There is a limit to what empirical study can reveal. I've always been uneasy about these studies from either side of the debate because they are almost always conducted by people who have no other connection to the black community.

That is, white researchers who live, work, and play among their white peers are drawing conclusions about a community they (socially) know nothing about. These researchers often have few/no black friends. Have never been to a predominantly black party. Never sat down in a black hair salon or barbershop and listened to the talk of the day.

How we expect accurate analysis that can lead to meaningful solutions is beyond me.

ETA: Persistent poverty in the black community is the result of many things. Misplaced and legitimate distrust of white people, misguided government programs, low expectations, too high expectations, racist laws, stereotypes about black intelligence, black people's internalization of those stereotypes...

Anyone expecting a conclusive study that comes down on one side or the other, or that narrows the problem/solution to any one issue is living a pipe dream.