Black folk are bracing for the worst of times under President Donald Trump, according to a new study.
The former real estate mogul has failed to woo African-Americans since taking office earlier this year, and his recent attacks against NFL players protesting racial injustice hasn’t helped ease their concerns. Not to mention, his failure to condemn the actions of white nationalists at a deadly rally in Charlottesville, Va. didn’t blow over well either.
A new report from D.C.-based research firm Perry Undem titled “The Lives and Voices of Black America” highlights a group of Americans concerned about their rights and access to quality care under President Trump.
For one, an overwhelming majority of Black Americans — 84 percent to be exact — said they feel the country is off on the wrong track since the ex-“Apprentice” star took office, while two-thirds (66 percent) said they were “worried” about Trump and fear his policies might negatively impact Black people.
Only 12 percent of respondents said they were hopeful, happy or relieved about the president.
There’s also concern that Trump’s promise to “Make America Great Again” doesn’t apply to Black folk and their quality of life. Those surveyed said they felt the president’s policies will negatively impact the African-American community’s access to affordable heal health care, quality schools, higher education and jobs that pay a liveable wage.
Respondents also expressed fear that his policies would negatively impact their ability to keep Black children from mass incarceration, as well as overpolicing.
For 59 percent of Black men, now is a bad to be Black in America. They aren’t the only ones who feel this way, however. Nearly 50 percent of Black women agreed.
Now, when it comes to trusted voices on policy issues, most Black Americans look to two familiar faces: Barack and Michelle Obama. According to the report, 92 percent of African Americans named the former president and first lady as they people they’re most likely to trust on the issues that matter to them the most.