Black Marriage Day is a national day established in 2003 to celebrate healthy marriages in the African American community. Black Marriage Day started with just 30 cities; today, it has grown to over 300 communities across the country. The goal of Black Marriage Day is to strengthen the foundation of African American married couples, as well as change the negative attitudes and beliefs about marriage among the African American culture.
Food for Thought: Marriage rates are lowest among the African American community; yet, it has the highest divorce rate.
There are many benefits to marriage. Here are a few:
For Men:
- Live longer and physically/emotionally healthier;
- Increase stability of employment and higher wages;
- Decrease drug/alcohol abuse; less likely to commit violent crimes;
- Better relationships with children; and
- More satisfying sexual relationship.
For Women:
- More satisfying relationship; emotionally healthier;
- Safer from domestic violence, sexual assault, other violent crimes;
- Suicide less likely;
- Decrease risk of drug/alcohol abuse;
- Better relationships with children; and
- Less likely to contract STD’s and best place to express sexuality.
For Children:
- More likely to attend college; better academically
- Physically and emotionally healthier;
- Suicide less likely;
- Fewer behavior problems and delinquent behaviors less likely;
- Safer from physical/sexual abuse; drug/alcohol abuse less likely; and
- Better relationship with parents.
For Communities:
- Physically and emotionally healthy citizens;
- Higher rates of educated citizens;
- Lower crime statistics and domestic violence rates;
- Lower teen age pregnancy rates;
- Fewer juvenile delinquencies;
- Higher property values and higher rates of home ownership;
- Better schools.
