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“Black love is about showing up for each other, even when the world is against us.” — Taraji P. Henson

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Happy Valentine’s Day, BFA Love Birds! This Valentine's Day, BFA Collective is rolling out a special edition for all the lovers and friends out there. With 2025 poised to shatter spending records, a whopping $27.5 billion is expected to be splurged nationwide on the holiday, translating to an average of $188.81 per person—that's a lot of flowers and chocolates! Let BFA Collective help you make this Valentine's Day not just another holiday, but a celebration of love in all its forms.

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Black Love by the Numbers: The Truth Behind the Trends

Black love is evolving in surprising ways. While social media narratives often paint one-sided pictures, the data reveals a deeper, more complex reality. Here’s what the numbers say:

Marriage & Commitment

• 30% of Black Americans are married, compared to 48% of the U.S. population overall.

• 83% of Black men earning $100K+ are married to a Black woman.

• Black women are less likely to marry outside their race, with only 7% doing so.

• 52% of Black men have never been married (up from 43% in 1990).

• For Black women, the percentage of those never married grew to 49% in 2022 (up from 37% in 1990).

Divorce & Relationships

• 38.9% of Black women and 38.7% of Black men have been divorced—higher than other racial groups.

• The average divorce rate for Black marriages is 30.8%, lower than the 42% national average.

Singlehood & Dating

• 50% of Black adults have never been married, compared to 34% of the general U.S. population.

• 47% of Black adults in the U.S. were single in 2020, compared to 28% of White adults.

• In 2023, Black women earned 92% of what Black men earned.

• Black women are the least likely to receive replies on dating apps, even from Black men.

What This Means for Black Love

Black love is not static—it is shifting, adapting, and redefining itself with each generation. Whether through marriage, singlehood, or digital dating, the pursuit of love and connection remains central. As ESSENCE magazine puts it, this data isn’t just numbers—it’s a reflection of where Black love stands today and where it’s headed next.

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Boyz II Men

Boyz II Men's "I'll Make Love to You" perfectly captures the spirit of Valentine's Day with its heartfelt, soulful tune and lyrics that speak of closeness and commitment. It's an ideal choice for a romantic evening, truly embodying the essence of the holiday.

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