The Blackest States in America
Race and ethnicity have always been a sensitive topic in America. Several states have a history of racial segregation and discrimination. This has led to a significant percentage of the Black population residing in specific states. In this article, we will be ranking the Blackest states in America based on population density, cultural influence, and political representation.
10. Maryland
Located in the eastern part of the country, Maryland has a Black population of 1.6 million people, which makes up 27% of the state’s total population. The state is known for pioneering racial integration in schools, and it has a long history of African American culture and politics. The city of Baltimore is the most significant contributor to the state’s Black population, with over 60% of its inhabitants being Black. Maryland’s Black population has a higher median income than the country’s average, with over 15% of households earning over $100,000 per year.
9. Louisiana
Louisiana is one of the most southern states in the US, and it has a majority Black population of 32.2%. The state is known for its vibrant culture, which is heavily influenced by its African American heritage. It is also home to some of the most prominent Black politicians in the country, including Cedric Richmond and Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Its capital, New Orleans, is a cultural hub for African American music, food, and lifestyle.
8. South Carolina
South Carolina’s Black population makes up 27.8% of the state’s total population, and it has a rich Southern history. The state is known for its prominent role in the Civil War, and it still bears the scars of its past on its landscape. African Americans in South Carolina have played a significant role in the state’s politics and culture, with notable politicians such as Jim Clyburn, the majority whip of the US House of Representatives, hailing from the state.
7. Alabama
Alabama has a Black population of 26.8%, which makes it one of the most significant sources of the Black population in the US. The state was at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement, with significant historical events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Freedom Rides, and the Selma to Montgomery marches. African Americans continue to play a critical role in Alabama’s political and social life, with Republican Senator Tim Scott and Democratic Representative Terri Sewell representing the state.
6. Georgia
Located in the Southeastern region of the country, Georgia has a significant Black population of 32.6%. The state is known for its rich music heritage, which is heavily influenced by the African American culture. The city of Atlanta is a hub for Black American businesses, politics, and entertainment. Georgia also boasts of African American leaders such as Stacey Abrams, the former candidate for governor, and Raphael Warnock, the newly elected senator from Georgia.
5. Mississippi
Mississippi is one of the most significant Black states in the country, with a Black population of 37.8%. The state is known for its rich history of African American music, food, and culture. Mississippi has played a vital role in the struggle for racial equality, with events such as the murder of Emmett Till and the Freedom Summer of 1964. African Americans in Mississippi continue to play a vital role in the state’s politics and culture, with notable figures such as Bennie Thompson, the state’s only representative to the US House, and Vernon Dahmer, a civil rights activist.
4. Virginia
Virginia is home to a significant Black population, with Black people making up 19.9% of the state’s total population. The state played a vital role in Civil War, with the city of Richmond serving as the capital of the Confederate States of America. African Americans in Virginia have contributed significantly to the state’s politics and culture, with notable figures such as L. Douglas Wilder, the first elected Black governor in the country, and Robert C. Scott, the state’s representative to the US House.
3. Illinois
Illinois has a Black population of 14.6%, which may seem small compared to the other states on this list. However, the state is home to some of the most prominent Black politicians in the country, including President Barack Obama, Senator Dick Durbin, and Representive Bobby Rush. The city of Chicago is known for its vibrant African American culture, music, and food, with the city’s South Side serving as one of the most significant Black neighborhoods in the country.
2. Maryland
Maryland has a Black population of 29.4%, making it one of the most significant Black states in the country. The state is known for its rich African American history, with the city of Baltimore serving as one of the most significant historical sources of Black culture in the country. Maryland is home to some of the most prominent Black politicians, including Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Representive Elijah Cummings.
1. District of Columbia
The District of Columbia, also known as Washington DC, is the Blackest state in the country, with a Black population of 46.3%. The city is known for its rich African American history, with events such as the March on Washington and the Million Man March having taken place in the city. African Americans in the District of Columbia have played a vital role in the country’s history, with notable figures such as Frederick Douglass, Duke Ellington, and Marion Barry hailing from the city.
In conclusion, African Americans have played a significant role in shaping America’s history, culture, and politics. The states listed above serve as a testament to their contributions and serve as sources of inspiration for present and future generations. While each state has its unique attributes, they all share a common thread of Black excellence and resilience, which makes them all equally important to the country’s fabric.
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