The State of Black Women

Who We Are...

What makes Black women tick? What do we want? Where are we going? ESSENCE partnered with a leading market research company to answer those questions...

How We See Ourselves

One thing we can safely say, Black women hate being labeled as too angry, too aggressive or too demanding. After analyzing an in-depth survey, we can confirm that we're as diverse as apples and oranges. Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) clearly think differently from Gen Xers (born 1965 to 1979) and Millennials (born between 1980 and 1995). What's amazing is to see how our attitudes and behaviors in certain areas have shifted over time. We have more choices than ever, yet we continue to hold certain traditions near and dear. Take a look and see exactly how much we're enjoying the fruits of our labor.

Our Self Image

Sisters have a pretty healthy view of ourselves *55% of Black women say they are sexy *27% of White women believe they are sexy "Loved, Joyful and Optimistic" — 3 words Black women most use to describe themselves. *65% say they have a lot of self-confidence *70% agree with this statement: "I am happy with who I am."

Our Concerns

When it comes to things that keep them up at night, Black women mention problems pertaining to money and health the most. • Only 6% of us evaluate success based on what others think (compared with 11% of White women). • We believe education, the Black family and President Obama's performance are the most important issues in our community.

Who We Admire Most

While older African-American women are most inspired by Michelle Obama, Maya Angelou and Oprah, Millennials are more likely to mention Beyoncé.

Our Family Life

Through success and struggle, family remains a top priority. • 83% of Black women say they get the most satisfaction in life through relationships with their children. • 59% of Black mothers give an allowance to their kids, while 82% require their children to do chores. • 55% of Black moms worry most about their children's education and their children being pressured to behave badly. *54% of Black households are run by single mothers. • 14% of Millennials (those born between 1980 and 1995) believe their children will be better off in the future.

Our Social Lives

Overwhelmingly, Black women haven't allowed race to become a factor in who we take on as friends or lovers. • 77% of Black women say at least one of their five closest friends is of a different race. • 58% live in middle-class areas, but only 34% feel a strong sense of community in their neighborhood. • 44% say the African-American family unit has become weaker compared with 20 years ago. • 40% say the African-American community has more pride in our heritage than 20 years ago.

Our Romantic Relationships

The majority of Black women value being with a partner who is responsible and faithful rather than wealthy.• 62%: the percentage of Black women married in 1950 • 35%: the percentage of Black women married last year • Black Millennials—roughly 46%—are most likely to be satisfied with their sex life. • 22% say LOVE is the hardest thing to get enough of • 85% of all Black women date within their own race. They're still two times more likely than White women to date someone of another race. Overall, only 40% are happy with their sex life. • 50% of Black women believe their partner is monogamous.

Education and Income

Despite gender and racial barriers, Black women are better educated and earning more than ever.• $67,454 is the average household income for Black women, $16,867 less than that of White women. • 58% of Black women work full-time outside of their homes. • 567%: the percentage increase of Black women completing college since 1960 • 49% of Black women report they are challenged by a lack of money; White women feel they don't have enough time. • 16% of Black women are unemployed or stay-at-home moms.

Earnings Between Black Women and Men

In 2008, Black women earned about 89% of what Black men earned. • 71% of Black women believe "living through hard times makes me stronger."

Spirituality and Religion

We are women of faith who strongly value our connection to a higher being and a higher calling/ • 71% of Black women rely on their faith as their primary source of optimism for the future. • 58% of Millennials describe themselves as "spiritual," while 47% think of themselves as more "religious."

Priorities by Generation

Millenials are more likely to find joy in good food, being with their girlfriends, shopping and watching TV. vs. • Boomers & Gen Xers find the most joy in children, family, faith, their well-being and home. • 70% of Black women identify themselves as spiritual, while 56% identify as religious.Sources: • U.S. Census Bureau • U.S. Census Bureau & Bureau of Labor Statistics