Summary

Abrams’ great-aunt Jeanette would religiously participate in the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes and would often tell Abrams how wealth would change her life. Despite being college educated, she struggled financially so winning the lottery became her greatest wish. Abrams reflects on the deciding role that money plays in American society, especially in dictating one’s educational opportunities and options for social mobility. The lack of financial means and literacy in poor and marginalized communities can be an impenetrable barrier to pursuing one’s ambitions.

Abrams provides a brief summary of systemic and historical reasons for the relative impoverishment of marginalized communities today. The effects of redlining, or the practice of refusing to lend money to “undesirable” demographics so that they can buy homes or start businesses, can still be seen in demographic wealth gaps today. These put minorities at a disadvantage, especially in...