Black women have been the bedrock of our political system for generations. But how often does anyone bother to ask what Black women, specifically, want from the system they’ve worked so hard to uphold.
A new poll from Higher Heights for America, an organization dedicated to increasing Black women’s political power, asks that very questions and more. The poll, conducted by HIT Strategies and obtained by The Hill— highlights key issues for Black women going into the election.
So here are the five major things Black women are focused on heading in to 2024!
1. Cost of Living
Roughly 58 percent of Black women surveyed said that the rising cost of living was the number one issue affecting the country.
These findings are consistent with previous research into the disproportionate impact of rising costs and inflation on Black women and Black families.
2. Public Safety
Public safety, including gun violence was also top of mind. Roughly 35 percent of Black women surveyed ranked safety as one of their primary concerns.
3. Affordable Housing
Affordable housing was tied with public safety as the second concern. The gap between white and Black homeownership rates has only continued to widen. And an NPR/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation/Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health poll found that in 2022 when inflation was peaking, Black renters were significantly more likely than white renters to say they were facing eviction.
4. Reducing Racism and Discrimination
Reducing racism and discrimination was also top of mind and tied for second place.
5. Reproductive Justice
Reproductive justice was another important issue. Roughly 40 percent of Black women told pollsters that they were more likely to vote for candidates who supported reproductive freedom.
Bonus!
Pollsters also learned that Black women are pretty aware of their political value! Roughly 76 percent of Black women in the poll said that they felt as if their vote was powerful.