Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Gallup to release landmark report on Black Thriving in America with legendary retired South African Justice Albie Sachs

Fourth annual study introduces convergence mirage framework and inaugurates Jim Clifton Prize for Research Impact

Washington, D.C., Sept. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fourth annual study introduces convergence mirage framework and inaugurates Jim Clifton Prize for Research Impact

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund's Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center, in partnership with Gallup, will release the fourth annual Black Thriving in America report on Thursday, Sept. 10, at Gallup World Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Now in the fourth year of a 100-year research commitment, this year's report represents a significant evolution in scope and analytical depth. For the first time, the study places American findings within a global framework, comparing U.S. wellbeing data with Gallup's World Poll across approximately 140 countries and territories.

Event details:

• Date: Thursday, Sept. 10
• Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. EDT
• Location: The Great Hall, Gallup World Headquarters, 901 F St. NW, Washington, D.C.
• Registration: https://bit.ly/PRCBTA26
• Space is limited for this historic convening. Registration is required.

Featured program participants:

• Justice Albie Sachs – Retired justice, Constitutional Court of South Africa
• Jim Clifton – Chairman, Gallup and Payne Research Center
• Jon Clifton – President and chief executive officer, Gallup
• Dr. Randal D. Pinkett – Chairman and chief executive officer, BCT Partners
• Jonathan C. Augustine – Chairman, Payne Agora Strategy Council
• William F.L. Moses – Managing director, The Kresge Foundation
• Dr. Royel M. Johnson – Co-director, Pullias Center for Higher Education, University of Southern California
• Dr. Sara N. Bleich – Inaugural vice provost for special projects, Harvard University

Preliminary findings: Progress masking persistent fractures
While the report's headline finding offers encouragement — Black thriving has rebounded to 49%, narrowing the gap with other groups — the data reveal a more complicated story. The report introduces a new idea called the convergence mirage. It describes a situation where the overall numbers look good and seem to show progress, but when you break the data down by gender, age, education and income, you see that some groups are actually falling behind.

Key trends underlying the aggregate data demand attention.

• A seven-point gender gap has emerged between Black men and Black women, a divide that did not exist in 2023.
• Black seniors, who in 2023 led all groups in thriving at 64%, have fallen to 53%. In the workplace, Black college graduates are now less likely than their non-graduate counterparts to report being treated with respect or having their opinions count.
• Nearly one-third of Black adults report being treated unfairly while shopping or in healthcare settings — figures that have risen since last year and remain multiples higher than those reported by other groups. 

These findings suggest that aggregate progress, while real, may obscure the urgent need for targeted intervention across gender, age, education and income.

Inaugural Jim Clifton Prize for Research Impact
Justice Sachs and Nobel laureate Sir Angus Deaton have been selected as co-recipients of the inaugural Jim Clifton Prize for Research Impact. The prize, named in honor of Gallup Chairman Jim Clifton, recognizes a career or body of work that has demonstrably expanded the frontiers of knowledge and translated evidence into tangible improvement in human thriving, opportunity and dignity.

The selection of Sachs and Deaton establishes the prize's defining character: a commitment to evidentiary pluralism encompassing quantitative and qualitative scholarship, peer-reviewed research and practice-informed knowledge. Deaton's pioneering work on poverty measurement and global wellbeing complements Sachs's transformative contributions to constitutional jurisprudence and human rights.

Sir Angus Deaton will receive his award in a separate ceremony. Justice Sachs will be present at the Sept. 10 event.

Media availability:
Justice Albie Sachs will be available for interviews following the formal program.

About the Payne Research Center
The Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center is the research and policy arm of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The center conducts rigorous, evidence-based research that informs policy, shapes public discourse and drives institutional improvement. Named for one of TMCF's visionary founders, the center produces groundbreaking scholarship documenting institutional impact and identifying pathways to strengthen educational institutions and communities. For more information, visit tmcfpayne.org.

About the Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black college community. TMCF member schools include the publicly supported historically Black colleges and universities, predominantly Black institutions and historically Black community colleges, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending Black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit tmcf.org.

Dr. Clara Ross Stamps
Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center
clara.stamps@tmcf.org