The 2025 State of Black Women in California Report

Black women are an essential part of California’s success — leading classrooms, businesses, and movements that keep our communities strong. Yet, as our 2025 report reveals, brilliance and resilience are not enough when the systems around us remain unequal.

This report is both a mirror and a map — reflecting the realities we face and charting a path to change through data, policy, and leadership.

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The Data Tells a Story; and So Do We.

Wage Inequality

Black Women in California earn approximately $0.60 on the dollar compared to white men. For Black single mothers, this gap is even wider, with them earning just $0.56 compared to every $1 earned by a white man

Promotion Inequity

Black Women are often underpromoted. In 2023, only 54 Black Women were promoted per 100 men, which is the lowest promotion rate among all gender-race groups. For every 100 men promoted to manager, only 58 Black Women are promoted, even though they ask for promotions at the same rate

Maternal Health Disparities

Black Women are 4 to 6 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women in California

Academic Struggle

Black Girls (under 18) make up 1 in 14 girls in California yet face some of the lowest academic success rates in the state

Turning Data Into Action

The California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute is using this research to power real change through programs like:

SheWorksCA

Through #SheWorksCA, we’re turning data into action by helping Black women rebuild after setbacks and access pathways to meaningful, sustainable work. By combining skills, support, and sisterhood, the program transforms workforce inequities into opportunities for collective growth and leadership.

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Change happens when we act together. Stay informed, share the data, and be part of the solution.

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