In April 2025, Black women experienced a significant setback in the U.S. labor market, losing 106,000 jobs. This, according to the most recent jobs report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pushed their unemployment rate up to 6.1% from 5.1% in March. This decline occurred despite the overall national unemployment rate remaining at 4.2%, signaling a troubling disparity. The net job loss among Black women starkly contrasts with the broader economy, which added 175,000 jobs in the same period.

The job losses among Black women were notably higher compared to other demographic groups, highlighting systemic barriers that persist in the labor market. Economists have pointed to several contributing factors. One significant element is the reduction in federal jobs, historically providing stable employment opportunities for Black women. Additionally, the recent rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in major industries has led to decreased support and advancement opportunities for Black women in the workplace. 

Occupational segregation also plays a role. Black women are disproportionately represented in sectors like healthcare, education, and service industries—areas more vulnerable to economic fluctuations. When cuts occur in these fields, Black women are often the first to feel the impact, deepening the divide in employment security.

Historically, Black women have faced higher unemployment rates compared to their white counterparts. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that since 1972, the unemployment rate for Black women has consistently exceeded that of white women, reflecting longstanding inequities in access to stable, high-paying jobs. According to the National Women’s Law Center, Black women are also more likely to be employed in low-wage jobs, with 26.5% earning less than $15 an hour, compared to 15.2% of white women. These statistics underscore a broader issue of economic vulnerability rooted in systemic inequality.

The loss of employment among Black women has profound implications for the Black community. As primary breadwinners in many households, their economic stability often dictates the well-being of entire families. Job losses reduce household income and limit access to critical resources like healthcare, education, and housing stability. This can have generational effects, widening the wealth gap and stunting economic mobility.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, Black women face a median wealth of just $200 compared to $15,640 for white women. This disparity grows even larger for Black single mothers, whose median wealth is estimated at just $0. Job loss, especially on this scale, exacerbates these inequities, making recovery even more challenging.