Why Black Unemployment Just Rose to Its Highest Level Since January 2022

July 10, 2025

Unemployment among Black Americans rose to 6. 8% in June 2023, reaching its highest level since January 2022, while the national unemployment rate decreased to 4. 1% with 147,000 jobs added overall.

Who is affected

Black Americans experiencing a 6.8% unemployment rate (up from 6% in May)
Workers in transportation, warehousing, and utilities industries
Federal government employees (7,000 jobs lost in the previous month)
Black Americans employed in federal positions (particularly those in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs)
Businesses struggling with planning due to policy uncertainty

What action is being taken

The Trump administration is conducting an "aggressive downsizing of the federal government" which shed 7,000 jobs in the previous month
The administration is targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs
Businesses are holding back on hiring while trying to navigate tariffs and policy uncertainty
The economy is maintaining job growth primarily in specific sectors (health care, local government, and hospitality)

Why it matters

The increasing Black unemployment rate (6.8%) contrasts sharply with the declining national rate (4.1%)
Black Americans typically face economic challenges earlier and more severely during economic slowdowns
The disparity highlights existing gaps in income, wealth, financial savings, and home ownership between Black and White Americans
The concentrated job growth in only a few industries suggests broader economic vulnerability
The situation demonstrates how government policies and economic uncertainty can disproportionately impact marginalized communities

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint