Tampa activists talk about unemployment and health in Black communities

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics from July 2025, the unemployment rate for all workers was 3.1%. For Black Americans, unemployment was 4.6%.

TAMPA, Fla. — For many Americans, drawing a paycheck is a growing problem. For some groups more than for others, as Tampa moved away this year from a key committee addressing inequality.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics from July of 2025 showed an unemployment rate in the U.S. of 4.6% for Black Americans, compared to 3.1% for all workers. According to the Labor Department, in August, nearly 2 million people dealt with long-term unemployment, which means that they were out of work for at least 27 weeks.

During a conversation about health, unemployment in Black communities was highlighted as activist Connie Burton and business consultant Daryl Hyche, talked about the topics.

Burton was the chairperson of Tampa’s Racial Reconciliation Committee. She said that history shows up in today’s finances, quality of life and conflict. Hyche said that unemployment adds salt to the wound.

“You cannot ignore history,” Burton said. “The thought of repairing damages will never be done with me and many in the community.”

The City Council dissolved the Racial Reconciliation Committee. Burton sees that as losing potential progress.

“It could’ve been the model. The model of showing how we bring back people into society,” Burton added.

Without the committee, the activists think they must look within.

“News flash! Nobody is coming to help Black people!” Hyche said.

“I know how to do my own nails, or maybe I can find a sister that can do my nails,” Burton said.

Hyche points to unemployment, specifically.

“I gotta wake up, expecting the unexpected,” Hyche said. “This is also the greatest opportunity.”

“We’re not needed in ways of our greatest talent at the table, so we have to build our own table now,” Hyche added.

Drawing strength from pictures of the past, they hope to reframe the future. Hyche encourages people to explore entrepreneurship through Tampa’s Entrepreneurship Support Hub.