Report: Unemployment Among Black Americans Reaches Highest Level Since Pandemic
The unemployment rate for Black Americans surged to 7.2% in July, marking its highest point since the COVID-19 pandemic peak in October 2021.
This figure is nearly double the rate for white workers (3.7%) and significantly higher than the national average of 4.2%, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor. The increase has raised concerns among economists who view it as a potential early indicator of a broader economic slowdown, as Black workers are often the first to face layoffs.
The rise in unemployment is being attributed to a combination of factors. The Africanews report and other sources suggest that the high rate is a “canary in the coal mine” for a weakening economy, as Black Americans are disproportionately employed in temporary and lower-paying jobs. The decline is also linked to the current administration’s stance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, with the Africanews article suggesting that the administration’s anti-DEI policies are influencing the private sector and contributing to a hostile environment for Black workers.
Furthermore, a significant number of job cuts within the federal workforce, where Black Americans are overrepresented, are also cited as a contributing factor. The data reveals that women have been particularly impacted, with over 300,000 Black women losing their jobs in the first half of the year. This widening racial disparity in the job market has prompted warnings from economists about persistent inequalities and a potential emerging trend of a slowing labor market.
