Studies consistently prove that married adults, when compared to those who are not married, are less likely to face poverty, have more income, children perform better and behave better as adults, and are more likely to be healthy and happy. Marriage also appears to promote better family function. Marriage provides companionship and healthier sexual relationships for couples.
Challenges in our communities:
- Blacks have the lowest marriage rate
- 80% of prison inmates come from single parent households in many areas
- With the small percentage of Black families married, even a smaller percentage of them have healthy marriages
- Over 60% of students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities are female. Who will they marry?
According to United States Census stats 70% of African American children are born to unwed mothers. Black Marriage Day is a specific effort needed to help celebrate marriage, reduce out of wedlock childbirths and divorces. Studies reveal that children perform better in two parent homes; marriage increases income, improves health and reflects positively on society. In communities where marriages are successful there is higher property value, schools are better and crime is lower. The opposite is true of communities void of married couples.
For more information on how to create a local Black Marriage Day group, get your state government’s proclamation of Black Marriage Day, or marriage classes visit us online at www.BlackMarriageDay.com (Source).