The Ford Hall Forum at Suffolk University presents author Maggie Anderson and Sociologist Thomas Shapiro, with Candelaria Silva, discussing "Black Economy, White Privilege" from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at the Modern Theatre, 525 Washington St., Boston.

Black businesses lag behind businesses of all other racial groups in every measure of success. Is it necessary – or even possible – for the black community to sustain its own economy?

Maggie Anderson will describe her year-long "buy black" empowerment experiment and how, while trying to inspire blacks to economically mobilize, she encountered a community that refused to support its own. Meanwhile, Shapiro will discuss blacks' failing in asset accumulation and homeownership, to the point of negating gains in employment and income.

Drawing on economic research, social history, surveys, interviews, and their own personal experiences, these authors will analyze how racial inequality is transmitted across generations and pinpoint why the black economy continues to suffer.

The Ford Hall Forum is the nation’s oldest free public lecture series. It promotes freedom of speech and fosters an informed and effective citizenry through events that illuminate the key issues facing our society.

The forum presents knowledgeable and thought-provoking speakers, including some of the most controversial opinion leaders of our times, in settings that facilitate frank and open debate.