Economists say the slowdown is hitting jobs that are more vulnerable — like entry-level positions or federal jobs.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The job market may look steady overall — but for many Black Americans, it’s a different story.
Black unemployment is rising at the fastest pace in years. The national unemployment rate for Black Americans is now 7.2%. That’s the highest level since 2021. For comparison, the overall U.S. unemployment rate is just 4.2%.
What’s surprising is that education isn’t protecting workers. Even Black college graduates are struggling. Their unemployment rate has nearly doubled in just a few months.
Economists say the slowdown is hitting jobs that are more vulnerable, like entry-level positions or federal jobs. Those are roles where many Black workers have historically found stability.
The numbers have a human cost. Families are falling behind on rent, and even people with advanced degrees say they can’t find steady work.
Experts warn this could erase years of progress in closing the racial employment gap, and with diversity programs being cut back, recovery could take even longer.