Black American life survey reveals surprises

(NNPA) - According to one of the largest-ever studies of Black America, 70 percent of African Americans already have a plan for their future. The results of the survey were recently released by Radio One Inc., the study's sponsor, and Yankelovich, the Chapel Hill-based research firm.The survey of 3,400 African Americans between 13 and 74 years of age, the only study to include Black teens and seniors, also found that 54 percent were optimistic about their future and 60 percent believe ''things are getting better for me.''

Released in late June, the study provides the most detailed snap shot of African-American life in the United States today, and finds strong group identity across age and income brackets. It also discloses a comprehensive and nuanced look at how African Americans feel about many aspects of life in America, and cautions against a simplistic reading of Black America as a monolithic group.

In fact, it shows that Blacks are divided evenly on how they liked to be described, with 42 percent (who are more likely to be affluent) preferring to be called ''Black'' and 44 percent preferring ''African American.''

The survey, representing nearly 30 million Black Americans, identified 11 specific segments within Black America today, ranging from "connected Black teens," "digital networkers" and "Black onliners" at the younger end, to "faith fulfills," "broadcast Blacks" and "boomer Blacks" at the older end.

The segmentation analysis identifies differences in Black America regarding everything from what it means to be Black today, perceptions about African-American history and expectations for the future of Blacks, to consumer trends, media preferences and confidence in key institutions (such as the church, government, financial services companies and the media).

For instance, among the connected Black teens segment, 25 percent are saving to start a business. Yet, among digital networkers, the majority of whom are in their 20s, 45 percent are already saving for retirement.

''While people are less inclined these days to think that all Blacks are the same, they really do not understand the diversity within the African-American community,'' Catherine Hughes, founder and chairperson of the Radio One board, said. ''We're confident that Black Americans - and all Americans - will find the results of the survey useful and in some cases surprising, given perceptions about Black life that are still pervasive in our country.''

Alfred C. Liggins, CEO and president, explained that Radio One commissioned Yankelovich to conduct the study to learn more about what Black Americans are thinking today about all aspects of their lives, including their hopes for the future, their fears, the institutions they love and hate, how they get information, whether they are plugged into the Internet, and what they want for themselves and their children. ''We wanted to know in detail who we are, what we want and where we are going,'' Liggins said.

The average household of those surveyed has three people, half of whom live in a single-family home, one-third in apartments, one-third in the suburbs and half in cities. Among 29- to 74-year-olds, one-third are married. Sixty-one percent of Black Americans are parents, five percent of 13- to 17-year-olds are parents, and half of all parents are single.

From an educational and economic standpoint, 34 percent of those surveyed who are 18 or older have some college or a two-year degree, 21 percent have a BA or higher, 40 percent have an annual income under $25,000 (20 percent of whom are retired), and one-third more than $50,000.

The survey also found that the digital divide has faded as 68 percent of people are online (compared to 71 percent of all Americans). Among Black teens, over 90 percent are online. Blacks who live in the south are least likely to be online (63 percent).

Black identity remains strong across all age and economic groups. While 56 percent of those surveyed have ''all'' or ''almost'' all Black friends, only 30 percent said they prefer being around people of the same race. Black solidarity too is strong across all groups, with 88 percent saying they have enormous respect for the opinions of their elders (84 percent among teens).

While 71 percent overall said they believe Blacks need to stick together to achieve gains for their community, only 54 percent of teens concurred.

Discrimination remains a very real part of Black life in America. While 24 percent said they had been personally discriminated against in the past three months, 82 percent said they believe it is ''important for parents to prepare their children for prejudice.''

While 72 percent of Blacks say they know how to have fun and 60 percent think things are getting better for them, many often feel stressed (33 percent). Money is the greatest cause of stress (53 percent) followed by the well being of kids (49 percent) and health (40 percent). While only three in 10 feel financially secure, eight in 10 pay their bills each month. Among other findings in the report:

1. 83 percent of those surveyed have health insurance, a majority (66 percent of women and 52 percent of men) has family doctors, and 40 percent of Blacks who go online search the Internet for health and medical information.

2. Blacks are wary of many American institutions. They have the highest level of trust in the education system and Black media to treat them and their families fairly (30 percent) compared to 24 percent for the healthcare system, 12 to 16 percent for police, government, and mainstream media and 8 percent.