Black Arts and Culture

Portsmouth, Hampton Are Among America’s 25 Top ‘Blackest’ Cities

African-Americans have strategically relocated, contributing to the rise of ‘Black-majority cities’ in the US, shaping racial diversity and economic influence in urban areas.

By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

@StacyBrownMedia

A recent report by the esteemed Brookings Institution revealed that the internal migration patterns of African-Americans in the United States have contributed to “Black-majority cities.”

These urban areas, where African-Americans constitute a significant portion of the population, have become magnets for individuals seeking more substantial opportunities and sustainable living.

According to Insider Monkey, despite a mere 1.5 percent growth in their overall share since 1970, the African-American community’s strategic relocation has paved the way for their rising influence in critical regions nationwide.

Experts project that the United States will transform into a minority-white country by 2045, as racial minorities, including African-Americans, Hispanics, and Asians, are set to become the primary drivers of the country’s economy.

Census experts attribute this transformation to two reasons: the combined racial minority population is projected to grow by a staggering 74 percent between 2018 and 2060, while the aging white population is expected to experience a decline during the same period.

Jackson, Mississippi, widely regarded as the “Blackest city” in America, is at the forefront of this demographic shift.

With African-Americans constituting over 80% of the city’s population, Jackson is a testament to the vitality and prominence of African-American culture and influence.

Looking at the state level, Texas boasts the highest African-American population, with 3.55 million individuals, followed closely by Georgia and Florida.

These three states rank as the top contenders with the highest concentrations of African-Americans nationwide.

The following ten urban areas have the highest percentage of African-American residents:

10. Miami Gardens, Florida Total Population: 110,881 African-Americans: 68,121 Percentage: 61.44 percent

9. Memphis, Tennessee Total Population: 628,118 African-Americans: 398,824 Percentage: 63.50 percent

8. Montgomery, Alabama Total Population: 198,659 African-Americans: 126,268 Percentage: 63.56 percent

7. Southfield, Michigan Total Population: 75,901 African-Americans: 48,391 Percentage: 63.76 percent

6. Birmingham, Alabama Total Population: 196,410 African-Americans: 139,691 Percentage: 71.12 percent

5. Albany, Georgia Total Population: 67,146 African-Americans: 49,281 Percentage: 73.39 percent

4. Detroit, Michigan Total Population: 632,589 African-Americans: 484,779 Percentage: 76.63 percent

3. Lauderhill, Florida Total Population: 73,461 African-Americans: 58,704 Percentage: 79.91 percent

2. East Orange, New Jersey Total Population: 68,893 African-Americans: 55,087 Percentage: 79.96 percent

1. Jackson, Mississippi Total Population: 149,813 African-Americans: 122,612 Percentage: 81.84 percent

Baltimore (Md.), Shreveport (La.), New Orleans, Mount Vernon (N.Y.), Macon (Ga.), Augusta (Ga.), Mobile (Ala.), Baton Rouge (La.), Portsmouth (Va.), Savannah (Ga.), Trenton (N.J.), Cleveland (Ohio), Hampton (Va.), and Newark (N.J.), rounded out the top 25 cities with the highest African-American population.