my day for chuckles)...but in answer to your fundamental question...here's an AI summary of why fewer Black citizens than White don't have Photo IDs...
---------------------
AI Overview
According to research by the Brennan Center for Justice, 25% of Black voters lack acceptable photo ID, and 13% of Black adults do not possess any photo identification, according to Project Vote.
The disparity in photo ID ownership among Black Americans is attributed to several interconnected factors:
Historical Discrimination: During the Jim Crow era, many Black people were denied access to certain hospitals and therefore never received birth certificates, creating lasting generational barriers to obtaining the necessary documentation for a photo ID.
Poverty: Black communities face higher rates of poverty and are more likely to hold low-wage jobs, making the costs associated with obtaining and maintaining a photo ID, such as fees and transportation costs to ID offices, prohibitive.
Bureaucratic Obstacles: Accessing photo ID offices can be challenging, particularly for those in rural areas or with limited transportation. Many offices operate only during business hours, reports Democracy Docket. Additionally, obtaining the required underlying documents, such as birth certificates, can be complex and involve further time, effort, and expense.
Discriminatory Practices: Black communities are disproportionately impacted by discriminatory policing practices, such as searches and fines, which can lead to suspended driver's licenses at higher rates, further hindering access to a crucial form of photo ID.
These factors highlight the systemic barriers that Black Americans face in obtaining photo identification, contributing to the lower rates of ownership compared to other racial groups.
-----------------