Post Classifieds
Overall unemployment rate decreases while African-American unemployment rate increases
By Nick Mutschler
On April 15, 2011
The unemployment rate of African-Americans has increased in March while the unemployment rate as a whole has dropped to its lowest point in two years, according to an April report by the Federal Bureau of
Labor Statistics (BLS.)
Overall unemployment fell to 8.8 percent in March. The economy added approximately 216,000
jobs, the Labor Department announced Friday. This indicates a recovering economy, though African-
Americans are not feeling this improvement to the same extent as other demographics. The African
American unemployment rate has increased from 15.3 to 15.5 in March, according to the BLS.
African Americans, especially African-American men, are the least affected by these advances. African
American men have a 16.8 percent unemployment rate; almost double their white male equivalents,
which have an unemployment rate of 7.7 percent, according to the BLS.
"I think the main problem is we don't have enough of young African-Americans going on to higher
education. It has been a long term problem that needs to truly be addressed," said 35-year-old College
Park resident Stephen Williams.
The relationship between education and higher paying jobs is shared for every race, but it is particularly
true in the African-American demographic. In 2008, the high school dropout rate for African-Americans
was 9.9%, almost double that of whites, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
College entry rates are also lower for African-Americans.
"We (National Urban League) have always said that education is the key to job performance and
upper mobility. It is the key to getting out of the bad situation and raising ones standard of living," said
Maudine R. Cooper, President and CEO of the Greater Washington National Urban League.
The numbers for unemployed teenagers, which usually show high unemployment, are even more
striking for African American teenagers. Their unemployment rate is near 50 percent, more than double
the national average of 21 percent, according to the latest US Labor Department figures.
"There are so many unemployed people right now that employers can have their pick. They can hire
people who have degrees and they can hire people who look like them because of their comfort level.
It's really kind of simple. Employers need to change their outlook and not hire overqualified individuals
into entry level jobs," said Cooper.
The National Urban League, (NUL,) a non-partisan civil rights organization, will be offering a set of
proposals to members of Congress in the coming months which include providing funding for a summer
youth jobs program and creating 100 urban job training schools. They also are encouraging more African
American's to train for jobs in information and communication technology, one of the least pursued
career paths for minorities.
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
Recent The Munch News Articles
Decreased Consumer Confidence in the US
Lackluster job prospects caused the consumer sentiment rating to drop in April while consumer confidence rebounded from a March ...
Summer Job Outlook Increases
Maryland students looking for part-time work this summer should find it easier to land a job, according to labor research company ...
Increased Competition for Job Positions
Graduating seniors at Maryland are entering an improving, extremely competitive entry-level job market where experience is key, ...
Discuss This Article
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST THE MUNCH NEWS
RECENT THE MUNCH CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- Salonpas® Brand Stands the Test of Time
- Tips to “Yard Your Way” This Spring
- Upgraded Upstate Power Grid Will Deliver a Smarter,...
- A Story To Sing About
- The Gap in Gum Care: Why Caring For Your Teeth’s F...
- Top Tips for Signature Scents and Better-Smelling Laundry
- A Dog Trainer’s Top Tips to Support Pets Through Life S...
- Clear the Air of Indoor Pollutants This Spring
- Stroke & Dementia in Black Men: Tips for Staying Healthy...
- Hispanics and African Americans at Higher Risk for Eye...
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- New Expo Showcases AI Innovation
- Self-Care and Mental Health Tips for Caregivers
- Adventure Awaits: Discover the Playset that Brings...
- Need Auto Glass Repair? Don’t Despair
- Pioneering Fast and Affordable Broadband for the Underserved
- 7 Reasons Renting an RV Should Be On Every Family’s S...
- Don’t Let Diabetes Shortchange Your Golden Years
- No Child is Forgotten By Marine Toys for Tots
- Sweeten Your Springtime Salads With Healthy Chilean Grapes
- Young Author Translates 4,000-Year-Old Text to Reveal...
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- Guidenar Launches New Career Test for Gen Z
- GotIt! Education Offers MathGPT Free to All State & Community Colleges
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Semiconductor Research Corp unveils 2024 Research Call, $13.8M Funding
- Charles River Associates Opens Second Scholarship Cycle, Expands to the UK
