A new report by the University of Iowa paints a grim picture for African-American midwesterners.
The reportwas co-released by the left-leaning think tank Policy Matters Ohio. It says segregation, unequal economic opportunity and loss of unionized jobs have combined to continue racial inequality. Report author Colin Gordon says while more blacks live in the 12-state Midwest region, job equity is worse than in other states.
Gordon says Ohio's 12 percent black population struggles in poverty, employment, infant mortality, incarceration, home ownership, education and wealth accumulation. Gordon says Ohio is 'ground zero' for these trends, because the African-American population has historically been concentrated in urban, industrial settings.
Gordon says solutions should focus on policies to improve schools, jobs, safety nets, neighborhoods, and financial security.