Report Highlights Range Of Inequities For Black Winston-Salem Residents

A new study is highlighting inequities between black and white residents in the Triad. The State of Black Winston-Salem Report touches on topics raging from economics and education to social justice and health.

According to the report, for every dollar a white resident makes, a black resident makes .62 cents. They're also twice as likely to be unemployed.

James Perry is CEO of the Winston Salem Urban League, the group that compiled the information. He says he was shocked by the data on education in particular. Only 27 percent of black third-graders read at grade level, compared to 68 percent of white third-graders.

Perry says that while the city has been experiencing economic growth, he's often hearing a different story.

“We said, 'well we need to figure out what's missing here, what is it we don't understand?' So part of the message from us is let's make sure that this is a recovery and a rebound and opportunity for all residents of Winston-Salem, not just for some.”

The Winston Salem Urban League will meet with civil rights leaders to discuss the findings. The group plans to collaborate with other organizations to help address the issues.