Now the obstacles. Studies have consistently ranked the region as one of the worst locations in the United States for blacks to live and work. Joblessness is the main reason. When placed in a social context, the impact of joblessness on Black Buffalo becomes more apparent. In essence, work shapes their perception of the world and dictates their relationship to others.
Work generates the quality of life in a society still defined by class.
Where blacks in Buffalo work determines their problems, and dictates how they will fare economically and socially. Simply put, the fate of Black Buffalo is tied to the regional economy and its ability to gain access to good jobs and opportunities. This is bad news. For most of the last half of the 20th century, Buffalo and its surrounding region experienced clear patterns of economic decline. Buffalo's regional economy is a frail, dependent and marginally competitive service economy anchored by government and the big non-profit sector, including education, hospitals, retail trade and health, financial and related services.