earnings, but goes into detail regarding individuals assets and their command over monetary resources. African Americans are very well represented in the first list, which generates an optimistic view of how black Americans have progressed economically in the United States. Conversely, the near absence of blacks on the Forbes list paints a much more pessimistic outlook. Economists argue that racial differences in wealth are a consequence of disparate class and human capital credentials such as age, education, experience and skills, as well as one's propensity to save and consume. Sociology of wealth seeks to properly situate the social context in which wealth generation occurs. It attempts to account for the racial differences in wealth holdings by demonstrating the diverse social circumstances that blacks and whites face. Both race and class tremendously affect the different investment opportunities that are available to whites and blacks, resulting in a wealth gap. Certain individuals have commented on the impact of race and class in the United States and the public policy implications. The individuals chosen for this analysis are Quincey Jones and Kathleen Cleaver. Quincey Jones is an award winning composer, arranger and publisher. He derives his viewpoints from first hand experience as a result of his childhood and his involvement in the music industry. Kathleen Cleaver is a visiting professor at Cardoza School of Law. She derives her knowledge from her involvement with the Black Panther Party. These two individuals discuss issues relating to race and class and its impact on society and public interest. Jones describes his familiarity with the gangster culture from his childhood in Chicago that he described as, "a breeding ground for gangsters of all colors." The gang culture itself has not changed merely the underlying elements. These underlying elements being money, fast money that is usually "earned" by dealing...
