Executive
Summary
​​Project Noir is a survey and report to determine whether the Cleveland-Lorain-Youngstown-Akron metropolitan areas remains the “worst” region in America for Black Women.
Project Noir Survey Methodology
Project Noir survey is designed to assess the interpersonal tactics and behaviors that contribute to gender and race-based inequalities, with a methodology that centers the lived experiences of Black Women. Our framework prioritizes community input, using feedback analysis and consistent iteration to shape and refine new questions.
A remarkable 1,324 Black Women from rural, suburban and metropolitan areas across Northeast Ohio—including Cleveland, Lorain, Youngstown and Akron—participated in Project Noir 2024, triple our response rate from 2020!
What is Project Noir's Community Impact?
Since the release of Project Noir 2020, our work has ignited a number of impactful initiatives, and we take pride in our progress and reach throughout Northeast Ohio.
Enlightened Solutions authored the white paper that led to the creation of the Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls — the first of its kind department specifically for Black Women and girls in the nation. This idea was born directly from the themes and insights of Project Noir 2020.
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Another is the standout creative endeavor, Living For We a NPR/Ideastream podcast hosted by veteran health equity reporter, Marlene Harris-Taylor. This podcast, based in part on our research, won a 2024 People's Voice Webby Award and 2024 Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
PROJECT NOIR TIMELINE • PROJECT NOIR TIMELINE • PROJECT NOIR TIMELINE •
