Financial Health: Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses & Building Wealth in Rural Texas

In the heart of rural Texas, Black families in Bastrop, Lee, Fayette and Caldwell counties have long faced financial hurdles due to historical barriers like redlining and lending discrimination. The systemic issues below have contributed to a persistent racial wealth gap.

• Median Wealth Disparity: In 2021, the typical white household held $250,400 in wealth, compared to just $27,100 for the typical Black household—a gap of over ninefold. (Pew Research Center)

• Homeownership Challenges: Homeownership remains one of the strongest paths to generational wealth, yet in 2018, the Black-White homeownership gap hit a 50-year high of 30.5 percentage points. (Urban Institute)

Despite these obstacles, Black entrepreneurs continue to create opportunities and enrich their communities. Two shining examples in Bastrop County are Ham Bonz Soul Food and Sugar Shack.

• Ham Bonz Soul Food, opened in 2023 by Marsha and John Sanders, has quickly become a local favorite for its fried chicken, smothered pork chops, collard greens, and signature “house wine” (Kool-Aid). Their journey highlights the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses as a means of economic empowerment. (Community Impact)

• Sugar Shack, a staple in Bastrop since 1995, has long been a go-to spot for candy lovers and families. Recently acquired by the Wells family, the shop continues to offer handmade chocolates, caramel apples, fudge, and nostalgic sweets while carrying on a legacy of community connection. (Bastrop Economic Development)

At the Rural Whole Health Coalition (RWHC), we believe that financial health is community health. Economic stability, access to resources, and thriving small businesses all contribute to the overall well-being of rural families.

This Black History Month, we encourage you to celebrate Black-owned businesses & building wealth in rural Texas:

• Support Black-owned businesses.

• Advocate for financial literacy programs that help close the wealth gap.

• Push for policies that promote homeownership and entrepreneurship.

Wealth-building isn’t just about money—it’s about creating opportunities for future generations to thrive. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more equitable future in rural Texas.