Undercurrents Jason Riley: Affirmative action didn’t cure black poverty
May 13, 2025
Jason Riley, a Wall Street Journal columnist and author, dives deep into the failures of affirmative action in addressing black poverty. He argues that the black middle class thrived before the 1960s’ policy shifts, which ironically increased socio-economic struggles. Riley critiques the belief that equal outcomes can stem from racial preferences, emphasizing the need for genuine economic opportunities. He also addresses how excessive regulations in liberal cities stifle growth, particularly harming black communities and affecting educational choices.
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Black Middle Class Growth Pre-Affirmative Action
- The black middle class grew significantly faster before affirmative action policies were implemented.
- Racial preferences did not drive the upward mobility of Black Americans as commonly believed.
Affirmative Action's Impact on Progress
- Affirmative action began in the late 1960s and early 1970s with lowered standards and mandated hiring quotas.
- Since this era, black economic and social progress has stagnated or reversed compared to earlier decades.
Black Poverty Decline Pre-Civil Rights
- From 1940 to 1960, black poverty dropped 40 percentage points despite harsh Jim Crow conditions.
- This advance occurred with little government intervention, welfare, or civil rights laws in place.