Did you know that after ~400 years of being in the US, African Americans in the United States only own two percent of U.S. wealth? This week on the Journey to Launch podcast, my guest, Shawn D. Rochester talks about how this dismal stat came to be with data-based research and discusses what we can do about it using concrete solutions. Shawn is the CEO of Good Steward, LLC and author of The Black Tax: The Cost of Being Black in America.  In his book and presentations at Google, and several universities across the United States, Shawn examines the true cost of being Black in America. He outlines what factors impact the Black community and explains how you can help close the wealth gap.  Everyone must listen to this episode. I hope this interview sparks powerful conversations, deep thought, and inspires you to build black wealth and make strides to level the economic playing field. In this episode you will learn: What is the Black Tax and how it’s impacting your wealth How to identify unconscious vs. conscious bias Why hard work is not the key to success and what resources you really need Concrete ways you can close the wealth gap  How to apply Shawn’s PHD strategy to create jobs, capital, and thriving black communities, and so much more You can watch this interview with Shawn Rochester on youtube by clicking here. Other related blog posts/links mentioned in this episode: Go to Journeytolaunch.com/freedomsummit to join me at the Financial Freedom Summit in May Check out Shawn’s talk at Google, which has had over 200,000 views and sparked a lot of conversations about the real cost of being Black in America. I use Michael Hyatt’s Full Focus Planner to keep me focused so I get things done. If you are looking for a planner consider using this one. Check out the other tools that help me with my finances and business here.  Check out the Journey To Launch Podcast index here which categorizes all of the Journey To Launch podcast episodes by subject. Now you can binge on your favorite topics or type of episode. Join The Weekly Newsletter List Leave me a voicemail– Leave me a question on the Journey To Launch voicemail and have it answered on the podcast! Watch me on News12  Watch my latest segments on News12 YNAB –  Start managing your money and budgeting so that you can reach your financial dreams. Sign up for a free 34 days trial of YNAB, my go-to budgeting app by using my referral link. Connect with Shawn Rochester: Website Twitter: @BlackTaxed Facebook:@Shawn.D.Rochester Instagram:@BlackTaxed Connect with me: Instagram: @journeytolaunch Twitter: @JourneyToLaunch Facebook: Journey To Launch Join the private Facebook Group Get on the Money Launch Club Waitlist