The Chicago Urban League says there needs to be a unified economic plan for the city’s African Americans. The organization took part in a joint poll with The Nielsen Company that was released yesterday. Leaders say the poll indicates that if Chicago wants to be a global city, it can’t leave behind the black community.

Lack of quality education is a barrier for African-American success. Inattentive parents and lack of a stable home environment are barriers for kids achieving a high school diploma.

These themes reoccurred for the 500 black Chicagoans polled. Urban League CEO Cheryle Jackson recommends more workforce training collaborations, increased public school funding and training for budding entrepreneurs.

JACKSON: Some of these policies have been around but we bring to it is the advocacy voice of the Chicago Urban League to push for some of these issues.

She says the organization is looking to partner with churches and other organizations.

I’m Natalie Moore, Chicago Public Radio.