When American Express first opened its offices in Utah, some 40 black families were transferred to the state. Over the years, more than half have left, some because they felt uncomfortable here.
When blacks graduate from college in Utah, they usually don't seek employment here.When an association of black gospel choirs planned a convention in Salt Lake City, many singers stayed away.
The Rev. France Davis of Calvary Baptist Church believes these anecdotes show how blacks often feel isolated and suffer from subtle discrimination in Utah. Throughout most of the United States, Utah still has an "image problem" that keeps blacks away.
According to the 1990 Census, about 12,000 blacks live in Utah. Black community leaders, citing an undercount, estimate the number between 12,000 and 15,000. The census said the black population increased by 25 percent over the decade, but blacks still account for less than 1 percent of the state's population.
"We need more acceptance. We need more inclusion in the job market and inclusion in schools and academic facilities. We need African-Americans involved in the larger community," Davis said.
Davis lists several problems the black community faces:
- Stereotypes. Utahns remain relatively ignorant of people of color. The media publicize the extremes - superstars and criminals.
- Housing for the elderly. After the children move away, many aging blacks are left with few housing options. Calvary Baptist Church has built apartments to help solve the problem.
- Discrimination. While LDS Church leaders "have done all they can do" to change attitudes toward blacks, Davis said discrimination remains. The church didn't allow blacks to hold its priesthood until 1978.
- Education. Davis said that educational attainment is difficult for Utah blacks. Like the national average, dropout rates are high. Davis wants more written in state history books about the contributions of blacks.
- Employment. Save for owning a few Mom and Pop businesses, few blacks hold upper-level management jobs in Utah. Blacks feel they can't rise much above entry-level positions in many firms.
- Political representation. Black leaders seek more representation of blacks in government. "African-Americans should be included in solving the state's problems," Davis said.
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(Chart)
Blacks
U.S. 12.1 percent
Utah 0.7 percent
Salt Lake County 0.8 percent
Davis County 0.13 percent
Utah County 0.1 percent
Largest concentration*
Central City
Rose Park
Clearfield/Hill Air Force Base
*More than 4 percent in metro census tracts.