Congressional Black Caucus
"The Conscience of Congress since 1969"
www.congressionalblackcaucus.net

(Washington, D.C.)- Following today’s announcement regarding the July unemployment numbers the following statement was issued: 

“The July unemployment rate for African Americans dropped slightly to 9.5 percent, according to unemployment numbers released today by the U.S. Department of Labor.  While these numbers reveal a small decline in the number of African Americans who are unemployed, African Americans still lag far behind their White counterparts in jobs and employment opportunities since President Bush took office.  In July, the unemployment rate for White Americans remained unchanged at 4.3 percent.

“In addition, many of this nation’s larger cities are starved for jobs for their residents.  A recent study in Milwaukee, Wisconsin found that 59 percent of African American males in the city are unemployed.  Further, Milwaukee has the highest rate of poverty for African Americans among the nation’s 30 largest cities.  This is simply unacceptable and unfortunately impacts all aspects of life for African Americans.  It also widens the disparities gap for African Americans in health care, retirement security, education, employment security and wealth building.

“The possibility of obtaining a job and developing economic security remains out of reach for too many African Americans.  We call on the President, once again, to show his personal commitment to closing these disparities and call on him to rally the country behind the persistent and unfinished business of closing these disparities. Only then can our country realize its full potential and honor its commitment to provide equal opportunity for all.”

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