What are racial disparities?

Racial disparities are when some groups get more or less of something important just because of their race.

Imagine you and your friend both want to play on the biggest slide at the park. But sometimes, one of you gets picked first every time, not because they’re faster, but just because of what they look like. That’s a bit like racial disparities.

Let's say there are two kids in your class: one is Black and one is White. Both study hard for the same test. But when the teacher hands out candy, the White kid gets more pieces, not because they worked harder, but just because of their race.

It’s like having a special rule that says some kids get extra treats just for being part of a certain group.

This isn’t just about candy. In real life, people might get different jobs, pay less money, or even go to jail more often, all because of their race. It’s like the park slide, but for grown-ups too!

Racial disparities can make life harder for some groups, and easier for others, not because they’re better or worse, just because of a rule that isn’t fair.