RACE RELATIONS PROGRESS REPORT
2008 EDITION JACKSONVILLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2
INTRODUCTION
3
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
4
PERCEPTIONS
OF
RACE RELATIONS TODAY
9
EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT
AND INCOME
NEIGHBORHOODS
AND
13
HOUSING
17 21
HEALTH JUSTICE
5
LEGAL SYSTEM
25
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
29
AND THE
POLITICS
AND
ABOUT JCCI
33
The 2008 Race Relations Progress Report Review Committee was chaired by Giselle Carson
Committee members included: Angela Corey Nelson Cuba Michael DuBow Dana Fields-Johnson Chris Hazelip
Amy Hays Holliman Ed Johnson Dan McCarthy Ken Middleton Thuy-Anh Nguyen
Janet Owens Toni Philips Dan Principe Joe Schmidt Steve Sherman
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 1
Charlene Taylor Hill Mike Wachholz Tara Wildes Dottie Wilson
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In 1995, Jacksonville elected the first black Sheriff in Florida since Reconstruction. Many, especially in the white community, saw this historic achievement as evidence that Jacksonville had finally laid to rest its well-documented problems of racial discrimination and race-based disparities. While this was a positive moment in Jacksonville’s history, as outlined in JCCI’s 2002 Beyond the Talk: Improving Race Relations study, the community still had much work to do to address race-based disparities and discrimination. This report is one of the many outcomes of that study: it serves to document our progress towards a vision of racial justice and inclusion for all residents of Jacksonville. This is JCCI’s fourth annual Race Relations Progress Report. For the first time, it includes Hispanic perceptions of the progress Jacksonville is making toward achieving our community’s vision. It documents progress, provides new insights and fresh views on the issues, and indicates where work remains to be done to achieve the future we desire. Education: As students progress through the Duval County Public Schools, significant gaps persist among whites, blacks and Hispanics in academic achievement and educational outcomes. The percentage of students reading at grade level increased slightly for all races and ethnicities; however, disparities in educational outcomes between whites and blacks and whites and Hispanics persist. Jacksonville residents do not perceive opportunities for a good education in the same way. There is little agreement on equality of educational opportunity in Jacksonville’s schools as whites were twice as likely as blacks to say that black children have an equally good chance at a quality education. Employment and income: Economic disparities are widening. Although the median family income for whites declined, the percentage and real dollar decline for blacks were much greater. The disparity in the percentages of children living in low-income households is wide. Hispanic children are more than twice as likely to be living in a lowincome household as compared to whites, and black children are living in low-income households even more frequently. The percentage of total dollar value of the City’s contracts awarded to black contractors has decreased and continues to remain very low for Hispanic and other minorities. Neighborhoods and housing: As a percentage of their household income, Jacksonville’s blacks continue to make a disproportionately higher investment in their housing when compared to their white counterparts. Jacksonville residents seem to be building a shared perception of these disparities in housing. In 2008, both whites and blacks were less confident that Jacksonville’s black population has fair housing opportunities. Health: Heart disease death rates have widened between black and white residents and have increased significantly for both blacks and Hispanics. The disparity in infant death rates is of great concern and was the subject of a recently completed JCCI study. Justice and the legal system: Blacks comprise 29 percent of Jacksonville’s population, yet 52 percent of its jail and prison admissions. Black youth ages 10-17 are twice as likely to be referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice as their white peers. Politics and civic engagement: More than half of Jacksonville residents of all races perceive they have little to no influence on the local government’s decisions. The good news is that blacks, whites, and Hispanics appear to have had few problems voting this year. Voter registration rates and voter turnout rates for Hispanics are low. While historic elections can spark conversation around race and ethnicity in America today, our survey conducted just after the election in November shows that the perceptions of white, black, and Hispanic residents differ significantly around the questions of race relations in Jacksonville and the opportunities for fair treatment throughout Jacksonville institutions. And data on racial disparities reflecting the realities of life in Jacksonville show that much work is still to be done as we hope for change. JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 2
INTRODUCTION In 2002, JCCI released a citizen-led study, Beyond the Talk: Improving Race Relations. The study documented that racial disparities were prevalent locally in six areas: education, income and employment, housing, health, criminal justice, and the political process. Beyond the Talk concluded that quality of life disparities are caused by multiple factors: individual racism, individual behavior, and the practices of public and private institutions. Beyond the Talk presented a set of 27 recommendations to improve race relations in Jacksonville and to eliminate racial disparities. A primary recommendation stated that JCCI should distribute an annual report card to measure race-based disparities as well as perceptions of racism and discrimination in the community. (In all, 22 recommendations were fully or partially implemented within the first two years, and work continues throughout the community. A summary of the Beyond the Talk implementation team’s final report is available at www.jcci.org.) In 2005, JCCI released its first Race Relations Progress Report, using survey data and community data to measure racial disparities. Many people in the community were involved in helping identify indicators, conduct surveys, participate in focus groups, and interpret the results. Others met after the release of the initial report to help guide the creation of follow-up reports, based on lessons learned from the first report. Their efforts on launching this groundbreaking undertaking were and are much appreciated. This is the 2008 update of the Race Relations Progress Report. It includes an in-depth survey, as did the first report, with the addition of Hispanic survey respondents and additional questions to measure the Hispanic experience in Jacksonville. This report also includes concise indicators on each of the areas covered, to help guide policy decisions and community work, identify priority areas of concern for further investigation and effort, and measure progress toward an inclusive community, free of race-based disparities and discrimination. Committee members have been concerned that the Progress Report show as much information as possible about the various racial and ethnic populations in Jacksonville. In all cases where the data were available, this report shows trends among white, black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American residents of Jacksonville. In some cases, accurate data were simply not available. Caution should be taken in interpreting trendlines when the base population is below 50,000, as small movements tend to create large fluctuations in the graphs. The 2007 American Community Survey provided the following information about Duval County’s population (nonHispanic white and black populations represented): 2007
White 59.4%
Black 29.1%
Hispanic 6.0%
Asian 3.3%
Native American 0.2%
Other 2.0%
The University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research provided these detailed estimates and projections of Jacksonville’s population (non-Hispanic white and black populations represented): 2000 2005 2010 2020 2030
White 64.5% 60.8% 58.0% 53.0% 50.1%
Black 28.0% 30.1% 31.5% 34.3% 35.6%
Hispanic 4.1% 5.4% 6.3% 7.7% 8.7%
Other 3.4% 3.7% 4.2% 5.0% 5.6%
Total Population 778,879 861,150 939,784 1,077,456 1,191,480
Additional copies of this report are available online at www.jcci.org or at JCCI’s office at 2434 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32207, or call JCCI at (904) 396-3052. For questions or comments about the progress report, please e-mail ben@jcci.org. JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 3
SURVEY METHODOLOGY This report is informed by three different local surveys. • In October-November 2004, Jacksonville University conducted a telephone survey of 914 Jacksonville residents (514 white, 400 black) for the first JCCI Race Relations Progress Report. Margin of error for the survey was +/- 5 percent. This represented one of the first efforts to develop a statistically significant sampling of black respondents in Jacksonville. Jacksonville University and Edward Waters College followed up this survey with eleven focus groups to gain further input and understanding for the report. • In September 2008, American Public Dialogue (APD) surveyed 469 Jacksonville residents (355 white, 86 black, 6 Hispanic, 4 Asian, and 18 unknown) for the 24th edition of JCCI’s 2008 Quality of Life Progress Report. This survey has been conducted annually since 1985. Statistical reliability for the racial breakdowns in this survey are less accurate than the overall reliability; while the overall survey has a margin of error of +/- 4.9 percent, the margin of error is +/- 5.5 percent for white respondents and +/- 9.1 percent for black respondents. This survey is labeled in the document as American Public Dialogue, QOL (meaning Quality of Life.) In some instances, the same question was asked in both the QOL and the November 2008 survey to obtain more precise information. • In November 2008, immediately following the national elections, APD surveyed 1,089 Jacksonville residents (433 white, 424 black, 200 Hispanic, 6 Asian, and 26 unknown) for the 2008 edition of the JCCI Race Relations Progress Report. This survey is labeled in the document as American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008. The margin of error was +/-2.9 percent for the total survey, +/-4.9 for both white and black respondents, and +/-5.9 for Hispanic respondents. The survey expanded both the number of questions and the answer scale from the 2004 survey. In the 2004 survey, the respondents were asked in several instances for one of two possible responses: “As Good” or “Not As Good” (though some volunteered “Better”), or one of three responses (“Major,” “Minor,” or “None.”) In the former case, the 2008 survey included “Better” as an option, and also added “No Chance.” In the latter case, the survey kept the Major-Minor-None scale, but then asked, if the response was “Minor”, if that was “closer to Major” or “a non-factor.” This allows for both comparability to the prior survey and a wider breadth of answers to help understand community perceptions better. In addition, the U.S. Census performs an annual survey, the American Community Survey. Each year, this survey is becoming more complete, with the intent of replicating the information on the long form of the 10-year census on an annual basis. Data taken from this effort is labeled American Community Survey, U.S. Census. The methodology for this survey can be found at www.census.gov. Because “Hispanic” refers to ethnicity, not race, care should be taken with population estimates and with the data. When the data providers separated out the non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black population from the Hispanic population, the report will identify that for the reader. In other cases, there may be data overlap between racial and ethnic identifiers. Additional information, the complete survey instruments, as well as detailed reference and cross-tabulation data are available for the Quality of Life and the Race Relations surveys on the JCCI website at www.jcci.org.
What Can You Do? Several organizations and agencies throughout the community are working on the
issues raised in this report. Please call JCCI to find out more about these efforts and learn how you can get involved, or visit www.jcci.org for more information. JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 4
PERCEPTIONS OF RACE RELATIONS TODAY Is Racism Perceived as a Problem in Jacksonville?
The Beyond the Talk study concluded, “The wide range of perceptions among Jacksonville’s citizens about past and current racial disparities impedes resolution of all problems in race relations.” JCCI has been tracking perceptions of racism in Jacksonville through the Quality of Life Progress Report since 1985. The survey question asks, In your opinion during the last year, do you feel that racism is a problem in Jacksonville? “Yes” responses (racism is a problem): White Black
2007 62% 74%
2008 57% 77%
Difference - 5% + 3%
Shared understanding of the extent of the problem is often a prerequisite to reaching agreement on how to solve that problem. A 2001 national survey by Harvard University, in partnership with the Washington Post and the Kaiser Foundation, asked respondents about the life experiences of black and Hispanic residents in the U.S. They compared the survey responses to the actual racial disparities displayed in the 2000 U.S. Census and concluded that perceptions often did not match reality.
Source: American Public Dialogue, QOL
In 2007, 12 percentage points separated white and black perceptions that racism was a community problem; in 2008, the perception gap had grown to 20 points.
They then compared how people responded to questions about public policy to the accuracy of their perceptions of racial disparities. They found that the level of misperception about real disparities in income, employment, education, and access to health care made significant differences in the respondents’ opinions about public policy solutions. In the 2004 survey for the initial Race Relations Progress Report, the same analysis was conducted. The same results held true in Jacksonville as in the rest of the nation: differences in opinions about public policy about race were largely tied to differences in perceptions about race-based disparities. The 2008 survey for this report found the same results holding true for white, black, and Hispanic respondents. The results are available for in-depth exploration at www.jcci.org. The conclusion drawn in the Beyond the Talk study is that shared understanding of the extent of the problem is a prerequisite to reaching agreement on how to solve that problem. This report is designed to bring about that shared understanding.
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 5
PERCEPTIONS OF RACE RELATIONS TODAY Relations Excellent or Good
In November 2008, JCCI conducted a survey of white, black, and Hispanic residents of Jacksonville through American Public Dialogue. The first question asked: We'd like to know how you would rate relations between various groups in Jacksonville these days, if you would say they are excellent good, fair, or poor: Overall, how would you rate race relations between whites and blacks? The responses by each racial or ethnic group follow:
White Black Hispanic
Excellent or Good 54% 27% 45%
Fair or Poor 41% 68% 46%
Unknown/ Refused 5% 4% 9%
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
How would you rate relations between whites and Hispanics?
White Black Hispanic
Excellent or Good 50% 19% 55%
Fair or Poor 33% 47% 41%
Relations Fair or Poor
Unknown/ Refused 17% 35% 4%
How would you rate relations between blacks and Hispanics?
White Black Hispanic
Excellent or Good 26% 39% 63%
Fair or Poor 25% 45% 31%
Unknown/ Refused 49% 16% 7%
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
The survey results revealed that whites were more optimistic about black/white race relations than black respondents were, while Hispanic respondents were more optimistic about race relations with both blacks and whites than the other survey respondents.
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 6
PERCEPTIONS OF RACE RELATIONS TODAY The Beyond the Talk study also found that differing perceptions about race relations are related to differences in experiences and perceptions of discrimination. Since 2000, JCCI has been tracking how people respond to the question, Thinking about your own possible experience with racism, do you believe that you have personally experienced racism during the past year while shopping, while at work, or while renting or buying housing in Jacksonville? “Yes” responses to shopping, which received the highest “yes” responses, are represented in the graph.
Experiences of Racism when Shopping
September 2008 “Yes” responses (personally experienced racism): White Black
Work 5% 19%
Shopping 10% 31%
Housing 2% 17%
The November 2008 survey answers to the same question were similar in housing, but higher in work and shopping. The November 2008 survey also allowed for Hispanic responses to be included.
Source: American Public Dialogue, QOL
In 2007, 30 percent of black respondents said that they had personally experienced racism while shopping; in 2008, responses had increased to 31 percent. Of the three survey questions, shopping reflects a more universal and constant activity, compared to work or buying or renting housing.
Personal Experiences with Racism
November 2008 “Yes” responses (personally experienced racism): White Black Hispanic
Work 10% 38% 21%
Shopping 14% 53% 26%
Housing 2% 18% 9% Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 7
PERCEPTIONS OF RACE RELATIONS TODAY The survey asked white, black and Hispanic respondents about discrimination in two types of public spaces.
Treated Less Fairly in Stores/Shopping Malls
Just your impression, are blacks in Jacksonville treated less fairly than whites in the following situations? Stores/Shopping Malls, Restaurants/Entertainment Yes or No. If Yes, is that all the time, sometimes or just occasionally? Just your impression, are Hispanics in Jacksonville treated less fairly than whites in the following situations? Stores/Shopping Malls, Restaurants/Entertainment Yes or No. If Yes, is that all the time, sometimes or just occasionally? 2008 Responses (Are blacks treated less fairly in Stores/Shopping Malls?) Yes No White 39% 50% Black 83% 11% Hispanic 56% 36%
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
In 2004, 76 percent of black respondents said that blacks in Jacksonville were treated less fairly while shopping; 24 percent of white respondents agreed. In 2008, the responses were higher, at 83 and 39 percent respectively. In the 2008 survey, black respondents consistently perceived that Hispanics were treated less fairly than Hispanics thought they were.
2008 Responses (Are blacks treated less fairly in Restaurants/ Entertainment?) Yes No White 31% 59% Treated Less Fairly in Restaurants/Entertainment Black 72% 20% Hispanic 47% 44% 2008 Responses (Are Hispanics treated less fairly in Stores/Shopping Malls?) Yes No White 37% 46% Black 69% 8% Hispanic 56% 39% 2008 Responses (Are Hispanics treated less fairly in Restaurants/ Entertainment?) Yes No White 28% 55% Black 59% 15% Hispanic 49% 48% Because of “don’t know” responses, totals do not add to 100 percent.
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
In 2004, 58 percent of black respondents said that blacks in Jacksonville were treated less fairly while in restaurants, bars, theaters, or other entertainment places; 12 percent of white respondents agreed. In 2008, the responses were higher, at 72 and 31 percent respectively.
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 8
EDUCATION The Beyond the Talk: Improving Race Relations study found that “eliminating disparities in school performance is critical to ensuring a high quality of life for all Jacksonville citizens.” The following year, the Public Education Reform study called the achievement gap the “primary challenge facing the public education system,” and launched a further study on how to eliminate the achievement gap.
FCAT Reading Proficiency
In 2006, the Duval County Public Schools made eliminating the achievement gap part of the performance benchmarks of the Superintendent. Reading scores (measured by the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test [FCAT], Sunshine State Standards [SSS], and alternative assessments) are a key measure of this gap. The percentage of all students who were reading at grade level or above was: White Black Hispanic Asian Native American
2006-07 69% 41% 53% 69% 65%
2007-08 71% 43% 55% 71% 69%
Difference +2 +2 +2 +2 +4
Source: Florida Department of Education
In 2006-07, 28 percentage points separated white and black student scores; in 2007-08, all scores rose, but the gap remained the same. In 2007-08, the gap between white and Hispanic scores was 16 points, unchanged from 200607.
Reading At Grade Level, By Grade, 2007-08
By grade level, the scores were as follows: Percentage of public school students reading at grade level (FCAT SSS), 2007-08: Grade 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
White
Black
83% 81% 78% 72% 74% 61% 59% 50%
55% 53% 55% 45% 51% 33% 25% 16%
Hispanic 68% 66% 64% 58% 58% 42% 36% 29%
Asian 82% 78% 81% 77% 75% 59% 60% 47%
Native American 90% 100% 85% 63% 71% 56% 43% 40%
Source: Florida Department of Education
In third grade, 28 points separated the percentages of white and black students reading at grade level, and 15 points separated white and Hispanic percentages; in 10th grade, the gap was 34 percentage points between white and black students and 21 between white and Hispanic students.
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 9
EDUCATION Graduating from high school is usually a prerequisite to good employment and to furthering one’s education.
High School Graduation Rates
Graduation rates: White Black Hispanic Asian Native American
2005-06 66% 52% 49% 71% 56%
2006-07 67% 52% 55% 71% 41%
Difference + 1% 0 + 6% 0 - 15%
Source: Duval County Public Schools
In 2005-06, 14 percentage points separated white and black student graduation rates; in 2006-07, the gap increased to 15 percentage points. The gap between white and Hispanic graduation rates decreased from 17 to 12 points.
College continuation rates:
College Continuation Rates
After graduating from high school, many students continue on to college. High-paying jobs generally require education beyond high school. A higher percentage of white, Asian, and Hispanic graduating students in Duval County public schools are choosing to continue their education, but the rate of college continuation among black graduates decreased slightly, increasing the gap in college continuation rates.
White Black Hispanic Asian
2005-06 75% 67% 72% 83%
2006-07 77% 66% 75% 89%
Difference + 2% - 1% + 3% + 6%
Source: Florida Department of Education
In 2005-06, eight percentage points separated white and black student college continuation rates; in 2006-07, the gap had grown to 11 percentage points. Hispanic and white student college continuation rates remained similar, with the gap closing from three to two points. JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 10
EDUCATION Educational attainment measures the percentage of adults 25 years of age or older who have high school diplomas (or equivalents) and those who have college degrees. While growth in both areas have occurred, the gap in educational attainment remains high and is increasing.
Educational Attainment, 2007
Educational Attainment: High School Diplomas 2000 2007
White 86.1% 90.2%
Black 74.1% 82.2%
Hispanic 79.0% 79.7%
Asian 81.2% 86.2%
Educational Attainment: Bachelor’s Degree or Higher 2000 2007
White 24.6% 28.3%
Black 13.1% 15.3%
Hispanic 21.8% 25.4%
Asian 34.4% 40.6%
The 2008 survey asked about community perceptions of the impact of racial discrimination on disparities in education outcomes. The question asked: Do you think racial discrimination against (blacks, Hispanics) is a major factor, a minor factor, or not a factor in (blacks’, Hispanics’) education levels? If a minor factor, is that closer to a major or a non-factor?
Source: American Community Survey, U.S. Census
In 2007, 13 points separated the college degree attainment rates of white and black adults, up from 11.5 in 2000. The gap between white and Hispanic college attainment rates remained unchanged, at three points.
Discrimination Perceived As Factor in Education Levels
The structure of the question allowed for two ways to examine the survey results. The first, as shown in the graph, combines the answers of “major factor” and “minor factor - closer to a major factor” below: Discrimination Perceived as Factor in Education Levels: Against Blacks Against Hispanics White 43% 38% Black 81% 62% Hispanic 51% 53% The response rate of those who said discrimination was a “major factor” are below:
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
Discrimination Perceived as Major Factor in Education Levels: Against Blacks Against Hispanics White 19% 16% Black 56% 42% Hispanic 26% 28%
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 11
EDUCATION The 2004 and 2008 surveys asked the question:
Chance for Good Education: Black Children
In general, do you think that black children have as good a chance as white children in Jacksonville to get a good education, or don’t you think they have as good a chance? The responses in 2004 and 2008 were nearly identical:
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
Better As good Not as good No chance Don’t know
White 2004 2008 2% 4% 72% 72% 22% 16% N/A 1% 4% 7%
Black 2004 2008 0% 3% 32% 34% 64% 53% N/A 6% 4% 3%
Hispanic 2004 2008 N/A 3% N/A 60% N/A 27% N/A 1% N/A 10%
The addition of Hispanic survey respondents in 2008 provided more insight into how different groups viewed the educational opportunities available to black children. The survey asked a similar question about the opportunities available for Hispanic children. The results are below:
Chance for Good Education: Hispanic Children
In general, do you think that Hispanic children have as good a chance as white children in Jacksonville to get a good education, or don’t you think they have as good a chance? Better As good Not as good No chance Don’t know
White 3% 70% 13% 1% 13%
Black 3% 32% 42% 5% 18%
Hispanic 5% 60% 29% 2% 4%
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 12
EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME In 2004, the American Community Survey, a program of the U.S. Census, began calculating unemployment rates by race at the county level. Unemployment rates rose for whites in the labor force in 2007, while the unemployment rate for black workers decreased, which meant that the gap in unemployment rates between white and black workers declined. Unemployment Rates: 2006 White 4.5% Black 9.6% Hispanic 3.9%
2007 5.3% 9.2% 6.5%
Difference + 0.8 - 0.4 + 2.6
Median family income, as measured by the American Community Survey and adjusted for inflation, declined in 2007, and the gap closed slightly: Median Family Income: 2006 White $69,293 Black $42,127 Hispanic $48,872
2007 $67,737 $39,328 $47,942
Difference - $1,556 - $2,799 - $ 930
In 2007, black median family income was 58.1 percent of white median family income, down from 60.8 percent in 2006, while Hispanic median family income grew to 70.8 percent of white (non-Hispanic) family income. The official United States poverty line in 2007 was $21,027 for a family of four. Children in families with a household income of less than 130 percent of the poverty line ($27,335) are eligible for the free lunch program at school, and children in families with a household income of less than 185 percent of the poverty line ($38,900) are eligible for reduced-price lunches. Black schoolchildren in Duval County participate in this program at more than twice the rate of white schoolchildren, suggesting much higher rates of children in low-income households. Free and reduced-price lunch participation rates: White Black Hispanic Asian Native American
2005-06 23% 61% 49% 26% 34%
2006-07 24% 63% 53% 27% 33%
Unemployment Rates
Difference + 1% + 2% + 4% + 1% - 1%
Source: American Community Survey, U.S. Census
In 2006, 5.1 percentage points separated white and black unemployment rates; in 2007, the gap was 3.9 percentage points. The gap between white and Hispanic unemployment rates doubled, from 0.6 to 1.2 points.
Children in Low Income Households
Source: Duval County Public Schools
In 2005-06, 61 percent of black students received free or reduced-price lunches, compared to 23 percent of white students. In 2006-07, the gap between black and white students increased by one point, as the rates inched upward to 63 and 24 percent, respectively. Hispanic students saw the largest increase in participation rates, rising four points from 49 to 53 percent.
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 13
EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME The 2004 and 2008 surveys asked the question:
Have Enough Money for Basic Needs
During the past year, have you always had enough money to: Buy clothing your family needed? Buy food your family needed? White 2004 2008 Clothing (yes) 82% 83% Food (yes) 92% 87%
Black 2004 2008 68% 56% 80% 67%
In 2008, Hispanic respondents were included in the survey. 74 percent of Hispanic respondents said they had enough money to buy needed clothing, and 77 percent to buy food.
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
Family Poverty Rates
The American Community Survey measures the percentage of families who are living below the poverty level ($21,027 for a family of four in 2007). Family poverty rates were: White Black Hispanic Asian
2006 5.0% 21.2% -
2007 4.0% 17.9% 11.1% 6.6%
Difference - 1.0 - 3.3
In 2006, 16 percentage points separated black and white family poverty rates. In 2007, both family poverty rates declined, and the gap decreased to 14 points. Data for Hispanic and Asian family poverty rates were not available before 2007. The 2008 survey asked: Do you think racial discrimination against (blacks, Hispanics) is a major factor, a minor factor, or not a factor in (blacks’, Hispanics’) income levels? If a minor factor, is that closer to a major or a non-factor?
Source: American Community Survey, U.S. Census
Discrimination Perceived As Factor in Income Levels
Discrimination Perceived as Factor in Income Levels: White Black Hispanic
Against Blacks 56% 89% 63%
Against Hispanics 53% 72% 66% Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 14
EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME Seventy-eight percent of Jacksonville businesses are owned by white business people, according to an analysis performed by Anderson & Associates, PA, for the City of Jacksonville.
50 Fastest Growing Businesses
Black-owned businesses make up about 11 percent of the total, with Hispanic businesses at 4 percent, with AsianAmerican businesses at 3 percent, and Native American businesses at 4 percent. Each year, The Business Journal of Jacksonville identifies the fastest-growing private companies in Jacksonville. Again in 2008, none of the businesses who made the list were headed by black leadership. Source: The Business Journal of Jacksonville
In 2008, 94 percent of the 50 fastest growing private businesses in Jacksonville had white leadership, unchanged from 2007, and again no black-led or Hispanic-led businesses made the list.
In 2004, the City of Jacksonville began a new Jacksonville Small & Emerging Businesses program (JSEB) as a replacement for its previous Minority Business Enterprise and Equal Business Opportunity programs. By percentage of total dollar value ($179,028,320), the contracts awarded through the program went to the following certified JSEBs (broken out by race and ethnicity only, and not by gender): White Black Hispanic Asian Native American
2005-06 89.5% 8.9% 1.4% 0.2% 0.0%
2006-07 91.7% 6.5% 1.3% 0.0% 0.4%
Difference + 2.2% - 2.4% - 0.1% - 0.2% + 0.4%
City Contracts
Source: City of Jacksonville
In the third year of the Jacksonville Small & Emerging Businesses Program, city contracts to minority-owned businesses decreased from 10.5 to 8.2 percent.
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 15
EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME Chance for Good Job: Black Applicants
The 2004 and 2008 surveys asked the question: In general, do you think that black people have as good a chance as white people in Jacksonville to get any kind of job for which they are qualified, or don’t you think they have as good a chance? The responses in 2008 were lower among white respondents and higher among black respondents than in 2004, and the gap in perceptions decreased from 48 to 42 points:
Better As good Not as good No chance Don’t know
White 2004 2008 8% 8% 71% 68% 17% 17% N/A 1% 4% 6%
Black 2004 2008 1% 2% 23% 26% 74% 61% N/A 8% 2% 3%
Hispanic 2004 2008 N/A 5% N/A 50% N/A 31% N/A 4% N/A 11%
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
Chance for Good Job: Hispanic Applicants
The 2008 survey also asked: In general, do you think that Hispanic people have as good a chance as white people in Jacksonville to get any kind of job for which they are qualified, or don’t you think they have as good a chance? Better As good Not as good No chance Don’t know
White 6% 63% 18% 1% 12%
Black 3% 23% 47% 7% 20%
Hispanic 6% 53% 31% 4% 6%
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
Treated Less Fairly at Work
In 2004, 70 percent of black respondents said that blacks in Jacksonville were treated less fairly at work; 9 percent of white respondents agreed. In 2008, the responses were higher, at 82 and 34 percent respectively. In addition, 31 percent of white respondents, 68 percent of black respondents, and 53 percent of Hispanic respondents said that Hispanic workers were treated less fairly on the job. In addition, 51 percent of black respondents ages 18-64 said they had personally experienced racism while at work in the past year, as did 23 percent of Hispanic respondents. Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008 JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 16
NEIGHBORHOODS AND HOUSING In 2000, the U.S. Census identified a significant proportion of Jacksonville neighborhoods that were racially identifiable, with 75 to 100 percent of the population belonging to one racial group. The data showed that over half the population would have to move in order to make each neighborhood racially balanced in ways that reflected the overall county population.
Residential Living Patterns by Race
Source: 2000 U.S. Census
While current residential segregation data are not available between census years, another method exists to measure progress towards desegregating neighborhoods. Public elementary school children generally attend neighborhood schools, though some attend magnet programs designed to provide racial balance in the schools. The racial make-up of individual schools provides a rough proxy measurement of the racial diversity of the neighborhoods the schools serve. In 1990, the NAACP and Duval County Public Schools agreed on a definition of “desegregated school” as one in which the student body was at least 20 percent black and at least 45 percent white. While the schools were declared “unitary” in 1999, ending court-ordered desegregation activities, the definition is a useful tool for understanding neighborhood segregation in Jacksonville. In 2008-09, 53 percent of elementary school students, 69 percent of middle school students, and 66 percent of high school students attended schools meeting DCPS diversity goals described above.
Children in Desegregated Schools
Source: Duval County Public Schools
In 2007-08, 52 percent of public school children attended a “desegregated” school. In 2008-09, that figure grew to 58 percent.
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 17
NEIGHBORHOODS AND HOUSING Purchasing a home is often the largest investment a person will make. In the Jacksonville metropolitan area, applications for conventional home mortgage loans are denied twice as often for black applicants than they are for white applicants. This pattern is consistent within household income categories, based on a median family income of $59,700 in 2007.
Mortgage Denial Rates, 2007
Conventional mortgage denial rates in 2007 were: White 31.9%
Black 43.7%
Hispanic 34.4%
Low income ($29,850-$47,163)
19.0%
34.5%
26.1%
Middle income ($47,164-71,043)
17.5%
33.7%
25.7%
High income (over $71,043)
12.5%
31.4%
24.7%
Very low income (under $29,850)
In 2000, 73 percent of white households in Jacksonville owned their own homes, compared to 51 percent of black households and 53 percent of Hispanic households. In 2007, the American Community Survey estimates a decline in homeownership rates, with 72.5 percent of white (non-Hispanic) households owning their own homes, compared to 48.1 percent of black households. Median home value for white homeowners was $197,200, compared to $138,900 for black homeowners. (They did not report an estimate for Hispanic households in 2007.) Home loans decreased sharply in 2007. While the data do not provide sufficient information to calculate updated homeownership rates, they do suggest some information about changes in homeownership in the area. Data are not currently available on foreclosure rates, by race. Number of home purchase loans: White Black Hispanic
2006 27,938 5,558 2,873
2007 15,400 2,433 1,242
Source: Home Mortgage Disclosure Act
In 2007, the difference by race between conventional mortgage denial rates, within income categories, decreased among low income and very low income applicants but increased slightly among middle and high income applicants.
Growth/Decline of Home Purchase Loans
Source: Home Mortgage Disclosure Act
In 2007, new home purchases declined sharply among all groups.
Difference - 44.9% - 56.2% - 56.8% JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 18
NEIGHBORHOODS AND HOUSING The 2004 and 2008 surveys asked the question:
Chance for Housing: Black Applicants
In general, do you think that black people have as good a chance as white people in Jacksonville to get any housing they can afford, or don’t you think they have as good a chance? In response to this question, in 2004 the gap between white and black respondents who thought the chances were at least as good was 43 points; twice as many (86 percent) white respondents perceived the situation as fair as did black respondents (43 percent.) In 2008, the gap was 75 percent to 41 percent -- both sets of perceptions declined.
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
Better As good Not as good No chance Don’t know
White 2004 2008 4% 4% 82% 71% 9% 14% N/A 1% 5% 10%
Black 2004 2008 0% 4% 43% 37% 52% 48% N/A 5% 5% 7%
Hispanic 2004 2008 N/A 3% N/A 56% N/A 29% N/A 2% N/A 12%
The 2008 survey also asked:
Chance for Housing: Hispanic Applicants
In general, do you think that Hispanic people have as good a chance as white people in Jacksonville to get any housing they can afford, or don’t you think they have as good a chance? Better As good Not as good No chance Don’t know
White 2% 67% 14% 1% 16%
Black 2% 32% 39% 5% 22%
Hispanic 2% 58% 31% 2% 7%
In 2008, 18 percent of black respondents said they had personally experienced racism while renting or buying housing in the past year, as did 9 percent of Hispanic respondents.
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 19
NEIGHBORHOODS AND HOUSING Housing is generally the most significant cost in the household budget. In general, housing is considered to be “affordable” if it costs less than 30 percent of the total monthly household income.
Households Paying 30 Percent or More of Monthly Income for Housing
In 2007, 27 percent of white homeowners in Duval County paid more than the “affordable” benchmark for housing, compared to 40 percent of black homeowners. Among those renting their housing, 40 percent of white households paid more than 30 percent of their monthly income for housing, compared to 53 percent of black renters. Data were not available for Hispanic homeowners or renters. Source: American Community Survey, U.S. Census
In surveys, Jacksonville residents report different feelings of safety about the neighborhoods they live in. In response to the question, Do you feel safe walking alone in your neighborhood at night?
Perceptions of Neighborhood Safety
“Yes” responses (feeling safe): White Black
2007 63% 36%
2008 53% 36%
Difference 10% 0
Data were not available for Hispanic respondents. Source: American Public Dialogue, QOL
In 2007, the gap between those who felt safe walking around their neighborhoods at night had grown to 27 percentage points; in 2008, the gap had decreased to 17 points, as white feelings of safety declined.
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 20
HEALTH Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Duval County. Between 1996 and 2005, the disparity in age-adjusted heart disease death rates between white and black residents shrunk from 95 points to 20 points, while overall death rates due to heart disease have been falling. In 2007, heart disease death rates rose among black and Hispanics, increasing the disparity. Diseases occur more frequently at different ages. For example, chronic diseases, including many cancers, occur more frequently among older people. As the U.S. population ages, including Jacksonville’s, higher crude death rates for these diseases will occur. This increase in the number of older residents can be accounted for by calculating age-adjusted rates, which removes the age factor from the rate of chronic disease. Age-adjusted heart death rates per 100,000 residents: White Black Hispanic
2006 182.3 207.7 125.7
2007 176.4 239.7 143.6
Difference - 5.9 + 32.0 + 17.9
Heart Disease Death Rate
Source: Florida Department of Health
In 2007, 63 points separated white and black age-adjusted heart disease death rates, up from 25 points in 2006. Hispanic heart disease death rates are lower than those of whites, 57 points lower in 2006 but only 33 points lower in 2007.
However, the racial gap in deaths related to stroke (the third leading cause of death in Duval County) increased from 21 to 34 points from 2006 to 2007, as white stroke deaths fell but black stroke deaths rose.
Cancer Death Rate
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Duval County. The disparity in overall cancer death rates had disappeared in 2001. The gap once again closed in 2007. Age-adjusted cancer death rates per 100,000 residents: White Black Hispanic
2006 188.0 214.8 97.0
2007 187.0 189.1 106.9
Difference - 1.0 - 25.7 + 9.9
Source: Florida Department of Health
In 2007, two points separated white and black age-adjusted cancer death rates, down from 27 points in 2006. Hispanic stroke death rates are much lower than whites, 91 points lower in 2006 and 80 points lower in 2007.
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 21
HEALTH The infant mortality rate (the number of infants that die before reaching one year of age per 1,000 infants born) is a sentinel indicator used to evaluate a population's overall health and access to health care. For more information, see JCCI’s 2008 Infant Mortality study at www.jcci.org.
Infant Death Rate
Infant death rates per 1,000 infants born: White Black Hispanic
2006 7.2 12.7 6.8
2007 6.7 13.1 14.5
Difference - 0.5 - 0.4 + 7.7 Source: Florida Department of Health
In 2007, the gap between black and white infant death rates increased from 5.5 to 6.4 points as black and white infant death rates diverged. Hispanic infant mortality rates, on the other hand, doubled in 2007 from 2006.
Rate of New HIV Cases The Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is a disease which may lead to serious health consequences. People who test positive for HIV may or may not contract Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS, a debilitating and often fatal disease. New HIV cases per 100,000 population: White Black Other
2006 14.3 75.9 47.6
2007 16.1 85.1 78.1
Difference + 1.8 + 9.2 + 30.5
Source: Duval County Health Department
In 2006, 62 points separated white and black rates per 100,000 for new HIV cases; in 2007, the gap rose to 69 points, as both white and black rates increased.
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 22
HEALTH Chance for Health Care: Black Patients
The 2004 and 2008 surveys asked the question: In general, do you think that black people have as good a chance as white people in Jacksonville to get any health care they can afford, or don’t you think they have as good a chance? The responses in 2008 were lower among white respondents and higher among black respondents than in 2004, and the gap in perceptions decreased from 49 to 30 points:
Better As good Not as good No chance Don’t know
White 2004 2008 5% 2% 76% 74% 12% 12% N/A 0% 6% 13%
Black 2004 2008 0% 2% 27% 44% 68% 41% N/A 6% 5% 7%
Hispanic 2004 2008 N/A 3% N/A 59% N/A 26% N/A 3% N/A 10%
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
Chance for Health Care: Hispanic Patients
The 2008 survey also asked: In general, do you think that Hispanic people have as good a chance as white people in Jacksonville to get any health care they can afford, or don’t you think they have as good a chance? Better As good Not as good No chance Don’t know
White 1% 70% 10% 1% 18%
Black 2% 38% 31% 6% 23%
Hispanic 3% 62% 27% 3% 5%
In 2004, 53 percent of black respondents said that blacks in Jacksonville were treated less fairly in getting healthcare from doctors and hospitals; 9 percent of white respondents agreed. In 2008, the responses were higher, at 69 and 25 percent respectively. In addition, 23 percent of white respondents, 56 percent of black respondents, and 44 percent of Hispanic respondents said that Hispanic patients were treated less fairly in getting healthcare from doctors and hospitals.
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
Treated Less Fairly in Healthcare
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 23
HEALTH The 2004 and 2008 surveys asked the question:
Have Enough Money for Health Care
During the past year, have you always had enough money to pay for medical or health care?
Yes
White 2004 2008 83% 83%
Black 2004 2008 64% 62%
In 2008, 69 percent of Hispanic respondents said they had enough money to pay for medical or health care.
The 2007 Florida County-level Behavioral Risk Factors survey found that 17.3 percent of black adults in Duval County could not see a doctor at least once in the past year due to cost. Neither could 20.5 percent of Hispanic adults nor 13.4 of nonHispanic white adults.
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
Adults With No Health Insurance
Adults With No Health Insurance Coverage, 2007 White Black Hispanic
10.0% 18.7% 34.3% Source: Florida Department of Health
The 2008 survey asked about community perceptions of the impact of racial discrimination on life expectancy. The question asked: Do you think racial discrimination against (blacks, Hispanics) is a major factor, a minor factor, or not a factor in (blacks’, Hispanics’) life expectancy? If a minor factor, is that closer to a major or a non-factor?
Discrimination Perceived As Factor in Life Expectancy
Discrimination Perceived as Factor in Life Expectancy: Against Blacks Against Hispanics White 51% 44% Black 74% 58% Hispanic 59% 59%
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008 JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 24
JUSTICE AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM The Beyond the Talk: Improving Race Relations study found that “the disproportionate number of blacks who are incarcerated in Jacksonville contributes to the incidence of single-parent families, economic disparities, disproportionate disenfranchisement, and the perception that racial minorities should distrust the criminal-justice system.”
Inmate Admissions per 1,000 Population for Misdemeanors
In 2007, total inmate admissions, compared to the general community population, were as follows: White Black Other
Total population 59.4% 29.1% 11.5%
Inmate admissions 46.7% 52.4% 1.0% Source: Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
The rates of inmate admissions differed by type of offense, misdemeanors vs. felony offenses. Inmate admissions are recorded at the point of arrest. Total inmate admissions, 2007: Misdemeanor Felony
White 16,417 7,126
Black 15,688 10,586
In 2007, while more white offenders were admitted for misdemeanors, the admission rate for black offenders was more than double that of the white rate.
Inmate Admissions per 1,000 Population for Felonies
Inmate admissions per 1,000 population, 2007: Misdemeanor Felony
White 36.0 15.6
Black 80.6 54.4
Information on Hispanic admissions are beginning to be collected and should become available in later reports.
Source: Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
In 2007, the rate for black felony admissions declined from 65.5 to 54.4, while white felony admissions declined from 17.9 to 15.6, closing the gap slightly, though black felony admissions remain at 3 1/2 times the rate of white felony admissions.
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 25
JUSTICE AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM In 2007, the Florida Office of Vital Statistics recorded 141 homicides, up from 122 in 2006. A homicide is one person killing another person, no matter the reason. A homicide is counted as a murder when the killing is determined to be criminal. Homicides also include justifiable, excusable or accidental killings, which are not included in the murder rate.
Homicide Rates per 100,000 Population
Total homicides: White Black Hispanic
2006 31 90 9
2007 40 98 13
Difference + 9 + 8 + 4 Source: Florida Office of Vital Statistics
Homicide rate per 100,000 people: White Black Hispanic
2006 5.2 30.9 16.5
2007 6.8 32.2 19.2
Difference + 1.6 + 1.3 + 2.7
Percent of Youth Population Referred to Department of Juvenile Justice In 2006-07 4,163 youths ages 10-17 (both male and female) were referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice. This represents about four percent of the total youth population. By race and ethnicity, the percentage of youth ages 10-17 referred to Juvenile Justice were as follows. Referrals to Department of Juvenile Justice: White Black Hispanic
2005-06 2.9% 7.7% 2.3%
2006-07 2.8% 6.8% 0.9%
Difference - 0.1 - 0.9 - 1.4
Source: Florida Department of Juvenile Justice
In 2006-07, four percentage points separated the rates at which black and white youths were referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice, down from 4.8 in 2005-06. Hispanic youths were referred at much lower rates, down to less than one percent of youth in 2006-07 from 2.3 percent in 2005-06. JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 26
JUSTICE AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM In 2004, 88 percent of black respondents said that blacks in Jacksonville were treated less fairly in dealing with the police; 39 percent of white respondents agreed. In 2008, the same percentage (88 percent) of black respondents felt that black people were treated less fairly by the police, and 55 percent of white respondents agreed. In addition, 47 percent of white respondents, 73 percent of black respondents, and 68 percent of Hispanic respondents said that Hispanic people were treated less fairly in dealing with the police.
In 2004 and 2008, surveys asked: In some areas, it has been reported that police officers stop motorists of certain racial or ethnic groups because the officers believe that these groups are more likely than others to commit certain types of crimes. Do you believe that this practice, known as “racial profiling” is widespread or not in Jacksonville? “Yes” responses Widespread): White Black Hispanic
(Racial 2004 37% 86% N/A
Profiling 2008 54% 91% 67%
Perceived
Treated Less Fairly by the Police
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
As
Difference + 17 + 5 N/A
Perceptions of Racial Profiling
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office states that they do not engage in racial profiling. The survey also asked: Have you ever felt that you were stopped by the police just because of your race or ethnicity? “Yes” answers White Black Hispanic
2004 5% 26% N/A
2008 7% 36% 15%
Difference + 2 + 10 N/A
Sources: Jacksonville University, 2004; American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 27
JUSTICE AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM Chance for Fair Treatment by Courts: Black Residents
The 2004 and 2008 surveys asked the question: In general, do you think that black people have as good a chance as white people in Jacksonville to get fair treatment by the courts, or don’t you think they have as good a chance? The 2008 responses were lower among white respondents and higher among black respondents than in 2004, and the gap in perceptions decreased from 51 to 44 points:
Better As good Not as good No chance Don’t know
White 2004 2008 1% 1% 67% 59% 19% 19% N/A 1% 13% 19%
Black 2004 2008 0% 1% 17% 15% 75% 57% N/A 14% 8% 13%
Hispanic 2004 2008 N/A 2% N/A 46% N/A 30% N/A 5% N/A 19%
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
Chance for Fair Treatment by Courts: Hispanic Residents
The 2008 survey also asked: In general, do you think that Hispanic people have as good a chance as white people in Jacksonville to get fair treatment by the courts, or don’t you think they have as good a chance? Better As good Not as good No chance Don’t know
White 1% 58% 16% 1% 24%
Black 1% 15% 44% 11% 29%
Hispanic 2% 47% 31% 5% 15%
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
Discrimination Perceived As Factor in Prison Rates
The 2008 survey asked about community perceptions of the impact of racial discrimination on prison rates. The question asked: Do you think racial discrimination against (blacks, Hispanics) is a major factor, a minor factor, or not a factor in (blacks’, Hispanics’) prison rates? If a minor factor, is that closer to a major or a non-factor? Discrimination Perceived as Factor in Prison Rates: White Black Hispanic
Against Blacks 66% 90% 62%
Against Hispanics 56% 72% 63% Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008 JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 28
POLITICS AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Engagement in the political process generally begins with registering to vote. Going back to 1994, 64 percent of the white population over 18 was registered to vote, compared to 62 percent of the black population over 18. In 2004, black voter registration rates reached 81 percent of the adult black population, but have declined annually since then.
Voter Registration
Because reliable population estimates between Census years by age for Hispanic, Asian, and Native American populations are not available, rates could not be calculated. Voter registration rates in 2008: White Black Hispanic Asian Native Am.
Registered 337,241 147,704 17,107 12,294 1,858
Percent 81% 76% 40% N/A N/A
Difference (2007) -4 -3 0
Source: Florida Division of Elections
In 2008, white voter registration rates exceeded black voter registration rates by five points.
Voter Turnout Registering to vote is one step. Exercising the right to vote is the next step. Voter turnout rates in presidential election years, such as 2008, or state/congressional election years, such as 2006, are traditionally higher than in local election years, such as 2007. Voter turnout rates: White Black Hispanic Other
2007 22% 17% 7% 9%
2008 78% 77% 68% 70%
Difference + 56% + 60% + 61% + 61%
Source: Duval County Supervisor of Elections
In 2008, the gap between white voter turnout (at 78 percent) and black voter turnout (at 77 percent) had closed to one point; the gap between white and Hispanic voter turnout had decreased to ten points.
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 29
POLITICS AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Minority-access districts have political boundaries drawn so that the racial demographics positively influence the chance that a minority candidate will win election. This process tends to ensure that the proportions of elected officials, by race, reflect the overall community demographics, at least in terms of black and white residents. In 2008, 71 percent of elected officials were white, 29 percent black, and the proportions remain unchanged since 2002.
Black Access to Elected Officials
Elected Officials by Race, 2008: State legislators City Council School Board Other officials
White 64% 68% 71% 100%
Black 36% 32% 29% 0%
Hispanic 0% 0% 0% 0%
"Other officials" refers to the five county-wide elected officials, Mayor, Sheriff, Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections, and Tax Collector. Citizen engagement relies on the perception that elected officials are accessible to their constituents. In 2004 and 2008, the survey asked the question: In general, do you think that black people, compared with white people, have a better chance, as good a chance, not as good a chance, or no chance at all to get access to elected officials?
Better As good Not as good No chance Don’t know
White 2004 2008 5% 4% 76% 65% 12% 12% N/A 2% 7% 18%
Black 2004 2008 0% 2% 27% 34% 68% 41% N/A 9% 5% 14%
Hispanic 2004 2008 N/A 5% N/A 53% N/A 22% N/A 4% N/A 17%
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
In 2004, 27 percent of black respondents thought that black residents had as good or better access to elected officials as whites, compared to 81 percent of whites. In 2008, black perceptions of access to public officials improved to 36 percent, while white perceptions decreased to 69 percent, decreasing the gap in perceptions from 54 to 33 points.
Hispanic Access to Elected Officials
The 2008 survey also asked about the perception of access for Hispanic people in Jacksonville: In general, do you think that Hispanic people, compared with white people, have a better chance, as good a chance, not as good a chance, or no chance at all to get access to elected officials? Better As good Not as good No chance Don’t know
White 2% 62% 12% 2% 22%
Black 1% 30% 31% 9% 29%
Hispanic 5% 51% 24% 6% 15%
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 30
POLITICS AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT The 2000 presidential election raised concerns nationally about voter access and trust in the election system. These issues were magnified in Florida, which proved to be the deciding factor in determining the winner, with a margin of victory of 537 votes. In that election, in Jacksonville, 26,909 ballots were declared invalid. The Beyond the Talk study found a consistent pattern in the percent of the ballots disqualified (up to 31 percent in one precinct) and the race of those casting votes. (See www.jcci.org for more information.) The 2004 election was seen as an opportunity to restore trust in the election process. For the initial Race Relations Progress Report, Jacksonville University asked respondents if they had encountered difficulty in voting in the 2004 election. Only three percent of white respondents and four percent of black respondents said that they had. In 2008, for this report, American Public Dialogue asked the same question. In this election, two percent of white respondents, three percent of black respondents, and three percent of Hispanic respondents said they had personally encountered difficulty.
Difficulty Voting
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
While respondents did not report personal difficulties with voting, both the 2004 and 2008 surveys asked if they trusted the voting process. Specifically, the surveys asked:
Confidence in Election Process
How confident are you that the election process in Jacksonville produces a fair outcome? White 2004 2008 Very confident 53% 64% Somewhat 30% 27% Not very N/A 4% Not at all 11% 3% Don’t know 6% 3%
Black 2004 2008 12% 30% 35% 47% N/A 13% 48% 6% 5% 4%
Hispanic 2004 2008 N/A 51% N/A 33% N/A 6% N/A 3% N/A 8%
In 2004, 83 percent of white respondents were very or somewhat confident in the fairness of the election process, compared to 47 percent of black respondents. In 2008, 91 percent of white respondents, 77 percent of black respondents, and 84 percent of Hispanic respondents had confidence in the process.
Source: Jacksonville University, 2004; American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 31
POLITICS AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT One key measure of civic engagement is the perception of one’s ability to influence government. As a citizen of Jacksonville, how would you describe your ability to influence local government decision making? Would you say that you have great influence, moderate influence, a little influence or no influence at all? Great Moderate Little None Don’t know
White 4% 31% 42% 21% 4%
Black 10% 31% 36% 19% 4%
Influencing Local Government
Hispanic 9% 28% 42% 16% 7%
Due to rounding, totals may not add up to 100 percent. Significant differences remain among Jacksonville residents in the perceptions of the role government should play in addressing racial disparities.
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
Role of Government in Improving Position of Blacks
How much of a role, if any, do you think the government should have in trying to improve the social and economic position of blacks in this country a major role, a minor role, or no role at all? Major Minor No Role Don’t know
White 24% 41% 28% 7%
Black 72% 20% 5% 4%
Hispanic 47% 27% 18% 9%
In 2004, 25 percent of white respondents and 78 percent of black respondents said that government should play a major role in improving the social and economic position of black residents.
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
Role of Government in Improving Position of Hispanics
How much of a role, if any do you think the government should have in trying to improve the social and economic position of Hispanics in this country a major, a minor role, or no role at all? Major Minor No Role Don’t know
White 23% 40% 29% 7%
Black 65% 21% 5% 10%
Hispanic 48% 28% 17% 8%
Source: American Public Dialogue, Nov. 2008
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 32
ABOUT JCCI Jacksonville Community Council Inc. (JCCI) was created in 1975 with the goal of improving the quality of life in Jacksonville through informed citizen participation in public affairs. JCCI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, broad-based civic organization. It involves citizens in community issues through open dialogue, impartial research, consensus building, and leadership development. Each year, JCCI produces an annual report on the quality of life in Jacksonville. It also selects issues for in-depth community study. Diverse study committees meet weekly for about six months, gaining a thorough understanding of the problem and reaching consensus on key findings as well as recommended solutions. Following completion of the study and publication of a report, an implementation task force of citizens takes the report to the community and seeks to place the issues on the community agenda. The goal is to seek further deliberation, increased public awareness, and finally, action by appropriate officials. In addition to its annual studies and the Quality of Life Progress Report, JCCI provides research services for United Way of Northeast Florida. JCCI Forward, an initiative that seeks to involve community-minded people with important issues facing the community, provides a venue for up-andcoming leadership to be involved, engaged and connected with government and business leaders. Upon request, JCCI provides a variety of planning, research, consultation and facilitation services under contract. JCCI receives funding from United Way of Northeast Florida, the City of Jacksonville, corporations, and individual members. JCCI membership is open to all interested in building a better community. More information about JCCI and its projects is available at www.jcci.org.
2008 - 2009 BOARD Officers A. Quinton White, Jr. - President Christine Arab - President-elect Carla Marlier - Treasurer Helen D. Jackson - Past President Vice President David D. Balz Lad Daniels Allan T. Geiger Patricia Hogan Allison Korman Judith C. Rodriguez
DIRECTORS
OF
Directors Ronald A. Autrey Vickie Cavey Michael Connolly Adrienne Conrad Betsy Fallon Judy Galindo Mark Griffin Marcus Haile Edward F.R. Hearle John Hirabayashi Carol J. Hladki Brenda Priestly Jackson
Walter Jewett William C. Mason III Suzanne Montgomery Lisa V. Moore Michael Munz Ronald E. Natherson, Jr. Marsha G. Oliver Bryant Rollins Patricia Gillum Sams Dwaine Stevens Dorcas Tanner Susan Towler Thomas M. Van Berkel
STAFF Charles R. “Skip” Cramer Executive Director
Earlene Hostutler Administrative Director
Samantha Minton Communications Director
Ben Warner Deputy Director
Laura Lane Research Director
Cheryl Murphy Community Outreach Director
Chandra Echols Executive Assistant
Kathleen McKenzie Program Director: Studies, Research
Lashun Parker Program Manager
Dave & Robin Albaneze Ron Autrey Ted Baker Helen & David Balz Bruce E. Barcelo Joey D. Batchelor W.O. & Dana Birchfield Richard Bowers Bill Brinton J.F. Bryan IV Mary Ann & Shepard Bryan Betty S. Carley Charles “Bucky” Clarkson John R. Cobb Shereth & Yank Coble Betsy Cox Glenda & Skip Cramer
Lad Daniels Isabelle & Bob Davis Laurie & Linda DuBow Anita & Allan Geiger W.C. & Susan Gentry Lenora & Norman Gregory Robert G. Harmon Ed & Pat Hearle David Hicks Robert & Margaret Hill Corinne Hodak Patricia & Wayne Hogan Helen D. Jackson Becky & Walter Jewett Allison Korman Joy & Howard Korman Pam & Michael Korn
COUNCIL
OF
Steve Rankin Program Director: Implementations & Special Projects Michelle Simkulet Finance Director/Planner
STEWARDS Barney & Edward Lane Helen Lane Carla & Jim Marlier Julie & Bill Mason Elizabeth Means Jay Monahan Lisa V. Moore Michael Munz Mr. & Mrs. Russell B. Newton Jr. Roger M. O'Steen Steve Pajcic Pamela Y. Paul Thomas F. Petway III Gloria & Jim Rinaman Patricia & John Rutherford Fred Schultz Theresa & Steve Sherman
JCCI 2008 Race Relations Progress Report, page 33
Bob Shircliff Mary Ellen Smith Helen & Bob Spohrer Brooke & Hap Stein David Stein Steve Suddath Caroline & David Swain Dorcas G. Tanner C.D. Towers Jr. Mary Jane & Jack Uible Tom Van Berkel Jennifer & MaliVai Washington J. Wayne & Delores Barr Weaver Kathy & Jerry Weedon Susan & A. Quinton White Jr. Jim Winston
Community Action that Makes a Difference: The JCCI Model for Community Change .
We offer a process for community improvement and civic engagement, developed at JCCI over the past 34 years, that helps citizens understand real, lasting community change is built around knowing where you are, where you want to be and whether your efforts are making a difference. We have replicated our model in cities around the world and been named a Best Practice by the United Nations. Our process has been consistently successful in bringing citizens and governments together in understanding community trends, developing collaborative strategies, and implementing sustainable solutions. Our pioneering work in community indicators makes us the industry leader. Our clients benefit from our knowledge and experience. The premier professional services we offer: • Community engagement techniques, including how to develop a “neutral convener” organization • Impartial research, which can include a visioning process to identify significant community issues based on the individual needs and circumstances of each client • Community indicator programs, a process to develop of a set of community indicators which can be used to effect sustainable change (measure progress, identify priorities for action and assess results) • Facilitation services available to clients in Northeast Florida, and include consensus building techniques Our highly-skilled and competent experts work on these projects locally, nationally and globally. Professional expertise, passion and experience make us a qualified partner for communities around the world. Outsourcing work to us can produce amazing results for your community’s return on investment. The choices above are only a brief overview and if you are looking for a new partner for your community, contact Ben Warner, Deputy Director at ben@jcci.org or (904) 396-3052. Wherever you are, JCCI is right for you.
"[JCCI] has had a significant impact on the city by focusing attention and actions on key community issues. Moreover, there is an increasing trend in the development and use of local indicators by cities and communities worldwide." – United Nations “In my judgment this is the preeminent nonpartisan civic organization in the country.” – Suzanne Morse, author, Smart Communities
JACKSONVILLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL INC. 2434 ATLANTIC BOULEVARD JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32207 PHONE: 904-396-3052 FAX: 904-398-1469 WWW.JCCI.ORG
The 2008 Race Relations Progress Report is funded by: