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Focus Magazine

Browse Publications: Political Participation


The Black Vote in 2004

On November 2, 2004, the black vote was critical to the outcome of a number of closely contested elections. What follows is a brief review of turnout and election results from November 2, 2004, based on the available evidence. It focuses on the behavior and significance of African American voters in the elections; and the changing numbers and profile of black candidates for federal office as well as their performance at the polls.


Black Churches and the Faith-Based Initiative: Findings from a Survey

Black churches have been major institutions in African American communities, providing focus for charitable giving, social support, and civic engagement, as well as spiritual strength. This may make them logical beneficiaries of the federal government's Faith-based and Community Initiative. But little is actually known about their level of engagement in this program, their interest in being involved, or their capacity to perform. This report summarizes major findings from a Joint Center study on black churches’ views toward and interest in the federal program. It provides insights for government policymakers, churches who are interested in participating in the FBCI, and the general public. Future publications from the study will focus on specific aspects of the findings that might be of interest to special audiences. To find out more about these documents, visit the Joint Center’s website at www.jointcenter.org.

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Did You Know?

About 10.4 million workers may be potentially affected by the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 (FMWA). Among the 7.7 million workers whose earnings may increase exclusively as a result of the proposed federal increases, about half (52.6 percent, or 4 million) are whites, about one in six (17.7 percent, or 1.4 million) are African Americans, nearly one quarter (23.9 percent, or 1.8 million) are Hispanics, 2.5 percent are Asians or Pacific Islanders, and 1.3 percent are American Indians and Alaska Natives. The other group is made up of 2.7 million workers who may first benefit from minimum wage increases in their states, and then later benefit from the FMWA as it raises the minimum wage to $6.55 by 2008 and $7.25 by 2009.Learn More