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State of Black Arizona Releases Volume V Report Urging Arizona Leaders to Improve Equitable Outcomes for the African-American Community
The State of Black Arizona (SBAZ) has released its Volume V report, providing a holistic view of economics, healthcare, and employment among the Black community in the state.
The organization’s goal is to make the report a catalyst for positive substantive change regarding the policies, infrastructures, and resources that impact the Arizona Black community. The report provides actionable information for legislative officials, educational and business leaders, and the entire community.
“The Maricopa Community Colleges are a proud sponsor of the State of Black Arizona report, as this critical data helps the leaders of our institution formulate a better understanding of our communities and their needs, allowing us to fully serve Black Arizonans with supports and programs that allow for the highest levels of academic success,” said MCCCD Interim Chancellor, Dr. Steven R. Gonzales. “Our System values the diversity of our staff, faculty, and students, and we welcome and encourage all opportunities to better our offerings to the Black communities we serve. This research not only gives us a better understanding of how to empower our Black students, staff and faculty, but also fuels other leaders across Arizona in doing the same.”
Black Americans make up 5.2% of the state’s population, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, yet are some of the most statistically disadvantaged people in Arizona.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2018 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, the homeownership rate for Black Americans in Arizona is 34%, compared to the state average of 64%.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2018, Black Americans have the third lowest average household income in Arizona at $50,000 per year.
SBAZ hopes that the aggregation of data in one place will help lawmakers and community leaders see the gaps in resources and where further action and investment needs to be prioritized.
"This report will serve as a compass to direct decision makers that want to make an impact in the Arizona community," said Teniqua Broughton, Executive Director for the State of Black Arizona. "Disparities hinder Black Americans’ prosperity. This dates back to a history of slavery and the disenfranchisement of our inalienable rights. The time for action is now."
The Volume V report was developed in partnership with the Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) which was instrumental in providing data and collaborating with SBAZ on the community outreach activities that informed the report development. Other Volume 5 report collaborators include the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, Black Chamber of Arizona, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and Greater Phoenix Urban League.
Sybil Francis, Ph.D., President & CEO of CFA said, “The findings of this report reiterate CFA’s recent 2020 Gallup Arizona Survey, which found Arizonans want fair, just and equal treatment of all people. But, we recognize we are not there yet. That’s why it is critically important to empower leaders with a data-driven approach for taking action that creates a stronger and brighter state for all Arizonans.”
Without the support and commitment from these organizations and corporations, the Volume V report would have been most challenging to execute. The State of Black Arizona would like to thank: its title sponsor Arizona State University Foundation, its premier sponsor Arizona Community Foundation and its Silver sponsor Vitalyst Health Foundation. Bronze sponsors include Arizona Public Service, the Maricopa County Community College District and Salt River Project. Supporting sponsor include Mass Mutual’s Passage Group.
To mark the release of the trailblazing report, SBAZ and CFA are working together to design and implement community outreach activities to discuss report findings, encourage local action and gather more feedback. Details about the event are forthcoming.
Previous volumes of the State of Black Arizona’s Reports can be found below: