Prepared by: Pollster: Dr. Silas Lee, III March 2011 Washington, DC

1. SUMMARY OF THE 2011
STATE OF BLACK AMERICA AND I AM EMPOWERED POLL
prepared by:
Pollster: Dr. Silas Lee, III
March 2011
Washington, DC
CONFIDENTIAL & PRIVILEDGED DOCUMENT
NOT FOR RELEASE OR DISTRIBUTION
Copyright © National Urban League 2011
All Rights Reserved

2. DIRECTION OF THE COUNTRY
A global recession, an energy crisis and an impotent economy have dampened the
once optimistic spirits of Americans expressed two years ago. In a nationwide poll of
1,100 respondents representative of this nation’s social and economic
demographics, nearly 60% believe that things in America are headed in the wrong
direction, which is in contrast to 47% in 2009. Whereas, Whites (62%) and Latinos
(59%) were more likely to say that the country is headed in the wrong direction,
African Americans had a split verdict on the direction of the country; 37% right
direction and 36% wrong direction.
2

3. DIRECTION OF THE COUNTRY
Direction of the Country
26% Right Direction
37% African Americans
23% Whites
25% Latinos
57% Wrong Direction
36% African Americans
61% Whites
59% Latinos
12% Mixed Direction
18% African Americans
11% Whites
8% Latinos
3

4. FINANCIAL SITUATION IMPROVING, REMAINING
THE SAME OR GETTING WORSE
With a combined 81% of the respondents reporting that their financial situation has
remained the same (43%) or gotten worse (39%), the stagnation of economic
mobility in the lives of respondents contributed greatly to the poignant feeling of
vulnerability. A disturbing 45% of the respondents over the age of 65 reported some
deterioration in their financial condition.
Financial Situation Total African Americans Whites Latinos
Improved 17% 30% 13% 21%
Remained the Same 43% 36% 46% 33%
Gotten Worse 39% 32% 40% 47%
4

5. JOB APPROVAL RATING AND
ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF PRESIDENT OBAMA
President Obama's approval rating is bolstered by solid support from African
American respondents at 81% in comparison to 40% from Whites and 49% from
Latinos. Respondents earning more than $100,000 annually at 46% are more likely
to disapprove of the job the president is doing than households earning less than
$50,000 at 56%.
49% Approve
81% African Americans
41% Whites
49% Latinos
39% Disapprove
10% African Americans
47% Whites
38% Latinos
11% Don't Know
7% African Americans
12% Whites
12% Latinos
5

6. IMPACT OF THE PRESIDENT'S POLICIES
ON THE ECONOMY
Strongly/Somewhat Strongly/Somewhat
Issues
Approve Disapprove
Improving the quality of public 52% 39%
education
Improving the environment 58% 30%
Improving access to health care 52% 45%
Addressing the nation's budget 44% 52%
deficit
Creating jobs in America 49% 47%
Fighting terrorism 63% 32%
Immigration reform 37% 49%
Managing the wars in Iraq and 57% 39%
Afghanistan
6

7. IMPACT OF THE PRESIDENT'S POLICIES
ON THE ECONOMY
President Obama receives his strongest approval ratings for how he has managed
national security issues (fighting terrorism 63%, managing the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan 57%), the environment 58%, and improving the quality of public
education and access to health care 52%.
The respondents were less complimentary about his job performance on reducing
the budget (44%) and creating jobs (49%).
7

8. REDUCING THE DEFICIT OR
INCREASING UNEMPLOYMENT
It is more important to reduce government Helping Americans to keep their jobs is just as
spending even if it increases unemployment. important as reducing government spending.
18% 77%
> African Americans 9% > African Americans 69%
> Whites 21% > Whites 73%
> Latinos 8% > Latinos 90%
8

9. THE TOUGH CHOICES
The new congressional majority says that our Other members of Congress say that our financial
financial crisis is serious and we need to reduce crisis is serious and we need to reduce the national
the national debt, we need to take bold, debt, but there needs to be a balance whereby
people have the opportunity to be trained for
immediate steps to reduce or eliminate
careers in the future, create jobs even though
programs and make deep cuts in government some programs and services to some families
spending even though it might increase might be eliminated or reduced, and government
unemployment and eliminate programs and spending is gradually reduced. 73%
services to financially stressed families. 21%
> African Americans 13% > African Americans 78%
> Whites 24% > Whites 72%
> Latinos 16% > Latinos 78%
9

10. THE TOUGH CHOICES
As President Obama and Congress braced for an epic battle over how to resolve the
recurring budget deficit, more than 7 of 10 respondents were strongly supportive of
gradually reducing the budget without increasing unemployment.
Although the strategy to boldly attack the deficit may sound appealing, the fragile
economic environment strengthens support for a less dramatic approach to reducing
the deficit that will not hammer people deeper into the grave of poverty.
10

11. SUPPORT FOR THE
TWELVE POINT PLAN JOBS PLAN
The National Urban League has proposed a dozen proposals to address the chronic
challenges to growth and stability in underserved urban communities. Of the nine
policy proposals tested in the survey, six received a "very/somewhat effective" score
over 80% and reinforced the desire by residents for elected officials to aggressively
address the issues of job creation and the economy.
11

12. THE TOP SIX STRATEGIES TO STIMULATE THE
ECONOMY IN URBAN COMMUNITIES
Very/Somewhat
Strategies
Effective
Sell foreclosed homes to families at a reduced price 86%
Initiate tax reform to reduce tax rates and loopholes 84%
Reform and reauthorize the Workforce Reinvestment Act
to reform and retrain workers 80%
Creating urban jobs academies to train youth 80%
Expand small business lending 79%
Restoring the summer youth jobs program 78%
12

13. SUPPORT FOR THE
TWELVE POINT JOBS PLAN
Very Somewhat Not too
Strategies
Effective Effective Effective
Restoring the summer youth jobs program 47% 31% 18%
Creating urban jobs academies to train youth 47% 33% 16%
Develop a public-private jobs initiative 29% 37% 20%
Increase minority participation in information 30% 38% 24%
and communication industries
Reform and reauthorize the Workforce Reinvestment Act 44% 36% 14%
to reform and retrain workers
Expand small business lending 54% 35% 9%
Initiate tax reform to reduce tax rates and loopholes 54% 30% 12%
Sell foreclosed homes to families at a reduced price 41% 35% 20%
Provide financial support to local non-profits to 27% 37% 32%
hire personnel and provide service
13

14. SUPPORT FOR THE EMPOWERMENT GOALS
The America of the 21st century is characterized by global, social and economic
transformations that overwhelm the confidence of citizens to determine their own
destiny. Thus, when asked their support of a set of goals that would restore the
belief that people can make it in America by virtue of education, opportunity, a
committed work ethic and motivation, a combined 80% "strongly/somewhat
support" a set of goals that would empower and train disadvantaged citizens to
become productive members of society.
Support was consistent in all demographic groups, particularly with African
Americans (96%), Latinos (84%) and Whites (76%).
14

15. SUPPORT FOR THE EMPOWERMENT GOALS
Support set of goals for the nation to work toward that would empower and train disadvantaged
citizens to become productive members in society.
Total African Americans Whites Latinos
Strongly support 47% 76% 39% 52%
Somewhat support 33% 20% 37% 32%
Support a little 9% 2% 10% 11%
Not support at all 8% 2% 10% 4%
15

16. SUPPORT FOR EACH EMPOWERMENT GOAL
Not
Somewhat Support
Empowerment Goals Strongly Support
Support Support a Little
at All
61% 19% 7% 11%
Every American child is ready for college, work and life
Every American has access to jobs with a living wage and 67% 18% 4% 8%
good benefits
Every American lives in safe, decent, affordable and energy 55% 25% 5% 12%
efficient housing on fair terms
Every American has access to quality and affordable health 64% 20% 4% 11%
care solutions
16

17. THE TWO GOALS RECEIVING THE
STRONGEST SUPPORT WERE:
 Every American has access to jobs with a living wage and good benefits 85%
 Every American has access to quality and affordable health care solutions 84%
From a sociological perspective, the empowerment goals received strong support
because they represent a “human capital” initiative that will enable those
challenged by circumstances beyond their control to overcome inequality by
providing them with the skills to become independent, responsible and productive
citizens in society.
17

18. THE COMPETITIVE AGENDA
President Obama proposed a menu of initiatives to reduce the budget deficit,
resuscitate an ailing economy and restore confidence in a weary electorate. And,
once again, the message is quite clear; voters do not want to see the budget
balanced on the backs of the most fragile citizens in society.
Americans are inclined to support programs that will make citizens productive and
competitive (recruiting more teachers to teach science, math and technology --- 87%)
or create jobs (create economic growth zones in economically-depressed areas to
stimulate investment and employment --- 80%) and oppose those that will eliminate
education and training opportunities (eliminate financial assistance for college
students to attend summer school --- 68%) or critical services to low income families
(cut funding for heating assistance to low income families --- 68%).
18

19. THE COMPETITIVE AGENDA
Strongly/Somewhat Strongly/Somewhat
Proposals
Agree Disagree
Spending billions to connect 98% of the nation
27% 68%
to the Internet on smart phones and tablet computers
in five years.
Investing billions in high-speed and intercity rail 44% 50%
service
Cut funding for heating assistance to low income 33% 66%
families to heat their homes
Eliminating financial assistance for college students 30% 68%
to attend summer school
Slowing spending for the military 47% 49%
Recruiting more teachers to teach science, math and 87% 12%
technology
Freezing the salaries of federal workers 61% 34%
Creating economic growth zones in economically-
depressed areas to stimulate investment and 80% 17%
employment.
19

20. AWARENESS AND PERCEPTION OF
THE URBAN LEAGUE
Awareness of the A A Nothing Very Somewhat Somewhat Very
Organization Lot Little at all Positive Positive Negative Negative
National Urban League 25% 47% 22% 14% 34% 12% 4%
20

21. AWARENESS OF URBAN LEAGUE PROGRAMS
Awareness of Urban League
Programs
9%_ A Lot
20% African Americans
6% Whites
12% Latinos
23% A Little
32% African Americans
22% Whites
12% Latinos
48% Nothing at All
34% African Americans
50% Whites
58% Latinos
21% do not have an Urban League
affiliate in their community
21

22. AWARENESS OF URBAN LEAGUE PROGRAMS
As an organization, 72% of the respondents have heard "a lot/a little" of the Urban
League, but 32% have the same awareness of the programs and services provided by
the affiliates.
However, nearly half (48%) have a "very/somewhat positive" perception of the
Urban League, which is an equally important attribute.
Half (52%) of the African Americans, 28% of the Whites and 24% of the Latinos have
"a lot/a little" awareness of programs sponsored by the Urban League.
22

23. SURVIVAL ANXIETY
The America of predictability and growth has been replaced by the America of fear
and instability. In this survey, more than half of all respondents indicated that they
are haunted by the constant challenges of financial obligations, caring for a family
member or experiencing an unexpected health crisis.
The Two Major Concerns
Concern Major/Minor
Meeting monthly financial 72%
expenses
Caring for a family member 66%
 Nearly 80% or more of the African Americans (78%) and Latinos (86%) reported
difficulty meeting their monthly financial obligations and caring for a family member
(African Americans 70%, Latinos 81%)
23

24. SPECIFIC CONCERNS
Concern Major Minor Not a Concern
Paying the mortgage/ rent 35% 20% 44%
Experiencing an unexpected 38% 24% 38%
health crisis
Meeting monthly financial 43% 29% 28%
expenses
Caring for a family member 44% 22% 35%
Job security for you or spouse 39% 18% 43%
As a social scientist, I am convinced the survival challenges experienced by
Americans are not just personal, but can potentially dampen the spirit of citizenship
needed to rebuild and reinvigorate the institutions of society.
24

25. THINKING INTO THE FUTURE
Optimism about their Family's Financial Future Optimism about their Family's
10% Very Optimistic Financial Future (Net total)
25% African Americans
6% Whites 44% Very/Somewhat Optimistic
7% Latinos 65% African Americans
34% Somewhat Optimistic
37% Whites
40% African Americans 44% Latinos
31 % Whites
37% Latinos 52% Very/Somewhat Pessimistic
31% Somewhat Pessimistic
28% African Americans
12% African Americans 59% Whites
36% Whites 52% Latinos
29% Latinos
21% Very Pessimistic
16 % African Americans
23% Whites
23% Latinos
25

26. SOCIAL MOBILITY IN AMERICA
Less social and economic The same amount of social and More social and economic
inequality in society - 32% economic inequality - 31% inequality in society - 32%
> Latinos 37% > Whites 34% > African Americans 39%
> African Americans 32% > Latinos 29% > Latinos 33%
> Whites 31% > African Americans 23% > Whites 30%
> Households earning $75- > Households earning less than > Those without a high school
$99,000 at 37% $75,000 at 40% diploma at 39% and college
graduates/more at 36%
26

27. CONCLUSION
The confidence Americans have in the American Dream of economic stability and
social mobility is dampened by a pessimistic outlook for their families’ financial
future held by 52% of the respondents. The cache of optimism expressed by African
Americans (65%) about their families' financial future evaporates as they envision an
America with more, rather than less inequality.
The once impregnable belief in upward mobility has been replaced by a
metastasizing cancer of doubt and insecurity. To elected officials, institutional and
community leaders, this is a clarion call to not just restore hope, but create
environments for opportunity and equality.
27

28. PROFILE OF DR. SILAS LEE
Dr. Silas Lee has served as a pollster and strategist for a host of corporate, non-profit, public sector, political, and legal clients over
the last 24 years. His company, Dr. Silas Lee and Associates, specializes in public opinion research and communications strategies.
He has also assisted attorneys in measuring the attitudes of potential jurors for multi-million dollar civil and criminal cases.
Some of the institutions, companies or elected officials he has conducted research for are:
• Columbia University, New York City
• National Urban League --- Affiliates Census and Economic Impact Analysis, State Of Black America Poll
• Pitney Bowes, Inc (In conjunction with Campbell Consulting)
• American Federation of Teachers (Washington, D.C.)
• Legal Consultant for Exxon and Tobacco Companies
• Gaming in the Public Interest of South Africa
• Harrah’s and Bally’s Casinos
• Western Union (In conjunction with Bayley Consults)
• Tom Joyner Foundation (In conjunction with Campbell Consulting and Third Eye Consulting)
• Nike Shoes/Michael Jordan Fundamentals
• Republican Institute for International Affairs – Haiti
• Governors Buddy Roemer (R) and Ann Richards (D)
• Democratic National Committee (1994, 1998, 2002, 2004, 2006)
•The many political campaigns include: the 1992 Clinton/Gore the 2000 Gore/Lieberman and the 2004 Kerry/Edwards
Presidential Campaigns, Hillary Clinton for President in 2007, mayors, congresspersons and numerous other elected officials.
Dr. Lee is also the Ernest N. Morial Endowed Professor of Public Policy in sociology at Xavier University of Louisiana. He received
his Ph.D. and Masters degrees from the University of New Orleans and his Bachelor of Arts from Loyola University of Louisiana.
28

29. METHODOLOGY
Between March 14th and 18th 1,100 completed interviews were conducted by
professional interviewers calling from a centralized phone bank. The sample also
included a sub-sample of 200 cell phone respondents to ensure the representation of
cell phone only households.
All respondents were selected from a database of adult voters and represented the
social and economic demographics of the population according to the United States
census.
The poll has a Margin of Error of +/- 3.3%.
29

30. SUMMARY OF THE 2011 STATE OF
BLACK AMERICA AND I AM EMPOWERMENT POLL
prepared by:
Pollster: Dr. Silas Lee, III
March 2011
Washington, DC
CONFIDENTIAL & PRIVILEDGED DOCUMENT
NOT FOR RELEASE OR DISTRIBUTION
Copyright © National Urban League 2011
All Rights Reserved