In honor of Black History Month, Zenith Wealth Partners spoke with Jeanné Lewis, the CEO of Faith in Public Life, to discuss the critical work her organization is doing to address the racial wealth gap. As a systemic issue, the racial wealth gap continues to affect communities of color, limiting access to wealth-building opportunities and economic stability.
Faith in Public Life is at the forefront of advocating for justice and equity, integrating faith-based values to drive meaningful change. Through initiatives like the Theologies of C.A.R.E. campaign, they are helping to dismantle barriers and empower individuals with the knowledge and resources to challenge inequities. In this interview, Jeanné shares insights on the intersection of faith, social justice, and economic equity, and how her organization is actively creating pathways for greater opportunity and systemic change.
How do you see the racial wealth gap impacting the communities you serve, and what challenges do you face in addressing it?
“The racial wealth gap is a moral and spiritual crisis at the heart of our communities. Not incidental, this injustice results from policies and practices that have barred too many of our neighbors from stable housing, fair wages, quality education, and direct access to capital. This systemic lack of access impacts how communities interact with houses of worship and theology overall. In communities of color, we see institutions rely much more heavily on grants and other avenues for income than just congregation members. When you see God as a provider, that allows for help to come from a myriad of places beyond just financially.“
Can you highlight a project your organization leads that is driving significant impact?
“Currently, Faith in Public Life is leading a Theologies of C.A.R.E campaign aimed at integrating comprehensive reproductive health education into theological curricula at academic institutions. Faith leaders and religious institutions are key elements in how people make significant decisions, including decisions around reproductive health. Through a better understanding of reproductive health, faith leaders can reduce the stigma surrounding reproductive care in faith spaces and strengthen their role as trusted sources of guidance and support in their communities.”
How do you ensure your work stays aligned with the values of equity, inclusion, and justice, particularly when faced with systemic challenges?
“Equity, inclusion, and justice are the foundation of our work here at Faith in Public Life. We root our efforts in the belief that every person carries inherent dignity and deserves a voice in shaping our future. But we also know that living out these values require more than words. When faced with systemic barriers, we lean into truth-telling, advocacy, building broad coalitions that reflect the diversity of our communities, and the wisdom of our faith traditions.“
What motivates you to push through the challenges you encounter in your work?
“My Catholic faith is the core of my motivation, reminding me that justice is at the heart of God’s love for us, and I draw inspiration from the strength and wisdom of my ancestors to guide my work. The lessons and values I have learned are what drives me to keep pushing forward, especially in these challenging times. Our struggles today remind me that our work is far from over, and that faith communities have. As faith leaders, we also have potential to transform not only individual lives but entire communities. Faith in Public Life’s campaigns and intentional thought leadership are grounded in the belief that collective action can challenge the status quo.“
What are your hopes for racial wealth equity, and how do you believe the nonprofit sector should evolve to meet these needs?
“Racial wealth equity means breaking down the systemic barriers that have long held back communities of color from accumulating wealth and achieving financial stability. My hope is to see a future where religious and ethnic minorities have the same opportunities available to others, where economic policies support fair access to reproductive health, housing, employment, and more. Achieving this requires addressing disparities and creating a level playing field where all individuals have the resources and the opportunities to succeed.
The nonprofit sector has an important role to play in achieving racial wealth equity. As a sector that is often on the frontlines of addressing inequality, nonprofits are uniquely positioned to educate the public and decision-makers about the root causes of the wealth gap and provide resources for communities in need. This means expanding access to financial knowledge, capital, and business development opportunities for communities of color.“
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