A new poll from The Highland Project, conducted by brilliant corners Research & Strategies, highlights pressing concerns among Black women who are registered voters. The survey,ielded nationwide, illuminates their views on the country’s direction, election priorities, and key policy issues. 

According to the poll, 88%believe the United States is headed in the wrong direction, signaling a powerful dissatisfaction with current national conditions. Reflecting this unease, 86%say they are “very motivated” to vote, underscoring their intent to make their voices heard in upcoming elections.

When asked what the upcoming elections should address, priorities are clear:

• Protecting democracy and freedoms – 34%
  
  
• Tackling inflation and strengthening the economy – 30%
  
  
• Fighting racism and improving education – each at 27%
  
  

The poll also highlights issue-specific intensity. On a 1 to 10 scale of importance, 94%said combating racism and discrimination was critical, followed closely by 93% calling for criminal justice reform, and 92% prioritizing voting rights protection. 

The Highland Project’s spring poll builds on earlier annual surveys, reinforcing consistent themes: economic anxiety, calls for racial equity, and concern for democratic erosion.  

The Highland Project’s founder, Gabrielle Wyatt, says these findings give decision‑makers clearer insight into what Black women voters want from future policies and political leaders. 

“We need a caregiver-focused agenda,” Wyatt told BET. “Some of the recommendations that came out of our early reporting were around raising teacher pay, paid family leave, protecting reproductive rights, improving K-12 schools, banning assault weapons. More than economic worries, Black women are most concerned about safety, namely bodily autonomy. This rising trend is what I believe is truly a response to the threat that we feel that our democracy is in peril.” 

Despite the deep concerns the poll results belied, Wyatt said she still has hope for the future. 

“Black women are mobilizers, engagers,” Wyatt told BET. “I see them taking their future into their own hands and leaning on their surrounding community to help effect change.” 

The results make one message abundantly clear: Black women voters are deeply concerned about where the country is headed and are motivated to control its direction—through ballots and beyond. With democracy, equity, and economic stability ranking high on their agenda, they are positioning themselves as a formidable and politically engaged constituency.