Leaders call for action after report shows disparities in Georgia Black communities

ATLANTA — The Urban League of Greater Atlanta just released its state of Black Georgia report.

Channel 2’s Justin Carter was at the State Capitol in downtown Atlanta.

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It’s a report outlining disparities in the Black community, from education to housing to health and economics.

Community leaders say Black people make up a third of the population and the findings are eye-opening.

“Institutional policies make it harder for Black people to thrive, even if you’re doing well you could be doing better,” said Nancy Flake-Johnson.

The Urban League of Greater Atlanta was on the steps of the capitol Monday unveiling its first-ever state of Black Georgia report.

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The report shows, 64% of all children in Georgia, notably Black children are reading below grade level. Only 36% are reading proficiently.

Also with housing, it’s a 25% gap between white homeownership and Black homeownership rates.

And in health, Black women in Georgia are four times more likely to die from maternal mortality.

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Community leaders say Georgia has the money and capability of passing legislation to better support Black Georgians, but they can’t do it alone.

“We can’t continue to put a bandaid on these issues. People’s lives are at stake. Whether it’s volunteering or donating or contacting your legislators, everyone plays a role in this,” Flake-Johnson said.

The Urban League says it will travel across the state and push this as a call to action, so people are aware and start spinning the wheels of change.

Carter was told the full report will be released Monday afternoon.

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