The State of Black Marriage: Understanding the Challenges
Research Insights on Black Marriage
Current research reveals significant challenges facing Black marriages in America today. Black/African American couples experience the highest rates of relationship distress and divorce among all racial groups, with 50% of Black marriages ending within the first decade compared to approximately one-third of white marriages. Studies also indicate lower levels of marital and relational satisfaction among Black couples.
This relationship landscape reflects both historical and contemporary factors that create unique pressures on Black partnerships. These challenges operate at multiple levels:
Contributing Factors
Black couples navigate distinctive obstacles stemming from:
- Historical patterns of racial oppression and discrimination
- Persistent negative stereotypes affecting Black men and women
- Disproportionate financial strain and economic instability
- Gender-related tensions specific to the Black experience
- Higher incarceration rates disrupting family structures
These challenges create both external pressures and internal relationship dynamics that can undermine attachment and intimacy.
The Value of Marriage in Black Communities
Despite these challenges, research consistently shows that Black Americans highly value marriage, with many expressing strong desires for committed marital relationships. The data reveals that married African Americans typically:
- Build greater wealth
- Report higher happiness levels
- Make healthier lifestyle choices
- Raise children who demonstrate better outcomes
Importantly, these positive outcomes appear to stem significantly from the marriage relationship itself rather than merely from selection effects.
These findings underscore the importance of understanding and addressing the specific challenges facing Black marriages while recognizing the continued significance of marriage as an institution within Black communities.
Extraordinary Black Couple Circle – Coming Soon!
What is Extraordinary Black Love?
Welcome to “Extraordinary Black Love” -a new, safe, 21st century relational community for ALL Black/African American married, cohabiting, common law, and committed couples.
I am delighted that you are joining me and the many couples who are educating themselves and learning how to practice caring, emotionally healthy, healing love and partnership—together.
As a therapist who works with Black couples and a clinical researcher, I can also tell you that Black couples are working their way toward making peace with the mental health services system.
Today’s Black Marriage
Marriage is a curious and complex phenomenon. Marriage has to be bigger than getting wrapped up in lust and personal happiness and it has to last beyond the wedding day and honeymoon.
What sustains the spark and excitement of marriage is building a “culture of love.” Rebuilding and sustaining Black marriages is the task of serious people—the responsibility of grown men and women.
In my program “Extraordinary Black Love” we recognize that Black men and women in romantic relationship with one another have a deep knowledge about systemic racism, and inequality looms large in their everyday lives.
Therefore, the marriage/relationship vision … the DREAM of equal opportunity, equity, diversity, inclusion, dignity, a sense of belonging, secure bonding and justice MUST exist and thrive in our marriages.
If Black people are not safe in their marriages they are not safe anywhere.
Marriage must become a refuge shielding couples from outside destructive forces.
Philosophically, “Extraordinary Black Love” is a Movement for Marital Peace & Partnership, Marital Equity & Connectedness, and Marital Appreciation, Advocacy & Blessings.
Black couples come to therapy for various reasons and it can include: pre-marital, co-habitation, marital separation, infidelity, marital discord, blended family, step-parenting, communication problems, and domestic violence.