BLACK mobile logo

district of columbia

politics

100% Black, 100% American: Inside the Towns That Remain Entirely Black

May 29, 2025

The article identifies ten towns across the United States with populations that are entirely or nearly entirely Black or African American. These communities, including Jonestown, Mississippi; Lincoln Park, Georgia; Unionville, Georgia; and Harlem, Florida, face varying economic challenges with most experiencing high poverty rates despite some differences in median household incomes. Many of these towns are experiencing population decline, with Jonestown's population dropping from 956 in 2020 to 866 residents currently.

Who is affected

  • Residents of the ten all-Black towns profiled in the article
  • Black communities experiencing economic challenges with high poverty rates
  • Residents of towns like Jonestown, Mississippi where over 60% live in poverty
  • Communities experiencing population decline, such as Unionville with a 25% decline in the past year
  • Black Americans living in towns with limited economic opportunities

What action is being taken

  • The Washington Informer newspaper is continuing to report on these communities, following its 60-year mission to "serve, inform, and empower"
  • The newspaper is providing free, fact-based local journalism about these communities
  • The publication is maintaining its platform to "uplift our community with stories of triumph and resilience"
  • The newspaper is seeking support to sustain its coverage of these communities

Why it matters

  • These towns represent larger questions about investment, infrastructure, and equality in places where Black Americans make up the entire community
  • The economic disparities highlighted show significant challenges with poverty rates reaching as high as 60% in some communities
  • The population declines indicate ongoing struggles that may threaten the future viability of these historic communities
  • The stark economic statistics reveal the continuing challenges of all-Black towns in securing economic stability and growth
  • As one resident noted, "being 100% Black means 100% of the weight is on us"

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer