Economic Agency Report
A data-driven and community-informed analysis of the economic realities shaping Black women’s lives.
The Economic Agency Report is an annual publication produced by the Black Women’s Wealth Alliance. It examines the economic conditions, challenges, and opportunities impacting Black women grounded in both data and lived experience. The report deepens understanding, inform strategy, and elevate the importance of economic positioning.
Why This Report Exists
Black Women are among the most economically active populations in the country working, leading households, and contributing significantly to the economy. Yet this level of participation has not consistently translated into ownership, asset growth, or long-term stability. This report exists to make that gap visible. It provides a clearer picture of where we are, what is happening, and what must change to move toward economic agency.
What the Report Covers
Each year, the report brings together multiple layers of insight, including:
economic participation and workforce trends
income, asset, and wealth positioning
barriers to ownership and capital access
lived experiences and community perspectives
emerging opportunities and strategic pathways
The goal is not only to document conditions—but to provide direction.
Community-Centered Research
The Economic Agency Report is informed not only by national and regional data, but by direct engagement with the community.
Through surveys, conversations, and participant insights, the report reflects the lived realities of Black women—ensuring that the data is grounded in real experience.
Current Research & Survey
BWWA is currently conducting a new phase of research to better understand the economic realities, challenges, and opportunities facing Black women today. We invite community members to participate in the survey and share their experiences. This input plays a critical role in shaping the next report and ensuring that the work reflects real conditions and needs.
👉 Participate in the Survey 👉 Share the Survey with Others
Foundational Report (2016)
In 2016, the Black Women’s Wealth Alliance released Minnesota’s first report examining the economic status of Black women.
This report marked a pivotal moment—documenting both the strength and the structural gaps shaping the economic realities of Black women in the state. It helped establish a foundation for how BWWA approaches economic development, leadership, and long-term strategy.
This work reflects an early commitment to research, documentation, and truth-telling—grounded in both data and lived experience.
This report continues to inform the direction of BWWA’s work today.
Annual Report & Convening
The Economic Agency Report is released annually through a public event that brings together community members, leaders, and partners.
This convening creates space for:
shared understanding
dialogue and reflection
strategy development
connection across sectors
The next report will be released on March 26, 2027, continuing BWWA’s commitment to documenting and advancing economic agency.
Why It Matters
The Economic Agency Report serves as both a mirror and a guide.
It reflects the current realities facing Black women while also pointing toward the structural changes needed to move from participation into ownership.
By making these conditions visible and actionable, the report helps shape conversations, influence strategy, and strengthen long-term economic positioning.
Understanding where we are is the first step. Positioning for where we need to go is the work.