The State of Black Georgia Report 2022

State of Black Georgia Report 2022 Edition

5 Key Focus Areas

5 Engaging Sections

20+ Authors

6 Major Communities

50+ Contributors

1 Remarkable Report

Download Now To Learn About The Conditions Of Black Georgia

Our inaugural State of Black Georgia report explores a Tale of Two States.
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The Urban League of Greater Atlanta has collaborated with statewide experts, community leaders, residents, elected officials, business owners, civic leaders, educators, healthcare providers, students and civil and voting rights advocates to tell the story of the state of Black Georgia.

Our goal is to shine a bright light on inequities, and collaborate and take action with legislators and community leaders to advance policies, legislation and best practices to close the racial wealth and social justice gaps in Georgia. All of us have a stake in making life better for Black Georgians and all Georgians. If we work together, we all win.

FoCUS AREA ESSAYS

Economic Conditions

Historical Racial Oppression Colors Georgia’s Public and Private Systems

By Ray Khalfani

Read Now p. 44

Affordable Housing

State of Housing for Black Georgians

By Dr. Bambie Hayes-Brown and Natallie Keiser

Read Now p. 48

Black Business

Black Businesses Matter in Georgia

By Markee Tate

Read Now p. 51

Post-Secondary Education

New educational pathways built from contrasting frameworks

By Jermaine Whirl

Read Now p. 53

Pre-K & Secondary Education

Literacy and Justice for All – Finally

By Ryan Lee-James, Ph.D. and Comer Yates

Read Now p. 56

Social Justice

The System’s Alienating Impact

By Doug Ammar

Read Now p. 60

Health Conditions

Stand Up for Access to Optimal Healthcare for All

By Michelle Nelson

Read Now p. 65

Civic Engagement

A call for policies that align with the experience, perspectives, and needs of Generation Z

By Evan Malbrough

Read Now p. 67

Rural

A Rural Perspective: A Personal View of “Two Georgias”

By CaMia H. Jackson

Read Now p. 69

What issues does your community face?

We held a community conversation at Albany State University.

Current challenges facing residents in the Albany MSA include high rates of poverty, inadequate affordable housing, public safety, sidewalks being either non-existent or in disrepair, inadequate investments in economic development and workforce training, public transportation opportunities, and lack of support services for families near or below the poverty line.

Black residents account for 53.6% of the Albany MSA

The Black unemployment rate is 12.2%

Equity & Justice essay by Nigel Walton p. 86

We held a community conversation at our Atlanta Headquarters.

Current challenges facing residents in the Atlanta MSA include a high rate of poverty with limited employment opportunities for unskilled youth and adults, lack of affordable housing, hospital closures and poor environmental quality that exacerbates poor health.

Black residents account for 34% of the Atlanta MSA

Of all infant deaths in the area, 46.6% are Black.

Green Future essay by Nathaniel Smith p. 88

We held a community conversation at the Salvation Army Kroc Center.

Current challenges facing residents in the Augusta MSA include a controversial City-County consolidation that has sparked concerns of some Black residents about diluted voting and economic power, and flooding along the Savannah River that especially harms predominantly Black neighborhoods.

Black residents account for 35% of the Augusta MSA

Of the total population below poverty, 56% are Black

Criminal Justice Reform essay by Jared T. Williams p. 91

We held a community conversation at Green Island Country Club.

While Columbus has grown economically and has begun to attract new businesses and investment, one of the greatest challenges for Blacks in the Columbus MSA is poverty.

Black residents account for 42% of the Columbus MSA

Of the total population below poverty, 59% are black

Promising Potential essay by Tracey R. Mosley p. 93

We held a community conversation at Union Baptist Church.

Current challenges facing residents in the Macon MSA include City-County consolidation, which has diluted the political power of Macon residents, violent crime rife among the community’s youth, and lack of economic development in Black communities.

Black residents account for 45% of the Macon MSA

The Black unemployment rate in the area is 9.1%

Policies by Dr. James & Mrs. Renee' Bumpus p. 96

We held a community conversation at First African Baptist Church.

As our lord and saviour Kendrick Lamar says, sit down, be humble. We don’t want to be another Valley tech bro (no offense). We want to remember our roots.

Black residents account for 33.5% of the Savannah MSA

Of the total population below poverty, 51% are Black

Racial Disparities essay by Alicia Johnson p. 99

Take Action Together

We all know that when our people and communities join together, things happen.

BLACK GEORGIA RESIDENTS

It's time to focus.

The State of Black Georgia report shows us that there is still much work to be done to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to thrive. As a community, we need to focus our efforts on creating positive change in our neighborhoods and advocating for policies that support the well-being of Black Georgians. Let's come together and make our voices heard.

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Georgia legislators

Work with Black Constituents and Organizations.

To make real progress on the issues facing Black Georgians, legislators must work closely with Black constituents and organizations. We need elected officials who are willing to listen, collaborate, and take action to create policies that address the unique challenges facing our communities. Let's work together to create a more just and equitable Georgia.

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educational instituions

Nurture the next leaders.

As educators, you have a unique opportunity to nurture the next generation of leaders. The State of Black Georgia report highlights the importance of education in creating opportunities for Black Georgians. Let's work together to ensure that all students have access to high-quality education, mentorship, and support so that they can reach their full potential.

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bLACK yOUTH

Get Active & Involved.

The State of Black Georgia report shows us that young people have an important role to play in creating positive change. As the leaders of tomorrow, it's up to you to get active and involved in your community. Join a youth organization, attend community events, and speak out on the issues that matter to you. Let's work together to create a brighter future for all Georgians.

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Community leaders

Lead by Community

As leaders, it's important to remember that we are here to serve our community. The State of Black Georgia report highlights the importance of community-led initiatives and partnerships. Let's work together to create a more equitable and just Georgia by listening to the needs of our community, collaborating with community organizations, and advocating for policies that uplift and empower all Georgians.

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Corporations

Be socially responsible and equitable.

As corporations, you have a responsibility to be socially responsible and equitable. The State of Black Georgia report shows us that there is still a long way to go in terms of achieving equity and fairness for all Georgians. Let's work together to create a more just and equitable business environment by investing in Black-owned businesses, providing fair wages and benefits to employees, and supporting community-led initiatives.

Learn More

Philanthropists

Help us lift up communities.

As philanthropists, you have the power to make a difference in the lives of countless Georgians. The State of Black Georgia report highlights the importance of investing in programs and initiatives that uplift and empower Black communities. Let's work together to create a more just and equitable Georgia by supporting community-led initiatives, providing resources to organizations that serve Black Georgians, and advocating for policies that promote fairness and equity.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions about the State of Black Georgia series.

Have a different question?

What topics does State of Black Georgia cover?

The inaugural State of Black Georgia report is primarily focused on Civic Engagement, Economics, Education, Health, Social Justice as well as the specific communities of Albany, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, and Savannah. View the full table of contents here.

Where did the information and data come from?

We gathered data through various sources that are referenced throughout the report. The Key Findings section features linked citations so you can explore our data sources in-depth.

How can I make a difference?

There are many ways to make a difference and we encourage you to explore the Call to Action section of the report.

I'm interested in contributing to the SOBG Series!

Thank you for your interest in contributing to the State of Black Georgia series. We appreciate your support and commitment to advancing equity and justice for Black Georgians.

There are several ways you can contribute to the series:

Share the report: Share the State of Black Georgia report with your network and encourage others to read it. This will help raise awareness about the challenges facing Black Georgians and promote the need for positive change.

Get involved in advocacy efforts: Join the Urban League of Greater Atlanta in policy advocacy efforts that aim to advance equity and justice for Black Georgians.
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Make a donation: Consider making a donation to the Urban League of Greater Atlanta or other organizations working to uplift and empower Black Georgians. Your donation can help provide resources and support to those in need.

Share your perspective: If you have a unique perspective or expertise in a particular area, such as education, healthcare, or business, consider reaching out to us for an opportunity to be featured in upcoming content for the SOBG series. Your voice can help inform and shape solutions that address the real challenges facing Black Georgians.

What is in store for the future of State of Black Georgia?

The release of the inaugural State of Black Georgia is only the beginning. Stay tuned as we release more content in the coming months!

State of Black Georgia

Learn About the Issues and Solutions

State of Black Georgia Report 2022 Edition