The current degree of job loss among Black men is catastrophic and these losses will likely only increase as the economic crisis deepens.
That's according to the Center for American Progress, which today released a report titled "Weathering the Storm: Black Men in the Recession."
The report, authored by CAP research associate Alexandra Cawthorne, addresses how the current recession, which has resulted in job losses not seen in almost 25 years, is affecting Black men especially hard.
According to the thinktank, policymakers must address the root causes of Black men's difficulties in the labor market, including high rates of incarceration, limited education, child support arrearages, and discrimination.
The report identifies key areas -- high unemployment, worsened labor market turmoil, and the resulting social costs -- that must be addressed to reduce inequities and promote equal opportunity in the labor market, and promote access to meaningful employment opportunities for Black men.
The Center recommends these steps for policymakers as they address this important and complex problem:
- Combat racial discrimination by employers
- Modernize the Unemployment Insurance system
- Support the Employee Free Choice Act
- Improve education and early links to the labor market
- Support the creation of "green jobs" in low-income communities
- Develop comprehensive re-entry services for ex-offenders
