PEW RESEARCH SURVEY: Five Ways to Overcome Racial Inequality

Black History Month is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and accomplishments of Black Americans since their emancipation from slavery. It was founded in 1926 as Negro History Week by Carter G. Woodson, a Black historian and journalist.

Over time, the week was expanded to a month-long celebration, and it is now officially recognized in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The annual theme for the celebration is chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, which Woodson founded. The theme for 2023 is "Black Resistance," which aims to highlight how Black Americans have fought against racial inequality throughout history.

The resistance of Black Americans to racial inequality has taken many forms, from slave rebellions during the colonial era and through the Civil War, to the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s and the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement. Along with protests and movements, Black Americans have also built institutions to support their communities, such as churches, colleges and universities, printing presses, and fraternal organizations, that stress the importance of freedom, self-determination, and equal protection under the law.

It has long been clear to Black Americans what kind of social change would be necessary to improve their lives. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, Black Americans see racial equality as a major goal. Black Americans' views on overcoming racial inequality are summarized below in five key findings from this survey:

Voting and Public Demonstrations

A majority of Black adults consider voting to be extremely or very effective in achieving equality, but fewer than half see protesting as effective.

Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter has helped Black Americans the most in recent years, according to 39% of Black Americans.

Black-Owned Businesses

39% of Black adults see Black-owned businesses and Black-led communities as effective remedies for inequality.

Prison Reform

According to over half of the Black adults surveyed, the prison system needs substantial changes in order to ensure fair treatment of Black people.

Political Allies

The majority of Black adults say people of other races or ethnicities would be valuable allies.

What do you think?

To view the full report and charts, click here.