The Santa Barbara County State of the Black Community Survey is open for participation through Dec. 1.

The survey, which began June 15 at Juneteenth Lompoc and Juneteenth Santa Barbara Block Parties, invites Black/African American residents to share their experiences and perceptions of life in Santa Barbara County.

The survey is completely confidential and consists of a series of questions aimed at understanding the lived experiences of the Black/African-American community in the region.

The UCSB Center for Evaluation & Assessment has facilitated the survey to ensure a thorough and objective approach to gathering data.

The survey took six months to develop in collaboration with Juneteenth Santa Barbara leadership, Simone Ruskamp and Jordan Killebrew, UCSB Center for Evaluation & Assessment, and community member Kim Johnson.

The survey was further vetted by Black/African-American community members to ensure cultural context and key community questions and challenges were asked. 

The survey’s results will be presented in early 2025, offering key insights to support future initiatives that foster equity and community well-being. The survey results will also be available to the public through Juneteenthsb.org.

“We strongly encourage participation from the Black/African American community as we work to better understand the specific challenges and opportunities facing residents in Santa Barbara County,” said Kim Johnson.

“Your voice is essential in helping us shape a more inclusive and supportive environment,” Johnson said.

In addition to the anonymous nature of the survey, respondents can enter a drawing for one of five $200 gift cards upon completing a short form after the survey.

Participants can access the survey here.