As an estimated 2 million inaugural attendees witnessed the first African-American be sworn into office as president of the United States, scores of African Americans/Blacks celebrated the historic occasion by attending the inaugural festivities–many for the first-time, according to a new TV One/National Association of Black Journalists Inaugural Poll.
The poll of 462 inaugural attendees was conducted by Ariel & Ethan Polling and Market Research via face-to-face interviews during the Jan. 20th swearing-in ceremony and parade. Survey highlights include:
– Three of four (77 percent) of African Americans were attending the
inauguration for the first-time, with seven in ten (70 percent or
more) at age 30 or older.
– Nearly two in three (63 percent) say the election of Barack Obama as
the 44th president signals an improvement in race relations, yet
nearly a quarter (22 percent) somewhat agreed and 15 percent
disagreed. Age factored into opinion, however. Among those who
strongly agree with the statement, 75 percent were 65 years of age or
older–versus 4 percent of respondents between the ages of 45-64 who
strongly disagreed.
– Nearly half (45 percent) liken President Obama most to former
president John F. Kennedy. Significant percentages see similarities
between the President and former presidents: Bill Clinton (20
percent); Abraham Lincoln (17 percent); and Lyndon B. Johnson (5
percent). In term of age, younger attendees (18-29 years of age) were
among those who most often chose Kennedy– with more than half (55
percent) drawing a comparison between the two presidents.
– Nearly eight in ten (78 percent) chose the economy as the number one
issue– the majority (83 percent) dwelling in cities with populations
at or beyond 100,000.
Ariel & Ethan Polling and Market Research, Pollster Shawnta Walcott: “This survey is chock full of nuts and bolts that offer keen insight on how to frame messages intended to reach urban America and citizens throughout the diaspora.”
The poll also provided keen insight into the shift away from traditional network news media for urban Americans, with 59 percent of attendees saying that their primary source for news and information is cable television.
National Association of Black Journalists President Barbara Ciara: “In a day and age where information is power–the survey results will be helpful in determining what governance issues are important to the African-American community–and how our community chooses to receive information.”
