By Maya Chung and Lori Fradkin February 6, 2025 7:06 AM EST For many Black Americans, closing the racial equity gap can feel like an insurmountable task. More than 83% say efforts toward equality in the U.S. haven’t gone far enough, according to a Pew Research Center survey. And while there have been major wins, extensive disparities—embedded in the fabric of the country—persist. Last year, TIME's inaugural Closers list focused on leaders working to chip away at the Black-white wealth gap.