LOS ANGELES -United Way of Greater Los Angeles and the Urban League of Los Angles today released an extensive study detailing "The State of Black Los Angeles." The findings indicate striking disparities in conditions for Blacks in Los Angeles compared to other major ethnic groups.

Among the four major ethnic groups in Los Angeles -- Blacks, Asians, Latinos and Whites -- Blacks had the lowest Equality Index score (69 for Blacks, versus 98 for Asians, 71 for Latinos and 100 for Whites), determined by a compilation of data on economics, housing, health, education, criminal justice and civic engagement.

Key findings indicating disparity between Blacks and other ethnic groups:

-- 44% of Black high schoolers fail to graduate with their class in four years
-- Blacks have the highest rate of homelessness, and are estimated to be 30% or more of the county's homeless population
-- Blacks have the highest overall death rate, at nearly double the rate of Latinos, with rates far higher than other groups for heart disease, homicide and HIV/AIDS
-- Blacks receive longer prison sentences than other groups: for Blacks, the average sentence for violent offenses is 46 months, compared to 39 months for Latinos and just 13 months for Whites
-- Blacks have the lowest median household income at $31,905 compared to Latinos at $33,820 and whites at $53,978
-- 47% of Black adults attended college, but only 18% actually complete a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to 43% of Asians, 38% of Whites and 7% of Latinos who have college degrees
-- Although Blacks are just 10% of the county's population, 56% of racial hate crimes target Blacks

On a more positive note:

-- African Americans have rallied to achieve strong representation the county's top elective offices up from just 1% in 1960 to 14% in 2004
-- 8% of the county's Black households have incomes over $100,000, above the national rate of 6%
-- Blacks rate highest of all groups in civic engagement, including citizenship, voting, military service and union membership

Modeled after the National Urban League's "State of Black America" report, the "State of Black LA" study provides a snapshot of African Americans in Los Angeles, one of the nation's largest Black metropolitan areas. The report also outlines Key Action Recommendations in the six key areas, demonstrating the commitment of the United Way, Urban League and other civic leaders to taking
immediate action to improve conditions for African Americans and the community-at-large.

"From the start this truly collaborative project was not meant to simply point out problems, but to show why they exist and, more importantly, to help the community take action," said John Mack, immediate past president of Los Angeles Urban League. "While the statistics are sobering, we are confident that our community has the tools to better conditions for African Americans and all Angelenos."

"This report provides critical information to help our community understand that there are real people behind the statistics, people who need assistance," said Elise Buik, president and CEO, United Way of Greater Los Angeles. "It is incumbent upon all of us, leaders and citizens alike, to find ways to make important, needed changes to benefit the entire community."

All of the conditions outlined in the State of Black LA report are tightly interwoven. Improvement in one area, such as education, will influence the improvement in another area, such as criminal justice. These actions are rungs on the "Ladder of Hope," interrelated factors, which help determine the overall well being of a community, guiding the community towards significant changes that can and will affect the future.

Actions for change:

-- Education that builds 21st century skills leading to more rewarding career options and improved labor force
-- Affordable housing will allow families to build savings, develop assets and put down roots in creating more stable communities
-- Equal treatment by the criminal justice system will build confidence in the law enforcement, minimize community tension and engage residents in making neighborhoods safer

The full 100+ page report and the 28 page summary report can be found at unitedwayla.org.