We were asked to link the inequalities, or oppressions of the past, to recent issues such as mass incarceration. There are definite connections. And I think these histories following along some of the past to some degree, but I think they're informed by another factors as well like the privatization of prisons and the defunding/lack of funding for other social programs (mental health, education, etc.).
I think one of the biggest links with the past into the today when it comes to equality and opportunity is capital and access to capital. This lack capital in minority groups is then exacerbated by continued lack of access (via education, loans, jobs) which is further exacerbated by implicit bias. All these 'lacks' build on each other.