It’s a staggering statistic: 26 percent of young children in Kent County live in poverty. But it’s the numbers behind that statistic that are even more shocking: 62 percent of African American children age 5 and younger are poor, 51 percent of Hispanic children, and 13 percent of white children.  (Source: American Community Survey, 2008-2010.  The 2010 Federal Poverty Level was $22,314 for a family of four).

Poverty rates are just one example of significant racial and ethnic disparities.  In Michigan:

• African American babies are three times more likely to die before their first birthday than are white babies; Hispanic babies have nearly double the infant mortality rate of white babies.
• African American and Hispanic 4th graders are two times more likely to read below grade level than are white 4th graders.
• 20 percent of African American and Hispanic students dropped out of high school in 2009 — more than twice the drop-out rate for white students.

Every year, children of color make up a larger share of the total population — now 35% of all children in Kent County and 31% in Michigan.  Locally and statewide, the most growth is among children of Hispanic origin.

“While the data on outcomes for children of color are often discouraging, many of the causes and solutions have their roots in public policy decisions, including those made about the distribution of scarce tax dollars,” said Pat Sorenson, Vice President for Policy of the advocacy organization Michigan’s Children.

Michigan’s Children launched a project called Race Matters earlier this year, to draw attention to the significant gaps between white children and children of color and to push for policies that will help close those gaps.  Among the most effective strategies to reduce disparities: investing in early childhood development.

“The evidence is clear: early investments can reduce disparities in health outcomes and school readiness, as well as ultimately reduce the gaps in educational achievement,” Sorenson said.  “The bottom line is a better educated workforce and a stronger economy.”

Click on the link to learn more about the Race Matters project.

Posted December 7, 2011