Highway construction and urban renewal projects destroyed the Center Street Neighborhood, a thriving Black community in Des Moines. Families and businesses went into debt, shifting from entrepreneurship and owning to renting, which had a lasting effect on generational wealth. On this episode, we look at how economic inequality drives division, from Center Street in Des Moines to meat packers in rural Iowa. We also look at the income wealth of the Gilded Age and what that has in common with our current times.

From redlining to union busting, economic inequality drives division

On Season 4 of Unsettled, we’ll dive into “The Great Divide.” According to the American Psychological Association, the majority of adults in America say that societal division is a significant source of stress in their lives. We’ll find out how we feel it on a personal level in our communities and families. The divide between rich and poor continues to expand. We’ll explore how the growing wealth gap is shaping our future. These days we don’t just disagree with each other, we’re living in separate realities — we'll find out how we got here. We’ll go to church, and find out where political influence and power intersects with faith. Then we’ll meet people who are building bridges and bringing people together in powerful and creative ways.

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From redlining to union busting, economic inequality drives division

From redlining to union busting, economic inequality drives division

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