A Barometer of Black America

EXCLUSIVE An in-depth survey of African Americans finds a mood of optimism, a desire to gain more control over their lives and surroundings, and a commitment to stay at the cutting edge of culture and technology. Among the poll results:

Happiness And Security

% of African Americans who say they are happy

1992 56% 1995 65% 1999 89%

% of African Americans who are very concerned about losing their job

1992 50% 1995 46% 1999 39%

Safety and School

% of African Americans who are very concerned about

GANG VIOLENCE 1992 65% 1995 64% 1999 50%

DRUG ABUSE 1992 70% 1995 68% 1999 48%

% of African Americans who have a lot of confidence in public schools

1992 30% 1995 29% 1999 19%

Family

% of African Americans who are very concerned about the lack of African-American role models today

1992 57% 1995 51% 1999 46%

% who say all or most of their personal satisfaction comes from home or family

[African Americans] 69% [Whites] 60%

Religion

% who feel religion is very important

[African Americans] 73% [Whites] 46%

% of African Americans who have a great deal of confidence in religious leaders

1992 49% 1995 48% 1999 35%

Health and Leisure

% who say they strongly need to take measures to ensure their future health will be good

[African Americans] 63% [Whites] 39%

% who say they need more excitement in their life

[African Americans] 71% [Whites] 53%

How many hours of TV do you watch each weekday?

[African Americans] 5.1 [Whites] 3.6

Technology

% with a computer at home

[African Americans] 28% [Whites] 50%

% who use the Internet

[African Americans] 23% [Whites] 37%

% who think it is essential to keep up with the latest technology

[African Americans] 75% [Whites] 69%

From the African-American monitor, a door-to-door poll taken in February-April 1999 by Don Coleman Advertising/Yankelovich Partners of 1,013 African Americans, and from the Yankelovich Monitor taken during the same time, which included 1,837 whites. Sampling errors are +/- 3.1% and +/- 2.3% respectively.