Social media might be filled with job announcements and #BlackGirlMagic wins, but the reality behind the scenes tells a different story. If you’re a Black woman scrolling through LinkedIn while sipping a matcha latte, wondering why your job search is giving “crickets,” you’re not alone — and it’s not your fault.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and a report from The 19th, Black women’s unemployment just hit 5.8% in June. That’s after three straight months of unsettling increases — from 5.1% in March, up to 6.2% in May. Compare that to white and Asian women chilling near a 3% rate, and you’ll see why economists are sounding the alarm.
It’s even more wild when you realize that Black women lost 38,000 jobs in April alone — more than any other group. And overall, 106,000 more became unemployed that same month, as AFROTECH reported. It’s giving “we keep the world turning, but still get left behind.”
Let’s keep it real: Black women have the highest labor force participation of any group of women. We’re the nurses, the teachers, the analysts, the administrators — the essential workers and the heartbeat of the federal government. So why are we seeing such a stark decline?
“The unusual nature of this increase in Black women’s unemployment is a testament to and a direct result of the anti-DEI and anti-Black focus of the new administration’s policies,” said economist William Michael Cunningham to Black Enterprise. “This is demonstrably damaging to the Black community, something we have not seen before.”
Yep, you read that right. With diversity, equity, and inclusion roles on the chopping block — the very same roles largely staffed by Black women — job cuts hit us hard. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) slashed thousands of federal jobs, disproportionately affecting Black women working in agencies like the U.S. Department of Education and Health and Human Services. In the 5 months since February, 266,000 Black women lost jobs. That’s the largest drop since the start of the pandemic.
And while we’re often the first hired for mission-driven work, we’re also the first let go when things tighten up. So let’s pivot this real concern into a plan. The world might be wildin’, but your resilience is unmatched. Here’s how to stay ready — and maybe even level up — despite the odds:
1. Recession-proof your skillset.
Brush up on tech skills, project management, or data analytics. Free tools like Coursera, Skillshare, or Google’s Career Certificates are the perfect budget–friendly option to level up..
2. Tap into the community.
Join digital hubs like The Well, Black Girls in Tech, Sisters in Media, or even LinkedIn groups for Black professionals. A referral beats a résumé any day.
3. Know your worth — and protect it.
Update your résumé with quantifiable wins. Don’t just say you worked in comms — say you led a digital strategy that grew engagement by 45%. Own your magic with receipts.
4. Side hustle with strategy.
From consulting to virtual tutoring to Notion templates and content creation, your talents are monetizable. You don’t need to burn out — just align your passions with your pockets.
5. Stay in the know.
Economic trends affect us first, but if we see them coming, we can move smarter. Follow platforms like AFROTECH, For(bes) the Culture, and MVEMNT for news that actually speaks to us.
So yes, the numbers are concerning. But they don’t define our future — we do. We’ve always been the backbone, the blueprint, the brilliance. And while the current systems may be shaky, Black women have always been in the business of building new ones.
Keep your head up, your tabs open, and your power activated. The workforce wasn’t built with us in mind, but the future? Oh, that’s definitely Black and woman-led.
Cover photo: Black Women Deserve Better: How to Thrive Amid Rising Job Cuts and Unemployment Trends/Photo Credit: Shutterstock