The gap between the net worth of African American and white families has exploded in the past generation, according to new research released by scholars at Brandeis University. An initial wealth gap of $20,000 between black and white families expanded between 1984 and 2007 to $95,000 (excluding real estate holdings), researchers found. Why? Tax policies have helped the rich get richer, plus “evidence from multiple sources demonstrates the powerful role of persistent discrimination,” according to this report. “It’s time to finally make a unified thrust to bridge racial and economic inequality,” Dedrick Muhammad said in an OtherWords op-ed that called for a “rededication” to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision.