After nearly 77 years, Social Security remains one of the nation’s most successful antipoverty programs. In 2010, Social Security kept over 20 million people out of poverty, including 1.1 million children. Although the rules for determining Social Security benefits are the same for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity or gender, African Americans uniquely benefit from the family-oriented structure of the program based on certain characteristics. Continue reading
Tag Archives: African American
U.S. Demographic Shift Has Consequences for Social Security
As U.S. transitions to majority-majority population, policymakers must consider how communities of color use the program
WASHINGTON – In response to a U.S. Census report that more than half of our nation’s population under the age of one are Latino, African-American, Asian American or other minorities, the Commission to Modernize Social Security says that as the United States transitions to a “majority-minority” population, any changes to Social Security must consider the impact on workers and families of color who are more vulnerable to economic instability and far less likely to have generational wealth than white families. It also argues that the program can be modernized to remain sustainable and improved to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse and economically insecure workforce. Continue reading
African Americans and Social Security
GlobalPolicy.tv‘s Pivot Point video features Dr. Maya Rockeymoore interviewing experts from the NAACP and Joint Center for Political and Economic Reform on the impact of Social Security on African Americans.
Webinar: Why Communities of Color Should Care About Social Security
Social Security reform is not solely a critical issue for seniors, the disabled, and the dependent survivors of workers who die young – each community of color has a distinct stake in its outcome. Please join us for a dynamic, interactive dialogue discussing:
- How Social Security reform uniquely affects African Americans, Latinos/Hispanics, American Indian and Asian Americans;
- How Social Security reform uniquely affects men, women, and children of color;
- The current political climate, including why conservatives perpetuate the myth that Social Security is bankrupt; and,
- Recommendations for strengthening Social Security in a targeted, equitable way. Continue reading
Commission Featured on the Tavis Smiley Radio Show
Dr. Maya Rockeymoore – Social Security, Women & People of Color
Policy advocate Dr. Maya Rockeymoore explains why any proposals to change Social Security by the congressional “super committee” need to consider women and people of color. Listen here >>