Empowering Black Women in San Diego

According to Moslimani et al. (2024), underpinned by the US Census microdata from 2022, the Black population of the US is growing, from 36.2 million self-identified Black people in 2000 to an estimated 47.9 million people in 2022; this is an increase of 32% in two decades, making up 14.4% of the country’s current population. In the same period, San Diego County showed an increase of 14% between 2000 and 2022, with the Black population comprising 6.7% of the entire region’s demographics. When we zoom in on gender, the population of Black women has increased by only 4% during this timeframe, due to the self-identified mixed-race population, which rose from 21,296 in 2000 to a plateau of 34,507 in 2024, an increase of 62%. However, in the same period, the self-identified Black alone population has shrunk by 13%, ranging from 74,998 to 65,479. Even though the big numbers might indicate a more diverse society, they conceal challenges that must be addressed, especially for Black women in American society. With that in mind, this specific Sage Project partnership investigated the multifaceted challenges and strategies for empowering Black women in San Diego, focusing on economic disparities, political underrepresentation, social support, healthcare access, and cultural representation. Students from Professor Roberto Ivo’s P A 497 Investigation and Report class conducted a series of structured and unstructured interviews on and off-campus, comprising a sample of 20 individuals for each area of interest (5 in total), to map out challenges that require immediate action and initiatives that are already underway. Key findings revealed persistent economic and social disparities in the community due to historical discrimination, the vital role of community activism and cultural representation, the critical need for increased political representation, and the healthcare disparities faced by Black women. Strategic recommendations include implementing inclusive economic programs, enhancing political advocacy, developing comprehensive healthcare solutions, strengthening support networks and mentorship, and promoting cultural and community engagement. Overall, this work underscores the necessity of centering Black women’s voices and experiences in efforts to achieve social justice and systemic change, aiming for a more equitable future for Black women in San Diego.