Heart of America Annual Survey: A Call for Unity and the Power of Racial Healing

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Americans across the political spectrum, including 3 in 4 Republicans, say educating our children on the history of racism and promoting diversity in the workplace is important for racial healing.

The National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE) conducted a survey among 1,304 American adults to understand their experiences of disunity in our country, their visions for overcoming these divisions, and strategies for promoting racial healing.

Despite intense feelings of division, there is a strong appetite for unity. A significant majority still take pride in their American identity and two in three (67%) say they are hopeful Americans can work through differences and find lasting common ground in the future.

The path forward starts with empathy, respect, and relationship building. 8 in 10 believe promoting diversity in the workplace, so people of all difference races are working together and educating our children on the history of race and racism in America is an important first step for our nation to begin the process of racial healing – including 3 in 4 Republicans.

Americans feel our leaders are an important part of bridging divides and express a desire for transformative leadership that brings Americans together with a sense of shared purpose and encourages us to engage with each other on a personal level, deepening our understanding of the diversity of Americans’ lived experiences.

Armed with this invaluable knowledge, NCHE is committed to developing effective outreach strategies and programs that brings Americans together in unity and understanding.

Statement by Dr. Christopher

Racial healing begins with empathy, respect, and relationship building. Where transformative leadership plays a pivotal role in uniting us with shared purpose and personal engagement.

31% believe relationship building is critical to help our country see each other through the lens of our shared humanity.8-in-10 believe promoting diversity in the workplace, so people of all difference races are working together and educating our children on the history or race and racism in America is an important first step for our nation to begin the process of racial healing.88% would support a leader who aims to unite everyone in our country, even when people have disagreements including 47% of Americans who strongly agree with that statement.

Success hinges on uniting Americans around a shared purpose, forging lasting bonds, and deepening our understanding of the diverse lived experiences that define our nation’s strength and resiliency. The National Collaborative for Health Equity stands poised to chart a course towards a brighter and more unified future, guided by a vision of racial healing and national unity.

Today, Americans view political polarization, divisive rhetoric, and our culture of contempt as the root cause of our division.

More than 4 in 5 Americans feel that our country is more divided now than ever before. (Shows a graph of the data of who agrees or disagrees that the U.S. is more divided)

62% agree tensions between people with different political beliefs is higher than ever and that politics is tearing the country apart.More than half say people's views and beliefs seem to be getting further and further apart and think people no longer have compassion for one another.And Americans feel this internal discord is driven by a negative national narrative. 8-in-10 agree we need to find new ways and new words to help Americans talk to each other, disagree repsectfully, and develop care and empathy - including 41% of Republicans who strongly agree with that statement.

 

Americans also acknowledge our deeper and more pervasive issues lie in the enduring harm or racism and its systematic repercussions.

More than half of all Americans feel that a person's race influences the quality of healthcare they receive. How much do you feel that race influences the quality of healthcare a person receives?

67% of Americans feel that the healthcare system today is unequal.At east 1-in-3 feel their race and economic status has been a barrier towards their personal and professional success. Of those who said their race is a barrier, 60% believe it resulted in reduced access to employment opportunities, 40% said their race impacted their access to quality housing.More than 1-in-3 Americans experience racism or discrimination in the workplace. For Black Americans, 46% say their workplace is where they most often experience racism or discrimination — especially for those who make over $75k and have post-graduate degrees.And yet there is a strong appetite for unity.

77% of those surveyed agree with the statement "I don't care about my neighbors' political views as long as they are good people." Percent who agree with the statement: "I don't care about my neighbors' political views as long as they are good people."

80% agree that feeling respect and empathy for someone — even if they don't share the same political or cultural beliefs — is an essential thing for our society to work at its best.74% agree there is a renewed sense of urgency to fight racism and hate in America.Even 25% of Republicans strongly agree "no matter the challenges we face, I am certain that our country can overcome them and are optimistic for our country's future."

 

Downloads

Survey Slide Deck  Survey Cross Tabs