Black Stats

November 1, 2013

Novelist and Soros Justice Fellow Morris brings together a broad range of statistics about the black experience in America, forming an invaluable critical tool.

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2014
W. E. B. DuBois famously stated that the problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color-line, and this slim volume tracks twenty-first-century data along that line. This statistical snapshot of black Americans examines how bias is affected (and, surprisingly, not affected) by demographics and numbers. Chapters include Education, Entertainment and Sports, Health, Justice, and Politics, Voting, and Civic Engagement. Each set of statistics is framed by a question (for example, What is the percentage of Black teachers, and where do they teach? and How many black people are employed in the science, technology, and engineering sectors? ). Two appendixes look specifically at black females and black males, and there are extensive notes for each chapter. This thought-provoking, browsable book is recommended for libraries of all types.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)

December 1, 2013

Morris (former NAACP vice president for economic programs, advocacy and research) has compiled current statistics about African Americans in ten broad areas, collected in chapters ("Education," "Environment," "Entertainment and Sports," "Health," "Justice," "Lifestyle and Identity," "Military Service," "Money and Jobs," "Politics, Voting, and Civic Engagement," and "Science and Technology, and African Americans by Gender"), along with basic demographics. The fully cited statistics come largely from academic papers, government research, and not-for-profit organizations. Within the chapters, statistics are arranged as answers to questions (e.g.,"What percentage of health professionals are African American?"). The chapters and many of the questions are introduced with background information, but the statistics are presented individually, in lists. In an afterword, Morris describes her research philosophy and discusses using statistics to draw conclusions. Along with the index and further-reading suggestions, the book includes copious endnotes and an introduction by Khalil Gibran Muhammad (director, Schomburg Ctr. for Research in Black Culture). The question format is a handy way to arrange the information. Rarely, the questions seem loaded ("How is the right to vote still being suppressed?"), but the statistics are always presented without agenda. While much of the material comes from easily accessible sources such as government websites, finding and compiling the data as it is done here is an accomplishment. VERDICT Morris's careful citation of his works makes this an excellent guide for finding content. As a source or a starting point, the book demonstrates a thoroughness and clear writing that make it useful to middle school through college researchers.--Robert Mixner, Bartholomew Cty. P.L., Columbus, IN

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.