At the turn of the 20th century, America was faced with an unprecedented identity crisis. After two world wars, America represented a sanctuary for freedom with endless opportunities for millions of people around the world. To African Americans, however, decades of oppressive policies jaded the Black experience, and communities across the country began to take a stand.

Despite the unrest from reconstruction throughout the Civil Rights Movement, leadership from state capitols to the legislative and executive branches, routinely ignored the condition of Black Americans in policymaking and the Presidential State of the Union Address. In response, the National Urban League issued its first State of Black America report in 1976.

Since then, the annual report has provided advocates and community leaders with an in-depth analysis of the socioeconomic condition and outlook of Black Americans. It is the clearest view into how we can work together for a more fair and equitable future.

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