Chris Rock on Wealthy Black People
on Wednesday, September 11, 2013Chris Rock Money Quotation saying Shaq has lots of cash – but who pays Shaq – that’s the wealthy guy? Chris Rock said:
“We got no wealthy black people. We got rich people. Shaq is rich. The guy who signs his checks is wealthy” — Chris Rock
In this quote, Chris Rock is drawing a distinction between being rich and being wealthy. He cites Shaquille O’Neal as an example of a rich person, since his wealth comes from his basketball career earnings.
However, Rock notes that “the guy who signs his checks” – likely referring to someone high up at Shaq’s former team/sponsor who approves his payments – is truly wealthy. Rock implies that this person’s wealth is derived not from a salary but from controlling significant assets and business interests.
The quote suggests that while some black celebrities and athletes accumulate wealth, true generational wealth in the hands of black business leaders and investors is still lacking. Rock appears to be making a point about the limits of individual success and the need for broader economic empowerment in the black community.