Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
By many measures the African American family is in crisis. Decline in rates of quality relationships have had profound and well, documented negative effects on the Black family and their communities. 75% of Black children live in single, female-headed households and the marriage rate for Black families dropped from 78% in 1950 to 34% in 2006. Research has shown that children raised in single-headed households are more likely to engage in at-risk behaviors, not attend college, and drop-out of high school. Research has also shown that 70% of African-American boys in the criminal justice system come from single-parent homes.

Response:
ISU Extension, in collaboration with Family and Children's Council of Black Hawk County, partnered to form the Harambee Coalition, an organization committed to improving the lives of African American families in Black Hawk County through parenting and relationship education. In March 2008, in observance of National Black Marriage Day, the Harambee Coalition sponsored the first Black Marriage Event. The event was held at a local historic home and was intended to inform the community of educational resources available to through the Harambee Coalition and create future marketing material for use in radio and print media. Seven couples attended the event which featured an educational presentation and a forum on relationships in the Black community.

Impact:
The attendees to the Black Marriage stated they were all astonished by the statistics and facts presented on Black families. They all voiced concerns and asked how they could help to better the community. The Black Marriage Event was originally planned to be an annual event but, at the request of the participants, it will now occur 3 times a year. The group gave support to the efforts of the coalition and asked how they could get involved in furthering the education in the community. One couple that attended the event are pastors of a local church. They have offered their church as a host site for the next event and they are seeking training from the Harambee coalition to start a couples group at the church.

Additional Team Members/Community Partners:
Julie Pitzen, Family & Children's Council, 319-234-7600, jpitzen@fccouncil.net

Contact:
Madelyn Ridgeway
Black Hawk County Extension
3420 University Dr, Ste B
Waterloo, IA 50701
319-234-6811
ridgeway@iastate.edu