African American adults are half as likely to donate blood than whites. In order to understand this difference, African American and white participants completed a survey regarding demographics, medical and donation history, and motivators and barriers. The most agreed upon motivators to blood donation were more convenient place and times, being asked and taking less than hour. Motivator responses which differed by race included donating for infectious disease test and reward, and assurance donating is safe. The most agreed upon barriers were not having a convenient place, not knowing where (response differed by race) and fear of needles, pain and feeling faint.