The life expectancy of black men who were considered white was longer

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Research reports that black men who managed to make themselves white had a longer lifespan than black men. It has been estimated that between 1880 and 1940, 300,000 racialized men did this, taking advantage of their relatively clear skin (they had passinga). This allowed them to enjoy certain rights that were denied to Blacks; as a result, their life was 9.4 months longer, on average, than that of those who had a typical Black lifestyle.

To be considered white, they had to give up their environment, their culture and their relationships until then. On the other hand, they had better levels of education and jobs. According to the researchers, these two variables were essential for extending life expectancy.