The debate is on about social security. In one corner is President George W. Bush pronouncing that the best way to solve the social security problem is to privatize it. By doing this, says the president, the people who pay into social security will have a chance of a much greater return. Over a period of time stocks to tend to deliver more money, which makes good sense if, you are inclined to invest money in the market.

In another corner are those individuals who want a guaranteed income upon retirement. People also want to protect their survivor benefits so that all is not lost (financially) upon the death of a loved one.

So what does the mean for African Americans? Well for one thing, African Americans are slightly less than 12 percent of those who pay into Social Security, they make up thirteen percent of those getting survivor benefits, 18 percent of those getting disability benefits and 22 percent of children getting benefits. What is more telling is that research done by the National Urban League Institute for Opportunity and Equality shows that African American children are four times more likely than White children to be lifted out of poverty by Social Security benefits they receive. The result is that though African American men have a higher death rate in their 40s and 50s and a much higher disability rate than White men, African Americans pay roughly 9 percent of Social Security and get about 9 percent Social Security benefits.

Social Security was a promise made by the United States government during the Franklin D. Roosevelt presidency in 1935 and for 70 years it has kept its promise to the American people.

A promise made is a promise kept.

Source: William E. Spriggs. “Pulling a Fast One? The Facts About Social Security.” In the Crises. March/April 2005.

George T. Rowan, Ph.D. is a professor in the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources at Michigan State University and chairperson of the Ingham County Board of Health.