The State of Black Los Angeles County report is an online participatory research project that focuses on the outcome and daily experiences of Black people in Los Angeles County across a range of categories. The study goes into great detail regarding health, housing, income and employment, education, safety, and justice. (Westside Voice originally reported on the report here: https://westsidevoicela.com/2023/04/l-a-countys-state-of-black-los-angeles-report-highlights-disparities-in-community/)

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors discussed the report on the State of Black Los Angeles County on Tuesday. The report was commissioned by Supervisor Mitchell and was open to the public. 

County Chief Executive Officer Fesia Davenport discussed that the report was created as a result of the board’s decision in 2020 to adopt a board-directed priority to address an Anti-racism, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative (ARDI). The motion also included a directive for the CEO’s office to issue an annual report and a verbal report on the state of Black Los Angeles. 

“L.A. County is home to the third largest Black population in the U.S., and since their arrival, Black Angelenos have been integral to the cultural economic and social-political landscape of L.A. county,” said Dr. D’artagnan Scorza, Executive Director of Racial Equity for Los Angeles County.

In response to a question about why the board created a report on Black L.A., Dr. Scorza said that some communities need specific attention and resources to achieve equitable outcomes.

“The reports help identify the root causes, their needs, the challenges and disparities experienced by communities, by examining data and evidence within the context of targeted universalism. These reports provide a foundation for understanding specific interventions, and resources necessary to address systematic barriers and equitable outcomes for all communities,” Dr. Scorza said. 

Dr. Scorza also talked about the importance of supporting the needs of Black people, and why it is a worthwhile endeavor in and of itself. 

To ensure that the report accurately reflected the lived experiences of Black residents, the ARDI Initiative conducted several methods of engagement, including dozens of listening sessions to incorporate priority geographic areas, sub-population-specific needs, and qualitative feedback. 

Dr. Scroza stated that their outreach efforts have contacted over 20,000 residents, with over 1,800 people participating. They continue to host workshops, listening sessions, and other events to reach diverse audiences and engage faith-based organizations, advocacy groups, and community-based organizations to disseminate the report’s findings and gather feedback for next year’s report.

African-Americans have the lowest and shortest life expectancy in terms of health, surviving up to 75 years, which is six years less than the county average. Black people had the lowest covid vaccination rates, and are the second most likely to be at risk for “major depression” or who are “currently depressed.” Black Angelenos have the highest rent burdens, eviction rates, and house depopulation rates in comparison to the rest of the county’s population, according to the report. 

In terms of education, Black students graduate from high school with a grade point average of 73.54 percent, which is 14-20 percent lower than their White and Asian peers, and they have the highest rate of school absences and suspensions. 

“In income and employment, African-Americans have the lowest median household income which is $51,000. This is $20,000 less than the county average, and we know that at $82,000 is what you need to do well here in L.A. county,” Dr. Scorza said.  The report also mentioned that Black people have the highest unemployment rates. 

In the area of safety and justice, Black Angelenos are far more likely than non-Blacks to be stopped by law enforcement agencies and incarcerated in County jail at a rate of three times the Latinx population, seven times the White population, and nearly 100 times the Asian-American population. 

“In short, in comparison to other racial groups in L.A. County overall, Black Angelenos are least likely to enjoy good health, housing security, access to economic opportunities, and quality education and are more likely to be in the carceral system, but, supervisors, I don’t want to leave you with the impression that all things are bad for the Black community,” Dr. Scorza said.

According to a brief report called ‘Bright Spots’ that was shared by Dr. Scorza, more than 90 percent of Black people in the County have health insurance. Among the health survey respondents in the County reporting that they needed help for mental or emotional issues, Black Angelenos were more likely than any other group to receive mental health treatment. There was also a 16 percent reduction in the incarceration rate of Black Angelenos in County jails.

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