Average Annual Income and Expenditures of Black Families in the U.S.

This infographic is an update of one of Du Bois’s most iconic data portraits which was illuminated by beautiful photographs of Black families and a gold “one dollar” coin. We decided to take a national average given that the data exists now. Without this data, Du Bois focused on Georgia using surveys taken door to door. As we look at the 21st century how Black families divide their income has changed along familiar lines. We see that housing is taking up the greater portion of their income and their is an increased investment in what Du Bois termed, “the higher life.” things such as savings, education and healthcare. As the plastic shopping bag comes to an end in many towns we celebrate the gold and black ones. A sign of financial means in many places, the humble plastic bag is an iconic part of history deserving its rightful as Pop Art.