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The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation and the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at The University of Akron are working in partnership to conduct a first-of-its-kind joint poll of black voters and nonvoters in Ohio on a wide range of issues, including health care, jobs, education, gun safety and the environment. The poll will include a random sample of 1,500 black adults in Ohio that will go into the field in early December, with results and analysis expected in February 2020.

"We often hear about the importance of registering and turning out black voters in Ohio, but we've fallen short in reaching out and communicating with black Ohioans about the issues that matter most to them," said Barbara Sykes, president of theOhio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. "That's why we have partnered with The University of Akron to conduct this first-of-its-kind poll. We want to know what the black community thinks and what they want from their leaders and government. We want elected officials and candidates for office to truly understand what black Ohioans are thinking so they can make informed decisions when discussing and formulating policies and programs, or voting on critical issues."

“Although there have been national surveys of the black community, state surveys are very rare. This survey will be first of its kind in Ohio,” said Dr. John C. Green, director of the Bliss Institute. “It will allow for a detailed assessment of the characteristics and attitudes of black Ohioans.”

"The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation will be playing a proactive role across Ohio, talking to black Ohioans as well as elected leaders and candidates to cultivate constructive, ongoing conversations. This poll is one of many efforts the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation is focusing on, with many more projects in the works. Our foundation is looking forward to an active and impactful future working to amplify the voices of black Ohioans," Sykes said.

he Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation is a 501(c)3 that advances Ohio’s black community through educational research, developing community leaders, facilitating public policy development, analyzing issues of social and economic importance, and the promotion of diversity and inclusion in the public and private sector.

The Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics is a bipartisan research and teaching institute dedicated to increasing understanding of the political process with special emphasis on political parties, grassroots activity, and ethical behavior.

Media contact: Lisa Craig, 330-972-7429 or lmc91@uakron.edu.