The 2023 California Black Women's Quality of Life Survey, commissioned by the California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute (CABWCEI) and conducted by Evitatus, provides an illuminating and sobering insight into the lived experiences of 1,258 Black women voters across the state. This comprehensive study captures their struggles, highlighting critical social and economic challenges, their perceptions of state and federal leadership, and the policies they believe are essential for improving their quality of life. The survey also underscores the need for urgent, targeted interventions to address the systemic inequities Black women face in California.
The survey paints a vivid picture of Black women in California who, while vital to their communities and local economies, face extraordinary social and economic pressures. Without significant changes in public policy, these challenges will persist, affecting not just individuals but their families and broader communities.
Among the most critical areas identified by survey participants are the issues of wage equality, housing affordability, healthcare access, and protection from violence. These top priorities reflect the multi-layered challenges that Black women face daily. The survey's findings echo national conversations led by Black women thought leaders about the enduring structural inequalities in America, from wage disparities to housing discrimination.
Equal Pay for Equal Work
The issue of wage inequality is paramount for Black women in California, with 88% of respondents marking it as "extremely important." Black women in the United States earn just 63 cents for every dollar earned by a white man, and in California, this gap is similarly wide. As noted often by Kimberlé Crenshaw, a leading scholar on the intersectionality of race and gender, the wage gap for Black women is not just a gender issue, it is also deeply racialized. Addressing the pay gap is one of the most critical factors in ensuring economic stability for Black women.
The wage gap has a compounding effect over a Black woman's lifetime, affecting her ability to save for retirement, invest in education, and build generational wealth. According to the Institute for Women's Policy Research, Black women are more likely than white women to work multiple jobs to make ends meet, yet they still report financial insecurity at much higher rates. This disparity is even more pronounced for Black mothers, who are often the primary or sole breadwinners for their families.
Affordable Housing
California's housing crisis is one of the most significant challenges facing its residents, and Black women are disproportionately affected. With the cost of living rising and affordable housing becoming scarcer, 86% of respondents emphasized the critical need for affordable housing policies. Many Black women in California find themselves in precarious living situations, unable to secure safe, stable housing for their families.
This reality echoes broader patterns of housing discrimination and economic marginalization. Studies, such as the National Fair Housing Alliance's 2022 Report on Housing Discrimination, have shown that Black women are more likely to face discrimination in the housing market, whether through inflated rental prices or denied mortgage applications.
Dr. Melina Abdullah, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, often speaks on the connection between housing stability and racial equity. Recognizing that housing is a fundamental human right, and until Black women have safe, affordable homes, we cannot talk about true equity. Affordable housing policies, including rent control and increased access to homeownership programs, are essential for mitigating this crisis.
Protection from Violence
The survey found that 85% of Black women voters in California believe that greater protections from violence are urgently needed. Black women experience violence—whether it be domestic violence, police brutality, or community violence—at disproportionately high rates. This intersection of race and gender vulnerability has far-reaching effects on the physical and psychological well-being of Black women.
In recent years, voices like Tarana Burke, founder of the #MeToo movement, have amplified the conversation around the specific kinds of violence faced by Black women, both in private and public spaces. Burke has pointed out that Black women often do not receive the same level of support and empathy as their white counterparts when they report abuse. This disparity in response reflects broader societal attitudes toward Black women and violence. It is imperative to challenge the notion that Black women are strong enough to handle violence and trauma without support we need. Increasing protections for Black women means creating pathways for justice, including stronger laws against domestic violence, improved access to shelters, and reforms to how law enforcement engages with Black women survivors.
Access to Health Care
Health disparities continue to plague Black women in California, with 84% of respondents emphasizing the need for affordable, quality healthcare. Black women face higher maternal mortality rates, higher incidences of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension, and often receive substandard care compared to their white counterparts.
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California's first Surgeon General, has been a leading advocate for health equity, particularly for communities of color. She has pointed out the direct links between economic hardship, stress, and poor health outcomes in Black communities. “We can’t have healthy communities when the systems meant to protect them fail to address these disparities,” says Dr. Burke Harris. Expanding access to healthcare services, particularly in underserved Black communities, is essential for addressing these inequities.
Mental Health Services
In the context of historical and ongoing racial trauma, mental health services are critical to the well-being of Black women. Unfortunately, these services remain out of reach for many, either due to cost, stigma, or lack of culturally competent care providers.
Approximately 80% of Black women surveyed indicated that access to mental health services is a top priority. The mental health struggles of Black women often go unaddressed in mainstream healthcare settings. Dr. Joy DeGruy, a scholar known for her work on Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome, stresses the importance of addressing the unique psychological burdens borne by Black women. The trauma Black women experience, from personal to systemic, requires targeted mental health interventions that recognize the specific cultural and historical contexts of their lives. Expanding mental health services that are culturally responsive is vital to improving the overall well-being of Black women in California.
Economic and Social Pressures: The Cost of Survival
The economic pressures facing Black women in California are immense. The survey highlights that nearly 40% of respondents work more than one job, and 61.6% of those doing so state that the income is essential to meet basic needs. This statistic is particularly concerning given that the cost of living in California is among the highest in the country. Housing, childcare, and healthcare costs continue to rise, making it increasingly difficult for Black women to maintain financial stability.
Financial insecurity is another significant concern for Black women. According to the survey, 77% worry about not having enough savings for retirement, 76% are concerned about maintaining or achieving financial stability, and 70% worry about making ends meet. The long-term impact of financial insecurity is devastating, particularly as it affects the ability of Black women to build generational wealth. Without targeted interventions, such as wage equity and financial literacy programs, these challenges will continue to disproportionately impact Black women and their families.
Racism and Discrimination in the Workplace
The survey also highlights that 40% of Black women report experiencing racism and discrimination in the workplace, limiting their income and career advancement opportunities. The prevalence of discrimination in hiring, promotion, and pay is a significant contributor to the wage gap and economic instability that Black women face. A staggering 80% of respondents believe they have faced discrimination because of their identity as Black women.
These findings align with national studies, such as those by the National Partnership for Women & Families, which reveal that Black women are systematically underpaid and underrepresented in leadership positions despite being more likely to hold college degrees than white men. It must be recognized that it's not just about hiring more Black women, it's about creating environments where Black women can thrive, where their talents are recognized, and where they are compensated fairly for their work. Mellody Hobson, co-CEO of Ariel Investments and a leading advocate for corporate diversity has championed this sense of reality over the years.
Health Concerns: Chronic Illness and Limited Healthcare Access
The survey indicates that 68% of respondents are worried about being diagnosed with a chronic illness or serious health condition. Chronic diseases disproportionately affect Black women due to a range of factors, including limited access to healthcare, environmental stressors, and the cumulative effects of systemic racism. The lack of affordable healthcare exacerbates these concerns, with many Black women unable to access preventative care or treatment for ongoing health issues.
Dr. Camara Jones, a renowned public health researcher, has long spoken about the concept of "weathering," which refers to the accelerated deterioration of the health of Black women due to the chronic stress of dealing with racism. This stress, compounded by economic insecurity, lack of healthcare access, and inadequate housing, creates a perfect storm for poor health outcomes.
Inflation, Stress, and the Cost of Living
One of the most striking findings from the survey is that 80% of Black women are struggling to manage the rising cost of living and inflation. Inflation has disproportionately impacted communities of color, with Black women reporting higher levels of stress as they try to balance the demands of work, family, and financial obligations.
Black women often find themselves in the precarious position of being the primary financial support for their families while also serving as caregivers. This dual burden is further exacerbated by the pressures of inflation, with 45% of respondents indicating that they struggle to balance work and family responsibilities. As the cost of living continues to rise, the ability of Black women to provide for their families becomes increasingly tenuous.
Addressing the Challenges: A Call to Action
The findings of the 2023 California Black Women's Quality of Life Survey present an urgent call to action for policymakers, community leaders, and society at large. The systemic challenges facing Black women cannot be resolved by incremental changes; they require bold, transformative policies that center the lived experiences of Black women and address the structural inequalities that have persisted for generations.
The California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute is at the forefront of this fight, advocating for policies that address wage inequality, housing affordability, healthcare access, and protections from violence. These efforts are essential not only for the well-being of Black women but for the health and prosperity of California as a whole. As Kellie Todd Griffin, President & CEO of CABWCEI, states, "Black women are the backbone of our communities, and their stability is essential to California's success. The time for real, actionable change is now."
Community Empowerment Initiatives
To effectively address the challenges faced by Black women in California, it is essential that community-based organizations, local leaders, and policymakers collaborate to implement sustainable empowerment initiatives. These initiatives should focus on building robust support systems that amplify the voices of Black women and foster resilience, growth, and empowerment.
Mentorship programs, financial literacy workshops, and leadership training are critical components of these empowerment initiatives. By offering Black women the tools and resources they need to navigate systemic barriers, we can help them thrive in both their personal and professional lives. Moreover, creating safe spaces within communities where Black women can share experiences, access resources, and build solidarity is vital. These spaces provide opportunities for Black women to strategize collectively and find support in navigating the obstacles they face.
Additionally, investing in partnerships with educational institutions, businesses, and advocacy groups can enhance opportunities for economic mobility and innovation. Through these collaborations, we can ensure that the potential within Black communities is both recognized and cultivated.
Supporting Education and Skills Development
Promoting education and skills development is central to driving long-lasting, impactful change for Black women in California. By investing in access to quality education and vocational training, we can equip individuals with the tools they need to excel in a highly competitive job market. Scholarships and grants specifically targeting Black women can remove significant financial barriers, allowing for higher education opportunities that were previously out of reach.
Community-focused programs aimed at enhancing digital literacy, coding, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills can open doors to careers in burgeoning industries. The National Science Foundation has reported that while Black women are underrepresented in STEM fields, they are increasingly pursuing degrees in these areas. Ensuring that educational systems integrate culturally relevant curricula and inclusive teaching practices is critical to fostering a learning environment where Black women feel seen, valued, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential.
Conclusion: Moving Toward an Equitable Future
The 2023 California Black Women's Quality of Life Survey highlights the urgency of addressing the systemic barriers that Black women face in California. As we work toward an equitable future, it is essential that policymakers, advocates, and community leaders listen to and center the experiences of Black women. By prioritizing equal pay, affordable housing, protection from violence, and improved access to healthcare and mental health services, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Californians.
We know that when you lift up Black women, you lift up Black children, Black families, Black communities and every other vulnerable community. This call to action is not just for Black women—it is for everyone who believes in justice, equity, and the power of collective action to create lasting change. Together, we can ensure that the voices of Black women are heard, their challenges are addressed, and their futures are bright.
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