Closing out Black History Month, one UCSC study shows some disparities

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION-TV) -- There is one week left in Black History Month and one study out of UCSC's Institute for Social Transformation is highlighting the ongoing disparity among black communities living in the Monterey and San Benito counties.

The full report is available below:

The study took a look at the number of residents who have finished college degrees, poverty living levels as well as access to health care.

According to the study, 26% of people living in these counties have completed a bachelor's degree compared to 46.7% of non-hispanic white counterparts.

Additionally, the study reveals that 16.5% of African-American residents live below the official poverty line.

Finally, 6% of the black community in these counties lack health care, according to the UCSC study.

"We want to make sure that there are policies that also add protective layers for the black community and reduce the incarceration rates, and expand workforce programs," said Director of Monterey County Black Caucus Rosalyn Green.

UC Santa Cruz's Institute for Social Transformation hopes to partner with the Monterey County Black Caucus and New Hope Baptist Church to continue research on economic disparity with in-depth research groups in Salinas.