By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia
New research by AARP in partnership with pollsters Celinda Lake, Christine Matthews, Kristen Soltis Anderson, and Margie Omero, found that only 17% of Black women have made up their mind about who they will vote for in the 2022 election.
According to a news release, roughly half (53%) of these voters say they will not make their decisions until weeks or just days before the midterm election.
“Black women 50 and over are worried about pocketbook issues, the future of the nation and feeling left behind by their elected officials,” Nancy LeaMond, AARP Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer, said in the news release.
“The vast majority of these women haven’t made up their minds about how they’ll vote in November. Candidates would be wise to listen to their opinions and concerns.”
According to an AARP survey, Black women 50 and over are more likely to be optimistic about the economy and their personal financial situation than women 50 and over of other races and ethnicities.
The majority (56%) say the economy is working well for them personally, compared
to 52% of 50-plus women overall who say the economy is not working well for them. However, they still have significant concerns.
• Nearly two-thirds (63%) say rising prices are the most important thing to them personally when thinking about the economy, and (81%) are concerned about their income keeping up with rising costs.
• Black women 50 and over are also worried about Social Security being there when they retire (75%) and having enough saved for retirement (22%).
• Political division in the country is also a concern among Black women voters age 50 and over, and they are unimpressed with the job elected officials are doing on a range of issues, including their dominant concern of rising prices.
• Significant majorities give elected officials D/F grades on issues, including prices rising faster than income (80%), the wage gap between the rich and poor (77%), crime (76%), race relations (72%), and the costs of health care and prescription drugs (70%).
A recent focus group hosted by AARP with Black women 50 and over also shows they are very worried about the economy and feel unheard.
Most see the country as in trouble, and many are concerned about financial pressures, age discrimination, and the dangers facing younger generations, like racial profiling.
Nearly every Black woman said they feel ignored by politicians today, and many described themselves as “invisible” at work and in public life.
The AARP national survey was conducted by phone and online from February 18 to March 3, 2022, using NORC’s Foresight 50+ Panel, supplemented with interviews from non-probability panels.
The final poll included 1,836 voters age 50 and over who are likely to vote in 2022, with samples of Black voters, Hispanic/Latino voters, Asian American/Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander voters as well as American Indian/Alaska Native voters.
The survey results represent a sample of 984 women voters age 50 and over with 171 Black women. Study margin of error: +/- 3.29%.
The focus group was conducted May 24, 2022, by a bipartisan team of pollsters: GBAO, Echelon Insights, Lake Research Partners, and Bellwether Research. The group included nine participants, all Black women aged 50 and over.
Qualitative research findings are directional and not projectable onto the population at large.
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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
