity for addressing racial disparities in farming
Article
Black farmers in the US: The opportunity for addressing racial disparities in farming
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Achieving peer-level economic performance could generate billions in value for the agriculture industry.
A $300 billion opportunity: Serving the emerging Black American consumer
Article - McKinsey Quarterly
A $300 billion opportunity: Serving the emerging Black American consumer
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There’s a big market to be unearthed if companies meet the real needs of Black consumers.
How HBCUs can accelerate Black economic mobility
Article - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
How HBCUs can accelerate Black economic mobility
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Historically Black colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to inspire and support Black Americans in the five critical roles they play in the US economy.
The economic state of Black America: What is and what could be
Report - MGI Research
The economic state of Black America: What is and what could be
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Closing racial gaps across the economy is not only about righting historic wrongs. It is also about choosing a more dynamic future and realizing the full potential of a massively underutilized source of talent, to the benefit of all Americans.
Black-owned businesses face an unequal path to recovery
Article
Black-owned businesses face an unequal path to recovery
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As the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates systemic inequities, entrepreneurs also face the fallout of America’s racial reckoning.
The case for inclusive growth
Report
The case for inclusive growth
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US leaders across sectors have an opportunity to improve economic performance—and bolster individual and community well-being—through investments that embed equity into the development process.
Black representation in film and TV: The challenges and impact of increasing diversity
Article
Black representation in film and TV: The challenges and impact of increasing diversity
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New research reveals the barriers that Black talent in the film and TV industry faces, the economic fallout, and solutions for creating a more inclusive, equitable workplace.
Race in the workplace: The Black experience in the US private sector
Report
Race in the workplace: The Black experience in the US private sector
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Advancing racial equity in the workplace is a system-level challenge—ranging from the structural inequities of geography to underrepresentation in industries and jobs that could create additional opportunity to the behaviors of the workplace itself.
America 2021: The opportunity to advance racial equity
Article - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
America 2021: The opportunity to advance racial equity
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To America’s leaders, innovators, and changemakers: the task of building a more perfect society needs your help.
Retail's diversity imperative
Article
The diversity imperative in retail
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Consumers are expecting more from brands than ever before, and the cost is high for retailers that don’t take action on racial equity, diversity, and inclusion.
It’s time for a new approach to racial equity
Article - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
It’s time for a new approach to racial equity
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Despite decades of efforts by public-, private-, and social-sector organizations, racial inequity has only increased. Can a concerted, coordinated effort reverse this trend?
Building supportive ecosystems for Black-owned US businesses
Article - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
Building supportive ecosystems for Black-owned US businesses
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The right business ecosystems can mitigate or negate the effects of structural obstacles to business building for Black business owners—and add $290 billion in business equity.
Problems amid progress: Improving lives and livelihoods for ethnic minorities in the United Kingdom
Article
Problems amid progress: Improving lives and livelihoods for ethnic minorities in the United Kingdom
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Britain has made progress on advancing ethnic equality. But minorities are still disadvantaged in many ways, and some groups are particularly vulnerable to economic shocks.
Racial equity in financial services
Article
Racial equity in financial services
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The financial services talent pipeline shows a lack of representation of people of color, most acutely at senior levels. Changes in three key areas can help companies make progress.
Insights on racial and ethnic health inequity in the context of COVID-19
Article
Insights on racial and ethnic health inequity in the context of COVID-19
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McKinsey’s Center for Societal Benefit through Healthcare shares insights on underlying health inequities that contribute to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color and vulnerable populations.
How COVID-19 has impacted Black-white financial inequality
Article
How COVID-19 has impacted Black-white financial inequality
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COVID-19 has disrupted everything from economic markets to personal finances, but not everyone feels its effects equally.
COVID-19's effect on minority-owned small businesses in the United States
Article
COVID-19’s effect on minority-owned small businesses in the United States
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Already vulnerable, minority-owned small businesses brace for disproportionate impact. Here’s how to help.
COVID-19: Investing in black lives and livelihoods
Article - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
COVID-19: Investing in Black lives and livelihoods
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The unfolding public-health and possible economic disaster of the pandemic will disproportionately affect Black Americans—unless stakeholders respond immediately.
The case for accelerating financial inclusion in black communities
Article - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
The case for accelerating financial inclusion in black communities
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A lack of financial inclusion for black Americans exists at every level of the financial system. Understanding the sources of exclusion is the first step to fixing the system.
The future of work in black America
Article - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
The future of work in black America
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Research shows that automation trends may be widening the racial wealth gap. This article reveals possible interventions that may help African American workers prepare for the future.
The economic impact of closing the racial wealth gap
Report - McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility
The economic impact of closing the racial wealth gap
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The persistent racial wealth gap in the United States is a burden on Black Americans as well as the overall economy. New research quantifies the impact of closing the gap and identifies key sources of this socioeconomic inequity.

Featured blog

Introducing the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility

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Today our firm launches a think tank dedicated to advancing racial equity and inclusive growth to safeguard the lives of Black people around the world.
Introducing the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility

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