Childrens' Defense Fund - Tough Times For Black Children In America
The Childrens' Defense Fund found in many respects, it is staggering how little has improved in the perceptions and real-life experiences of Black Americans and particularly Black children inthe past decade and a half. Continued structural racial inequities in many ofour institutions and social systems, the long-term economic decline that hasdisproportionately affected Black Americans, the breaking apart of a unifiednational Black community, and the deterioration of a coordinated Black movement have exacerbated many of the problems that a decade and a half ago were already ravaging Black communities throughout the country andcreating tremendous obstacles to the future well-being and success of Black children.
In 1994 Hart Research was asked by the Children’s Defense Fund to conducta research project on behalf of theBlack Community Crusade for Childrenamong Black Americans. The research explored attitudes and opinions aboutthe circumstances facing Black Americans, as well as perceptions of theproblems and challenges confronting Black communities in general and Blackyouth in particular. The 1994 research revealed a troubling portrait of life forBlack young Americans, growing up in communities plagued by poorlyperforming schools, drugs, guns, and for many, a movement away fromunified families and a strong moral underpinning that provides much neededguidance and support for young people.Through this research project, we return a decade and a half later to many ofthe same questions to see what has changed:
Have the situations that Black Americans face changed?
Have circumstances improved for Black Americans, and in particularfor Black children and young people?
Are things easier for Black children today than two decades ago?
What are the major problems and ch
allenges that Black Americans and
Black communities face?
What is the outlook for the future of Black children in America?
This report presents the findings of this important study.
