A disturbing trend is emerging among Black women in America.
The unemployment rate among Black women is growing more quickly than the general population, even outpacing that of Black men.
“These are educated, degreed, successful, tax-paying, law-abiding, dedicated, hardworking Black women across these United States of America who have found themselves out of work,” said media personality Sheletta Brundidge, owner of ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com, a multimedia production and podcasting company, and host on WCCO Radio.
In January, the unemployment rate for Black women stood at 5.4%, well above the overall rate of 4%. By August, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the the unemployment rate for Black women had risen sharply to 7.5%.
Those statistics are reflected in the local job picture. According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, 9,018 Black women in Minnesota filed for unemployment benefits between the months of February and April.
“We about to change that in Minnesota,” Brundidge vowed. “I'm hosting a Job Fair and Brunch and I promise it ain't no regular job fair.”
Brundidge’s Job Fair and Brunch for Black Women is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 17, from 9 am to noon at The Coliseum at 2708 E Lake St. in Minneapolis. It is free and open to all.
It will bring together job seekers and employers and hiring managers and promises to be anything but stuffy. The event will include a raffle where two lucky winners will have their November mortgage or rent paid by ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com and Spotlight Staffing LLC.
“We’re making mimosas, making mortgage payments, and making sure these Black women find jobs,” Brundidge said.
Terace Johnson, CEO of Spotlight Staffing, is planning to look for talent at the Job Fair. Her company specializes in direct hire recruitment for multiple industries, including healthcare, finance, accounting, skilled labor, manufacturing, and education.
“I’m seeing a growing number of Black women looking for work,” Johnson said. “I am a career-driven young Black woman, and this is something that is truly important. We need to uplift our community right now.”
Job losses among Black women are attributed to federal job cuts, the rollback of DEI programs and the overall slowdown in the economy.
Job fair attendees will have the opportunity to connect with employers who are looking to fill their own needs.
“We have to reflect who we serve in healthcare,” said Jim Platten, workforce job navigator for M Health Fairview. “The more diverse we are, the better we are because patients have a better experience and more trust.”
Attendees will also get help with updating resumes and job seeking skills.
“Some of these Black women have been on the job for more than 30 years. They don’t have LinkedIn profiles,” Brundidge added. “The Job Fair will offer tips and strategies for them to put their best foot forward. It’s a win-win for everyone. When Black women do well, this country does well.”
Learn more about the Job Fair and Brunch for Black Women on Friday, Oct. 17, here.