---"State of Black America" 2004 Report---
How much closer is America to achieving equality between Blacks and Whites since the civil rights movement? Not close enough, and Black progress is precarious at best according to a report released by the National Urban League, "The State of Black America 2004." The League unveiled its first "Equality Index" a statistical measurement of the disparities that exist between Blacks and Whites in economics, housing, education, health, social justice and civic engagement. The report finds that despite substantial progress, the status of African Americans is 73%, when compared to their White counterparts. "African-American progress has been precarious since the civil rights era," said Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League. "While there have been increases in business formation, homeownership and educational attainment, equality gaps remain between Blacks and Whites, particularly in the area of economics. As our nation becomes more racially diverse, we must work together to close these disparities. This is crucial if America is to maintain its position as an economic power and world leader."
Highlights of the Equality Index Findings in five areas include:
1. Economics - Black economic status measures 56% of White counterparts
Fewer than 50% of Black families own their own homes, vs. over 70% of Whites. Blacks are denied mortgages and home improvement loans at twice the rate of Whites. The mean income of Black males is 70% of White males ($16,876 gap). The mean income of Black females is 83% of White counterparts ($6,370 difference).
2. Education - Total educational performance is 76% as compared to Whites
Teachers with less than three years experience teach in minority schools at twice the rate that they teach in White schools. Some 49% of Black students' teachers lack a college minor in the subject they taught vs. 40% of white students' teachers. Blacks attain college degrees at 63% of White counterparts.
3. Health - Blacks' health status measures 78% of Whites
On average, Blacks are twice as likely to die from disease, accident, behavior and homicide at every stage of life than Whites. Life expectancy for Blacks is 72 years vs. 78 years for whites.
4. Social Justice - When it comes to equality under the law, Blacks' status is 73%
A Black person's average jail sentence is six months longer than a white's for the same crime; that is 39 months versus 33 months. Blacks who are arrested are three times more likely to be imprisoned than Whites. Black felons are less likely to get probation than White felons for the same offense.
5. Civic Engagement - Blacks out measure Whites in the area of civic engagement (voter registration, volunteerism, government service at 1.08)
Blacks out measure Whites in terms of government service and union membership. Military volunteerism is 1.45, indicating substantially more Blacks volunteer in the military.

----Pennsylvania: "Something to Look Forward To"---
"Something to Look Forward To," an exhibition featuring abstract art by 22 distinguished Americans of African descent, all who are over the age of 60, will take place at Franklin & Marshall College, from March 26-June 27. The event will be held in the Dana and Rothman Galleries of the college's Phillips Museum of Art. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

---Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones receives 2004 Woman of Vision Award---Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones recently received the 2004 Woman of Vision Award from the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the Coalition of 100 Black Women during their 13th Annual Women of Vision Luncheon to take place at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven in Lyndhurst, Ohio. Founded in 1981, The National Coalition of 100 Black Women is a nonprofit organization with approximately 7,500 members and 62 chapters throughout the United States and abroad. The NCBW mission is the development of socially conscious female leaders who are committed to furthering equity and empowerment for women of color in the society-at-large, improving the environment of their neighborhoods, rebuilding their communities and enhancing the quality of public and private resources for the growth and development of disadvantaged youths.

---BET honors---
BET will honor superlative achievement in music, acting and sports with a star-studded "live" telecast
of the 2004 BET AWARDS, with host, Mo'Nique. The awards will be telecast on Tuesday, June 29 at 8 p.m. ET. The special honorees include: The Isley Brothers, Lifetime Achievement Award and Danny Glover, Humanitarian Award. The BET AWARDS show is open to the public - tickets are available beginning May 12 at the Kodak Theatre Box Office (323/308-6300).

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