SUMMARY OF THE 2011STATE OF BLACK AMERICA AND I AM EMPOWERED POLL

prepared by:Pollster: Dr. Silas Lee, III

March 2011Washington, DC

CONFIDENTIAL & PRIVILEDGED DOCUMENTNOT FOR RELEASE OR DISTRIBUTION

Copyright © National Urban League 2011All Rights Reserved

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A global recession, an energy crisis and an impotent economy have dampened the once optimistic spirits of Americans expressed two years ago. In a nationwide poll of 1,100 respondents representative of this nation’s social and economic demographics, nearly 60% believe that things in America are headed in the wrong direction, which is in contrast to 47% in 2009. Whereas, Whites (62%) and Latinos (59%) were more likely to say that the country is headed in the wrong direction, African Americans had a split verdict on the direction of the country; 37% right direction and 36% wrong direction.

DIRECTION OF THE COUNTRY

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DIRECTION OF THE COUNTRY

Direction of the Country

26% Right Direction 37% African Americans 23% Whites

25% Latinos 57% Wrong Direction

36% African Americans 61% Whites

59% Latinos 12% Mixed Direction

18% African Americans 11% Whites

8% Latinos

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With a combined 81% of the respondents reporting that their financial situation has remained the same (43%) or gotten worse (39%), the stagnation of economic mobility in the lives of respondents contributed greatly to the poignant feeling of vulnerability. A disturbing 45% of the respondents over the age of 65 reported some deterioration in their financial condition.

FINANCIAL SITUATION IMPROVING, REMAINING THE SAME OR GETTING WORSE

Financial Situation Total African Americans Whites Latinos

Improved 17% 30% 13% 21%

Remained the Same 43% 36% 46% 33%

Gotten Worse 39% 32% 40% 47%

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President Obama's approval rating is bolstered by solid support from African American respondents at 81% in comparison to 40% from Whites and 49% from Latinos. Respondents earning more than $100,000 annually at 46% are more likely to disapprove of the job the president is doing than households earning less than $50,000 at 56%.

JOB APPROVAL RATING AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF PRESIDENT OBAMA

49% Approve 81% African Americans 41% Whites

49% Latinos 39% Disapprove

10% African Americans 47% Whites

38% Latinos

11% Don't Know 7% African Americans

12% Whites 12% Latinos

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IMPACT OF THE PRESIDENT'S POLICIES ON THE ECONOMY

Issues Strongly/Somewhat

Approve

Strongly/Somewhat

Disapprove

Improving the quality of public education

52% 39%

Improving the environment 58% 30%

Improving access to health care 52% 45%

Addressing the nation's budget deficit

44% 52%

Creating jobs in America 49% 47%

Fighting terrorism 63% 32%

Immigration reform 37% 49%

Managing the wars in Iraq and

Afghanistan

57% 39%

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President Obama receives his strongest approval ratings for how he has managednational security issues (fighting terrorism 63%, managing the wars in Iraq andAfghanistan 57%), the environment 58%, and improving the quality of publiceducation and access to health care 52%.

The respondents were less complimentary about his job performance on reducingthe budget (44%) and creating jobs (49%).

IMPACT OF THE PRESIDENT'S POLICIES ON THE ECONOMY

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REDUCING THE DEFICIT OR INCREASING UNEMPLOYMENT

It is more important to reduce government

spending even if it increases unemployment.

18%

Helping Americans to keep their jobs is just as

important as reducing government spending.

77%

> African Americans 9%

> Whites 21%

> Latinos 8%

> African Americans 69%

> Whites 73%

> Latinos 90%

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THE TOUGH CHOICES

The new congressional majority says that our

financial crisis is serious and we need to reduce

the national debt, we need to take bold,

immediate steps to reduce or eliminate

programs and make deep cuts in government

spending even though it might increase

unemployment and eliminate programs and

services to financially stressed families. 21%

Other members of Congress say that our financial

crisis is serious and we need to reduce the national

debt, but there needs to be a balance whereby

people have the opportunity to be trained for

careers in the future, create jobs even though

some programs and services to some families

might be eliminated or reduced, and government

spending is gradually reduced. 73%

> African Americans 13%

> Whites 24%

> Latinos 16%

> African Americans 78%

> Whites 72%

> Latinos 78%

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THE TOUGH CHOICES

As President Obama and Congress braced for an epic battle over how to resolve therecurring budget deficit, more than 7 of 10 respondents were strongly supportive ofgradually reducing the budget without increasing unemployment.

Although the strategy to boldly attack the deficit may sound appealing, the fragileeconomic environment strengthens support for a less dramatic approach to reducingthe deficit that will not hammer people deeper into the grave of poverty.

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SUPPORT FOR THE TWELVE POINT PLAN JOBS PLAN

The National Urban League has proposed a dozen proposals to address the chronicchallenges to growth and stability in underserved urban communities. Of the ninepolicy proposals tested in the survey, six received a "very/somewhat effective" scoreover 80% and reinforced the desire by residents for elected officials to aggressivelyaddress the issues of job creation and the economy.

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THE TOP SIX STRATEGIES TO STIMULATE THE ECONOMY IN URBAN COMMUNITIES

Strategies Very/Somewhat

Effective

Sell foreclosed homes to families at a reduced price 86%

Initiate tax reform to reduce tax rates and loopholes 84%

Reform and reauthorize the Workforce Reinvestment Act

to reform and retrain workers 80%

Creating urban jobs academies to train youth 80%

Expand small business lending 79%

Restoring the summer youth jobs program 78%

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SUPPORT FOR THE TWELVE POINT JOBS PLAN

Strategies

Very

Effective

Somewhat

Effective

Not too

Effective

Restoring the summer youth jobs program 47% 31% 18%

Creating urban jobs academies to train youth 47% 33% 16%

Develop a public-private jobs initiative 29% 37% 20%

Increase minority participation in information

and communication industries

30% 38% 24%

Reform and reauthorize the Workforce Reinvestment Act

to reform and retrain workers

44% 36% 14%

Expand small business lending 54% 35% 9%

Initiate tax reform to reduce tax rates and loopholes 54% 30% 12%

Sell foreclosed homes to families at a reduced price 41% 35% 20%

Provide financial support to local non-profits to

hire personnel and provide service

27% 37% 32%

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SUPPORT FOR THE EMPOWERMENT GOALS

The America of the 21st century is characterized by global, social and economictransformations that overwhelm the confidence of citizens to determine their owndestiny. Thus, when asked their support of a set of goals that would restore thebelief that people can make it in America by virtue of education, opportunity, acommitted work ethic and motivation, a combined 80% "strongly/somewhatsupport" a set of goals that would empower and train disadvantaged citizens tobecome productive members of society.

Support was consistent in all demographic groups, particularly with AfricanAmericans (96%), Latinos (84%) and Whites (76%).

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SUPPORT FOR THE EMPOWERMENT GOALS

Support set of goals for the nation to work toward that would empower and train disadvantaged

citizens to become productive members in society.

Total African Americans Whites Latinos

Strongly support 47% 76% 39% 52%

Somewhat support 33% 20% 37% 32%

Support a little 9% 2% 10% 11%

Not support at all 8% 2% 10% 4%

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SUPPORT FOR EACH EMPOWERMENT GOAL

Empowerment Goals Strongly

Support

Somewhat

Support

Support

a Little

Not

Support

at All

Every American child is ready for college, work and life

61% 19% 7% 11%

Every American has access to jobs with a living wage and

good benefits

67% 18% 4% 8%

Every American lives in safe, decent, affordable and energy

efficient housing on fair terms

55% 25% 5% 12%

Every American has access to quality and affordable health

care solutions

64% 20% 4% 11%

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THE TWO GOALS RECEIVING THE STRONGEST SUPPORT WERE:

Every American has access to jobs with a living wage and good benefits 85%

Every American has access to quality and affordable health care solutions 84%

From a sociological perspective, the empowerment goals received strong supportbecause they represent a “human capital” initiative that will enable thosechallenged by circumstances beyond their control to overcome inequality byproviding them with the skills to become independent, responsible and productivecitizens in society.

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THE COMPETITIVE AGENDA

President Obama proposed a menu of initiatives to reduce the budget deficit,resuscitate an ailing economy and restore confidence in a weary electorate. And,once again, the message is quite clear; voters do not want to see the budgetbalanced on the backs of the most fragile citizens in society.

Americans are inclined to support programs that will make citizens productive andcompetitive (recruiting more teachers to teach science, math and technology --- 87%)or create jobs (create economic growth zones in economically-depressed areas tostimulate investment and employment --- 80%) and oppose those that will eliminateeducation and training opportunities (eliminate financial assistance for collegestudents to attend summer school --- 68%) or critical services to low income families(cut funding for heating assistance to low income families --- 68%).

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THE COMPETITIVE AGENDA

Proposals Strongly/Somewhat

Agree

Strongly/Somewhat

Disagree

Spending billions to connect 98% of the nation

to the Internet on smart phones and tablet computers

in five years.

27% 68%

Investing billions in high-speed and intercity rail

service 44% 50%

Cut funding for heating assistance to low income

families to heat their homes 33% 66%

Eliminating financial assistance for college students

to attend summer school 30% 68%

Slowing spending for the military 47% 49%

Recruiting more teachers to teach science, math and

technology 87% 12%

Freezing the salaries of federal workers 61% 34%

Creating economic growth zones in economically-

depressed areas to stimulate investment and

employment.

80% 17%

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AWARENESS AND PERCEPTION OF THE URBAN LEAGUE

Awareness of the

Organization

A

Lot

A

Little

Nothing

at all

Very

Positive

Somewhat

Positive

Somewhat

Negative

Very

Negative

National Urban League 25% 47% 22% 14% 34% 12% 4%

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AWARENESS OF URBAN LEAGUE PROGRAMS

Awareness of Urban League

Programs

9%_ A Lot 20% African Americans

6% Whites

12% Latinos 23% A Little

32% African Americans

22% Whites

12% Latinos

48% Nothing at All

34% African Americans

50% Whites

58% Latinos

21% do not have an Urban League affiliate in their community

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AWARENESS OF URBAN LEAGUE PROGRAMS

As an organization, 72% of the respondents have heard "a lot/a little" of the Urban League, but 32% have the same awareness of the programs and services provided by the affiliates.

However, nearly half (48%) have a "very/somewhat positive" perception of the Urban League, which is an equally important attribute.

Half (52%) of the African Americans, 28% of the Whites and 24% of the Latinos have "a lot/a little" awareness of programs sponsored by the Urban League.

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SURVIVAL ANXIETY

The America of predictability and growth has been replaced by the America of fearand instability. In this survey, more than half of all respondents indicated that theyare haunted by the constant challenges of financial obligations, caring for a familymember or experiencing an unexpected health crisis.

The Two Major Concerns

Concern Major/Minor

Meeting monthly financial

expenses 72%

Caring for a family member 66%

Nearly 80% or more of the African Americans (78%) and Latinos (86%) reporteddifficulty meeting their monthly financial obligations and caring for a family member(African Americans 70%, Latinos 81%)

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SPECIFIC CONCERNS

Concern Major Minor Not a Concern

Paying the mortgage/ rent 35% 20% 44%

Experiencing an unexpected

health crisis 38% 24% 38%

Meeting monthly financial

expenses 43% 29% 28%

Caring for a family member 44% 22% 35%

Job security for you or spouse 39% 18% 43%

As a social scientist, I am convinced the survival challenges experienced by Americans are not just personal, but can potentially dampen the spirit of citizenship needed to rebuild and reinvigorate the institutions of society.

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THINKING INTO THE FUTURE

Optimism about their Family's Financial Future

10% Very Optimistic 25% African Americans 6% Whites

7% Latinos

34% Somewhat Optimistic

40% African Americans 31 % Whites

37% Latinos

31% Somewhat Pessimistic

12% African Americans 36% Whites

29% Latinos

21% Very Pessimistic

16 % African Americans 23% Whites

23% Latinos

Optimism about their Family's

Financial Future (Net total)

44% Very/Somewhat Optimistic

65% African Americans

37% Whites

44% Latinos

52% Very/Somewhat Pessimistic

28% African Americans

59% Whites

52% Latinos

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SOCIAL MOBILITY IN AMERICA

Less social and economic

inequality in society - 32%

The same amount of social and

economic inequality - 31%

More social and economic

inequality in society - 32%

> Latinos 37%

> African Americans 32%

> Whites 31%

> Households earning $75-

$99,000 at 37%

> Whites 34%

> Latinos 29%

> African Americans 23%

> Households earning less than

$75,000 at 40%

> African Americans 39%

> Latinos 33%

> Whites 30%

> Those without a high school

diploma at 39% and college

graduates/more at 36%

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CONCLUSION

The confidence Americans have in the American Dream of economic stability andsocial mobility is dampened by a pessimistic outlook for their families’ financialfuture held by 52% of the respondents. The cache of optimism expressed by AfricanAmericans (65%) about their families' financial future evaporates as they envision anAmerica with more, rather than less inequality.

The once impregnable belief in upward mobility has been replaced by ametastasizing cancer of doubt and insecurity. To elected officials, institutional andcommunity leaders, this is a clarion call to not just restore hope, but createenvironments for opportunity and equality.

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PROFILE OF DR. SILAS LEE

Dr. Silas Lee has served as a pollster and strategist for a host of corporate, non-profit, public sector, political, and legal clients overthe last 24 years. His company, Dr. Silas Lee and Associates, specializes in public opinion research and communications strategies.He has also assisted attorneys in measuring the attitudes of potential jurors for multi-million dollar civil and criminal cases.

Some of the institutions, companies or elected officials he has conducted research for are:• Columbia University, New York City• National Urban League --- Affiliates Census and Economic Impact Analysis, State Of Black America Poll• Pitney Bowes, Inc (In conjunction with Campbell Consulting)• American Federation of Teachers (Washington, D.C.)• Legal Consultant for Exxon and Tobacco Companies• Gaming in the Public Interest of South Africa• Harrah’s and Bally’s Casinos• Western Union (In conjunction with Bayley Consults)• Tom Joyner Foundation (In conjunction with Campbell Consulting and Third Eye Consulting)• Nike Shoes/Michael Jordan Fundamentals• Republican Institute for International Affairs – Haiti• Governors Buddy Roemer (R) and Ann Richards (D)• Democratic National Committee (1994, 1998, 2002, 2004, 2006)•The many political campaigns include: the 1992 Clinton/Gore the 2000 Gore/Lieberman and the 2004 Kerry/EdwardsPresidential Campaigns, Hillary Clinton for President in 2007, mayors, congresspersons and numerous other elected officials.

Dr. Lee is also the Ernest N. Morial Endowed Professor of Public Policy in sociology at Xavier University of Louisiana. He receivedhis Ph.D. and Masters degrees from the University of New Orleans and his Bachelor of Arts from Loyola University of Louisiana.

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METHODOLOGY

Between March 14th and 18th 1,100 completed interviews were conducted byprofessional interviewers calling from a centralized phone bank. The sample alsoincluded a sub-sample of 200 cell phone respondents to ensure the representation ofcell phone only households.

All respondents were selected from a database of adult voters and represented thesocial and economic demographics of the population according to the United Statescensus.

The poll has a Margin of Error of +/- 3.3%.

SUMMARY OF THE 2011 STATE OF BLACK AMERICA AND I AM EMPOWERMENT POLL

prepared by:Pollster: Dr. Silas Lee, III

March 2011Washington, DC

CONFIDENTIAL & PRIVILEDGED DOCUMENTNOT FOR RELEASE OR DISTRIBUTION

Copyright © National Urban League 2011All Rights Reserved