Black parents’ and caregivers’ experience raising children is one that is marked by optimism while facing long-standing, systemic barriers. This tension emerges throughout their responses: a fierce determination to ensure their children have the opportunity to thrive while grappling with the reality of racism and how it limits their opportunities and those of their children.
“As a parent, you feel like you want to do better for your kids than what happened with you.” Black focus group participant, Illinois
Optimism for the Future
Black parents are optimistic about their children’s future. They take pride in their parenting and feel strongly that they’re doing their best to give their kids what they need to be successful. Indeed, the overwhelming majority of Black parents surveyed believe they will be successful in providing positive experiences for their kids. They think it is very likely their children will have strong role models, get a quality education, and ultimately have more opportunity to succeed and thrive than they had.
Q: Now let me ask you about other experiences your children might have. How likely do you think it is that your children will experience the following during their childhood and teen years?
“I don’t want anyone to hold her back, whatever she feels that she wants to do, she needs to do it! I don’t want to be a hindrance to her abilities to go out and do anything that she puts her mind to.” Black focus group participant, Mississippi
Limited Opportunities
Most Black parents agree that America does not offer every child the same opportunity to succeed. Black parents with lower incomes and parents of young children are the most likely to strongly agree that America does not offer every child the same opportunity.
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “I try to give my children everything for them to succeed, but I worry that America doesn’t offer every child the same opportunities.”?
Impacts of Racism and Discrimination
The most poignant finding among Black parents is how they experience racism and discrimination. Black parents report racism in almost every facet of their life and how it has limited their opportunities to succeed and provide for their children. Most Black parents surveyed believe that systemic racism can make it harder for someone like them to thrive.
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Systemic racism and discrimination can make it harder for someone like me to get a good paying job, live in a safe community, attend quality schools, and get good medical care.”?
“Where I come from, it’s like it’s not enough opportunities out there for us.” Black focus group participant, Georgia
There is also little question among these parents that racism and discrimination will impact their children. Three-quarters of Black parents are concerned racism will limit their children’s opportunities, and an overwhelmingly 9 in 10 parents think it is likely their children will experience racism as well as harassment and profiling by law enforcement.
“You know, kids, at ten years old or five years old, they don’t see color. They just see this is my friend. However, I still talk to my kids about things happening to Black men and women in the community. And I let my kid know that you’re going to start seeing stuff as you get older.” Black focus group participant, Illinois
Overcoming Challenges
Despite intense concerns for their children and the barriers they face, all Black parents surveyed believe that a strong work ethic can help their family get through hard times and succeed. An overwhelming majority believe that creative problem-solving and a feeling they can change their family’s situation can get their families through.
Q: How important is each of the following in helping your family get through hard times and to succeed?
Additional Reports by Race and Ethnicity
This study includes equal representation of parents and caregivers from five different racial and ethic backgrounds: Black, as well as Asian American and Pacific Islander, Indigenous, Latino, and White. Explore detailed reports of the survey findings for the other groups here.
About the Study
“Raising the Next Generation: A Survey of Parents and Caregivers” examines what it is like to raise children in America today, by asking questions to equal numbers of parents and caregivers from five different racial and ethnic groups: Asian American and Pacific Islander, Black, Indigenous, Latino, and White. The survey builds on interviews and focus groups conducted over an 18-month period in 16 cities and in seven different languages with parents and caregivers from more than a dozen racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds. The survey and qualitative research were conducted by the nonpartisan research firm PerryUndem and a broad set of partners with culturally specific expertise.
