Are Black middle-class families thriving? The Black Family Thriving Initiative aims to answer that question by building a deeper, more accurate understanding of what life is really like for Black Americans in the middle class. Rather than using income alone to define progress or success, we have created a new model for measuring quality of life—one that includes building and passing on wealth from one generation to the next.
We are conducting research and collecting real-life stories to spotlight the experiences of Black middle-class families and to highlight why further study is needed to support these families.
Defining the Black middle-class experience through wealth
Income, education, and homeownership are commonly used to define middle-class standing in academic research. But for most families, including Black middle-class families, wealth—or the absence of it—tells a more complete story. We intend to develop an index of the middle class that includes wealth to better measure the financial outlook of middle-class Black Americans.
By focusing on wealth, we hope to equip policymakers, researchers, and advocates with more accurate data of families’ true economic experience. Our goal is to generate knowledge and disseminate evidence on policies and programs that lead to real improvements in financial stability and overall well-being for Black families.
Drawing policy attention to the Black middle class
In the first phase of our work, we will focus on research and policy changes that help Black families build wealth and strengthen their financial foundations. This includes a look at how fines and fees are undermining Black economic mobility.
In future phases, we will expand our focus to include mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life.
Throughout each phase of the initiative, we aim to bridge the gap between academic research, policy analysis, economic development, the financial sector, and community to create a holistic approach to supporting Black families.
Collaboration and community
This initiative is grounded in partnership. We welcome collaboration with research institutions, scholars, policymakers, community organizations, advocates, and anyone committed to this work. Our goal is to create a growing body of knowledge—rooted in both data and lived experiences—that helps paint a fuller, more accurate picture of Black middle-class life in America. Together, we can conduct meaningful research, shape policies that uplift Black families, and tell stories that reflect the realities and aspirations of Black Americans.
