Steadfast Leadership and the Fight for Black Wealth: Inspiration from Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur and Congressman James Clyburn

Kathryn Tucker

By Kathryn M. Tucker
Guest Column

“The policies of the past may have built the walls of segregation, but it is our responsibility to tear them down and build bridges instead.” —The Color of Law

This reminder from Richard Rothstein captures a powerful truth: the systemic inequalities that hinder Black wealth in America were created by design, but they can be dismantled through deliberate action and steadfast leadership. Leaders like Dr.  Martin Luther King Jr., Shirley Chisholm, and John Lewis understood that true change is a vision that spans generations.

For Black communities, economic opportunity has often been stifled by barriers that limit access to resources and perpetuate cycles of disparity. Yet, with leaders who are unafraid to challenge these structures, there is hope.

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (Dem – OH) and Congressman James Clyburn (Dem – SC) have picked up this mantle, carrying forward the legacies of those who paved the way, and continuing the fight for equity, opportunity, and progress. Combined, they have over 80 years of service in Congress, exemplifying the power of persistence in creating meaningful change.

Over the past 15 years, I’ve spent my career working in the financial industry, where I’ve seen firsthand the impact that equitable access to resources can have on communities. I have experience across various financial institutions, including banks, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and HUD-approved housing counseling agencies. Now, as an executive in the credit union industry, I am part of an effort to make financial services more accessible and fair.

Back in the early 2000s, I discovered my passion for justice when I joined the Toledo Fair Housing Center’s board of directors. During that time, and throughout my work in nonprofits, I learned about the systems that cripple Black wealth—systems built to exclude, restrict, and deny. I knew I wanted to be part of the solution, and this realization led me on a journey to law school, where I will soon graduate this December.

I wanted the power to not just understand these systems, but to change them. Because real change starts with legislation. The legislature is where systems form and where systems can be dismantled and rebuilt. But the key is sifting through politicians to find those who care about the communities they serve. How can you tell? As the Bible reminds us, “By their fruit, you will recognize them (Matthew 7:16).”

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur and Congressman James Clyburn

My quest for justice and desire to uplift my community led me into a dynamic sit-down interview with two powerhouses in Congress: Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur and Congressman James Clyburn. Through their stories, I gained a deeper understanding of the dedication it takes to create meaningful change.

Congresswoman Kaptur has been serving Ohio’s 9th congressional district since 1983, earning her the title of the longest-serving woman in U.S. congressional history. She’s a leader with a vision that cuts across generations and a tenacity that has fueled economic revitalization across Ohio’s industrial heartland. When you’re in the room with Kaptur, you will likely hear her say, “What America makes and grows, grows and makes America.” Her words echo across fields and factories, emphasizing her belief that nurturing and investing in growth—whether it’s crops in the soil or industries in cities—creates prosperity for the nation.

Congresswoman Kaptur has had a hand in my family’s journey to achieving wealth. I had the pleasure of moderating a panel discussion earlier this year that was geared towards minority business owners. She and her team brought in resources, including the regional director of the Small Business Administration (SBA). I was there to moderate, but what Kaptur didn’t know is that my husband and I had recently started a business. Entrepreneurship is challenging. Our wine company, Toledo’s Share, was beginning to seem like a distant dream—we would be one of the only, if not the only, Black-owned wine manufacturing companies in the state of Ohio.

Kaptur said something that ignited a spark in me. She discussed the importance of business owners, acknowledged their struggles, and said, “Listen—if you have a great idea or you know someone with a great idea, turn it into a business! Go for it!” She went on to provide success stories and connect us to resources. This was the extra jolt I needed. I thought to myself, “Marcy is going to take care of us—she is going to make sure our business doesn’t fail.”

I went home and said this to my husband. So, we kept going and recently secured SBA funding for our business through Huntington Bank, a resource made available at that forum. We need leaders like her who provide confidence and instill trust in our communities when we doubt our own callings.

Then there’s Congressman James Clyburn, who has represented South Carolina’s 6th congressional district since 1993. Known for his instrumental role in civil rights and economic development, as well as his dedication to equity and justice, Clyburn has been a driving force behind significant policy changes. He played a pivotal role in the passage of the Affordable Care Act, a victory achieved through years of advocacy, negotiation, and unyielding effort. His work to secure federal funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) highlights his commitment to creating opportunities for future generations.

When I interviewed Congressman Clyburn, he took us on a journey through time, beginning with the Emancipation Proclamation and the Great Betrayal of 1877. He spoke about the harsh realities of Jim Crow, and how even the passage of Social Security excluded upwards of 65 percent of Black workers from benefits, with retirement set at age 65 when the average life expectancy for Black Americans was just 59. He traced the struggle through to the 2008 financial crisis, noting, “Black people have not accumulated wealth because the biggest source of wealth is your home.” The economic crash devastated Black homeownership, stripping many families of the opportunity to build generational wealth. Clyburn’s participation in the 2009 Recovery and Investment Act was an effort to restore what was lost and create a path forward.

U.S. Reps James Clyburn and Marcy Kaptur and Kathryn Tucker

Despite the rollback of affirmative action and the challenges facing DEI initiatives, which he describes as being “on life support,” Clyburn continues to push for solutions to further his vision of Black economic empowerment. His commitment to change is commendable, and his understanding of history gives him the depth to address these issues head-on.

Statistics on Black wealth and homeownership bring to light the importance of their work. Black homeownership rates are significantly lower than those of white Americans, with a gap of over 30 percentage points. In 2022, the Black homeownership rate was 44.1 percent, compared to 74.5 percent for white households. This disparity reflects deeper systemic issues that limit economic mobility and wealth accumulation.

The racial wealth gap remains stark, with the median net worth of Black families being less than 15 percent of that of white families. These numbers make it clear why leaders like Clyburn and Kaptur are so essential—they understand that building wealth and equity starts with fair and inclusive policies, long-term investments, and a steadfast commitment to change.

During our conversation, I asked Congressman Clyburn why he supports Congresswoman Kaptur. He recalled their early days in Congress, saying she stood out for her depth and focus. While many politicians chase headlines, Kaptur has always been different. “She really sticks with an issue,” he said, “and is committed to seeing it through.” In an environment that often prioritizes quick wins and easy sound bites, her perseverance is a breath of fresh air.

For Black voters, Kaptur’s approach should resonate. She doesn’t just advocate for economic growth; she works to make sure that growth is inclusive and that Black communities are not left behind. Whether she’s advocating for affordable housing, pushing for higher wages, or ensuring infrastructure investments benefit underserved communities, she is building pathways for wealth-building and financial security for all. Her focus on long-term solutions and her ability to see the bigger picture make her a leader we cannot afford to lose.

The world needs fresh perspectives, but it also needs the wisdom that comes from years of dedication. Leaders like Marcy Kaptur and James Clyburn have shown us that real, lasting change takes time, patience, and a commitment to the long game. As we continue to push for progress, let’s take inspiration from their steadfastness. The work we do today will shape the world for tomorrow, just as their work has done for us. Let’s be bold, let’s be innovative, but above all, let’s be patient and persistent, knowing that the seeds we plant today will yield a future of prosperity for generations to come.

As I look ahead to my own legal career, I’m reminded of the words of one of my heroes, Thurgood Marshall: “Sometimes history takes things into its own hands.” Progress is inevitable when we confront challenges head-on, armed with the determination to bend history’s course toward justice and equality. But progress also requires action. The future prosperity of this election rests in your hands. Will you carry the torch?

This writing is dedicated to my mother, Annette McGrath, and the values she instilled in me to forge a path towards change.