Most discussions around taxation tend to focus on federal taxes, like income taxes, while underemphasizing the impact of local and municipal taxes. Yet, these local taxes play an enormous role in shaping our daily lives. Black and other marginalized communities face an outsized burden from these taxes, further deepening economic and social inequities.

This series, co-produced by The Maven Collaborative and NPQ, explores how the taxation system’s “quiet violence” enacted against Black Americans leads not only to financial inequality but also to stolen legacies, futures, peace, and health—and presents solutions for equitable change.