Persistent Racial Disparities in the United States

There is no county in America where black residents perform as well as their white neighbors. This research highlights the enduring impact of race and place on outcomes for black residents. The report divides the black demographic into different community archetypes and examines their ability to achieve core aspirations such as a basic standard of living, job opportunities, health, and stable housing. The findings reveal that black residents in urban areas have significantly lower outcomes compared to their white neighbors. However, suburbs offer a more positive balance of outcomes and parity for black residents, although there is still underrepresentation. The report emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, such as improving affordable housing and investing in early childhood education, to close the gap. Examples of positive initiatives include community-led efforts like Fresno's inclusive and vibrant economy plan and private sector actions like Discover Financial's investment in the south side of Chicago. The research serves as a reminder that race and place still matter and calls for collective action to address the persistent disparities.