Research

Our Research

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A 100-Year Review of
Research on Black Families

This study of a century of Black families—spanning from 1920-2019—unfolds in two volumes. Throughout, we situate our review of past research in that era’s social, political, and economic context in service of gleaning lessons for the future.

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Foundational Research

  • Family, Economic, and Geographic Characteristics of Black Families with Children

    Family, Economic, and Geographic Characteristics of Black Families with Children

    This issue brief, the first in a three-part series, summarizes recent data and historical context on family structure, employment and income, and geography for Black people with young children in the United States. The insights…

    This issue brief, the first in a three-part series, summarizes recent data and historical context on family structure, employment and income, and geography for Black people with young children in the United States. The insights…

    Published: March 2021

  • Reimagining Black Families’ Cultural Assets Can Inform Policies and Practices That Enhance Their Well-being

    Reimagining Black Families’ Cultural Assets Can Inform Policies and Practices That Enhance Their Well-being

    This brief, which helps lay the foundation for the Black Families Flourishing initiative, was the first step of a larger effort by  Dr. Chrishana M. Lloyd to expand understanding about Black families’ cultural assets to…

    This brief, which helps lay the foundation for the Black Families Flourishing initiative, was the first step of a larger effort by  Dr. Chrishana M. Lloyd to expand understanding about Black families’ cultural assets to…

    Published: February 2022

Related Research

  • Empowering a Thriving Black Middle Class

    Empowering a Thriving Black Middle Class

    For this policy explainer and video, the Urban Institute spoke with experts about how to accurately conceptualize the Black middle class and with middle-class Black Americans about wealth-building opportunities and persistent barriers.

    For this policy explainer and video, the Urban Institute spoke with experts about how to accurately conceptualize the Black middle class and with middle-class Black Americans about wealth-building opportunities and persistent barriers.

    Published: March 2025

  • Issues-based Series Focused on Black Families and Babies

    Issues-based Series Focused on Black Families and Babies

    This issues-based series is the result of a collaboration between the Equity Research Action Coalition at the UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute and Child Trends.

    This issues-based series is the result of a collaboration between the Equity Research Action Coalition at the UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute and Child Trends.

    Published: October 2021

  • Equity Research Action Coalition Statewide Analysis Report

    Equity Research Action Coalition Statewide Analysis Report

    This study is the work of the Equity Research Action Coalition, in partnership with POINTS of ACCESS, LLC, and the National Black Child Development Institute.

    This study is the work of the Equity Research Action Coalition, in partnership with POINTS of ACCESS, LLC, and the National Black Child Development Institute.

    Published: August 2024

Share your stories & Research

Share your stories, insights, and research that highlight the resilience, achievements, and strength of Black families across the nation. Your contributions could help amplify the voices of our communities, shape meaningful conversations, and drive impactful change. Visit our contact page for details on how to submit your work for possible publication on our site.

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