The Hidden Tariff Racism: Racial Inequity Stifles American Economy
By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer When economists discuss the "bottom line" of American industry, the conversation often centers on interest rates, supply chains, and consumer spending. Yet, a growing body of research from the Federal Reserve, Citigroup, and the Brookings Institution points to a much older, more corrosive factor: the "hidden tariff" of systemic racism. The roots of this economic drag are not modern; they are foundational. Recently uncovered correspondence