Dear WFN community,
As we mark the 100th year of commemorating Black history, I’m reminded of the deep pride I feel in learning of and honoring the contributions of Black women—women whose stories are woven into the fabric of America. From Ida B. Wells’ stark reminders that “a man was lynched today” to Fannie Lou Hamer’s truth that “nobody’s free until everybody’s free,” Black women have always been—and continue to be—the mirror this country is forced to face.
The national unemployment average stands at 4.4 percent, while the unemployment rate for Black women is 7.3 percent.
At the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, we are closely tracking the economic realities facing Black women. In our recent analysis, we have taken a deeper look at the jobs and occupations where Black women are experiencing the greatest losses. And last year, we launched the Advancing Black Women in Leadership initiative to confront the systemic barriers that limit our leadership journeys and to fill a critical research gap on the unique challenges we face, and the policy protections needed to secure our place at the leadership table.
History teaches us that Black women will emerge from this period of high unemployment ready to lead in the very sectors where we’re being pushed out. Until then, I urge you to remember that Black women’s leadership is not only central to the success of the institutions we strengthen but also to the survival of this nation. When Black women experience massive job loss, other communities will inevitably follow.
I know well the tremendous pressure non-profit leaders are under at this moment—it is something I carry, ever mindful of the legacy of the Black women leaders on whose shoulders I stand. Because I know that to make our country truly “great”, we must follow the example of Black women and support the organizations fortunate enough to be led by us.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jamila K. Taylor
Institute for Women’s Policy Research
President and CEO