Growing Up Black in America Today
Let’s get right to it. The good news?
Relative to the national average, black children in America today are more likely to:
- Have health insurance coverage.
- Attend preschool.
- Live in families where the household head has a high-school diploma.
And… that’s it.
In fact, the 2015 KIDS COUNT Data Book underscores a clear — and very concerning — reality that runs far short on feel-good statistics.
Simply put: Black children and families are struggling.
According to the Data Book, here’s where black children face the greatest challenges among all major ethnic and racial groups:
39% live in poverty.
32% live in high-poverty areas.
67% live in single-parent families.
86% of 8th graders fail to score proficient in math.
83% of 4th graders fail to score proficient in reading
50% live in households with a high housing cost burden.
More than 30% fail to graduate high school on time.
12.8% of babies are born at a low birthweight
33 deaths for every 1,000 children and teens
These numbers leave little room for doubt. Even more, they represent a statistical shout to action.
They say: We can — and must — do more to level life’s playing field and give all of our nation’s children a stronger connection to opportunity.
Learn the facts. Check out the 2015 KIDS COUNT Data Book for an in-depth look at what it’s like to be a black child in America today.
See a breakdown of poverty rates by race and Hispanic-origin.
