2017’s States with the Most Racial Progress

From Wallet Hub, Jan 9, 2017

In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., shared with the world his dream of a colorblind society — one that focuses on his children’s character, not on their complexion. America has certainly come closer to realizing Dr. King’s vision though segregation and discrimination persist.

But prominent incidents of police brutality against blacks in recent years have threatened to reverse decades of social progress. And Donald Trump’s presidential triumph has invited a more negative outlook on U.S. race relations today. According to the results of a survey by the Pew Research Center, “Nearly half of U.S. voters (46%) expect Trump’s election to lead to worse race relations... By contrast, after Obama’s election eight years ago, 52% of voters expected race relations to improve.”

Nonetheless, it’s important to emphasize the racial harmony we’ve achieved — in our workplaces, in our schools, in our voting booths. In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, WalletHub’s analysts measured the gaps between blacks and whites in 16 key indicators of equality and integration for each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Their data set ranges from “median annual income” to “standardized test scores” to “voter turnout.” Continue reading below for the findings, expert commentary and methodology….

Health – Total Points: 20

• Share of Preterm Births: Full Weight (5.00 Points)
• Share of Live Births with Low Birthweight (<2,500 Grams): Full Weight (5.00 Points)
• Infant Mortality Rate: Full Weight (5.00 Points)
  Note: This metric measures the number of deaths of infants younger than one year per 1,000 live births.
• Suicide Rate: Full Weight (5.00 Points)

Hawaii

• Score: 73.59
• Overall Rank--1
• Employment and Wealth – 1
• Education and Civic Engagement – 8
• Health – 44th

Read … Full Report

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HNN: Hawaii ranked most racially integrated state