On June 19, 1865, information of freedom lastly reached the remaining enslaved Black folks in Galveston, Texas—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, however plain nonetheless.
Since then, Black people have lived by way of each period of this nation. We endured Reconstruction and Jim Crow for almost a century. We fled the South throughout the Nice Migration, migrating north, east, west, and finally south once more. We fought again throughout the Civil Rights period, rose up throughout the Black Energy motion, and ignited world actions throughout Black Lives Matter.
Celebrating Juneteenth with Trump in workplace, slashing away at DEI, and ICE respiration down the necks of immigrants could really feel difficult at greatest for a lot of. In the meantime, for others, it might really feel like a merciless reminder of how a lot we nonetheless have to be free on this nation. Entry to high quality schooling, culturally competent well being care, clear consuming water, all of these fundamental necessities are in danger in a single fell swoop with this administration. The liberty for each Black physique, whether or not male, feminine, trans, queer, pregnant, disabled, nationwide or immigrant, to have the ability to transfer with dignity stays in danger.
Regardless of that, as is ever true for Black folks in America, there may be nonetheless some good to be celebrated among the many chaos. There are even areas within the nation the place Black folks aren’t simply dwelling, they’re thriving.
Now, there was a lot debate concerning the Blackest area of america; it actually relies on who you ask, it could appear. But it surely’s not simply concerning the Blackest area, however one of the best area for Black people.
In 2025, we commemorated the one hundred and sixtieth anniversary of Juneteenth at a time when many freedoms really feel as soon as once more on the road, it could encourage many to know the place Black life is definitely thriving today. Beneath, we now have rounded up the highest 5 cities within the nation for Black folks to stay, work, and lift a household.
1. Washington, D.C.
Imagine it or not, the Nation’s Capital, as soon as affectionately known as “Chocolate Metropolis” due to its burgeoning Black inhabitants, persistently ranks as the highest metropolis in America for Black folks of all walks of life. Combining it with the intently located areas of Northern Virginia and Maryland (as all do within the space), it has one of many highest populations of Black folks within the nation and is taken into account probably the most numerous areas.
Based on Lending Tree’s newest report, it additionally occurs to be a spot the place Black households are thriving financially, with median incomes of $82,045 and over 40% of Black households incomes over $100,000. The unemployment charge is 8.1%, whereas it has one of many highest charges of Black-owned companies at 7%. Greater than 1 / 4 (37.2%) of Black adults over 25 within the district have not less than a bachelor’s diploma or greater, and greater than half (51.3%) of DC’s Black residents are householders.
2. Austin, Texas
A number of cities inside the Lone Star State frequently rank excessive on greatest cities lists, together with Austin. Black households within the metropolis, often known as the “stay music capital of the world,” earn on common a median earnings of $61,272 and 26.8% earn over $100,000. In the meantime, 33.1% of residents have a bachelor’s diploma or greater, and 39.5% of the Black residents are householders.
3. Provo, Utah
Whereas it will not be the obvious alternative, Provo, Utah, lower than 50 miles outdoors of Salt Lake Metropolis, ranks third on Lending Tree’s report for Black households. The western metropolis has a median earnings for Black households of $59,471, with 27% incomes over $100,000. The unemployment charge for Black adults is 3.6%, the speed of Black residents with not less than a bachelor’s diploma is 34.1%, and the share of Black residents who personal properties is 39.5%. Nonetheless, as Lending Tree famous, Provo’s Black inhabitants is roughly 1%.
4. Poughkeepsie, New York
The Hudson River Valley metropolis of Poughkeepsie, New York, is one other delicate shock to reach on the checklist. Nonetheless, the town’s Black households have a median earnings of $66,894, whereas 33.6% make over $100,000. Slightly over 1 / 4 (25.2%) of Black residents maintain a bachelor’s diploma or greater, the unemployment charge among the many Black inhabitants is 7.2%, and 45.7% are householders.
5. Atlanta, Georgia
It’s hardly a shock that ATL ranks among the many high 5 cities for Black households. The town is each a haven for and a celebration of contemporary Black tradition. Based on Lending Tree, it’s additionally a spot the place Black households have a median earnings of $58,684 with 24.9% incomes greater than $100,000.
Moreover, in Atlanta, 32.6% of Black residents have a bachelor’s diploma or greater, the unemployment charge is 7.6%, and 49.8% of the Black residents are householders.
