Pressley to Powell: Address Black Women’s Unemployment

Are you keeping an eye on the job market? Because if you are, you might have noticed some concerning trends, especially for Black women. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley is sounding the alarm, urging Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to take immediate action as the unemployment rate for Black women continues to climb at a disproportionate rate.

The Alarming Numbers

In a letter sent on September 8, 2025, Pressley highlighted that in August, a staggering 6.7% of Black women were unemployed. To put that in perspective, it’s significantly higher than the national average of 4.3%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This isn’t just a blip; it’s a continuation of a worrying trend.

As AFROTECH™ reported previously, Black women have faced elevated unemployment rates for months. The numbers have steadily increased, from 5.1% in March to a peak of 6.2% in May, before a slight dip in June. Pressley emphasizes that this disparity is a critical indicator of the overall health of the U.S. economy.

Why This Matters

Pressley points out that Black women are not only highly represented in higher education and entrepreneurship but also disproportionately serve as the primary breadwinners for their families. When this key demographic faces significant job losses, it sends shockwaves through households and the broader economy.

She warns that with overall job openings and hires decreasing since July 2024, the current economic outlook should be viewed as a serious red flag for the entire country. This isn’t just about individual job losses; it’s about economic stability for many families.

Contributing Factors

Several factors are contributing to this crisis, according to Pressley. She cites mass federal workforce layoffs and ongoing attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, particularly those escalated under the Trump administration. Black women are overrepresented in the federal workforce, making them particularly vulnerable to these cuts.

The numbers are stark: between February and March, Black women experienced the largest job loss since mid-2020. Over the past year, their representation in federal jobs has declined by an estimated 33%, a much steeper drop than the overall federal workforce. This suggests a targeted impact on this demographic.

A Call for Federal Reserve Action

Pressley argues that these policies are harming the economy by removing the valuable contributions of Black women. She insists that the Federal Reserve must adjust its approach to ensure a fair economy, especially in light of what she calls “fiscally irresponsible policies from the White House.”

She has formally requested a detailed plan from Chair Powell by September 30, 2025, outlining how the Fed intends to address the rising unemployment rate among Black women. It’s a clear demand for accountability and proactive measures.