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Report Shows Black and Latino Americans are Disproportionately Affected by Economic Downturn
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Economic Policy Institute produces report showing African American and Hispanic workers will continue bearing unemployment burden more heavily through 2010
Statement by Deepak Bhargava, executive director of the Center for Community Change.
Contact: Mary Moreno, (202) 339-9316, mmoreno@communitychange.org
Washington – Today, the Economic Policy Institute released an analysis applying Moody’s unemployment projections to state by state demographic data, and found that unemployment will continue to increase at least through the second quarter of 2010, with the heaviest toll suffered by African American and Latino workers. Deepak Bhargava, executive director of the Center for Community Change, released the following statement:
“This economic downturn has hurt everyone, but not surprisingly communities that were struggling to find good, stable employment before the economy soured have been hardest hit. Hispanic unemployment is projected to approach 18 percent in California and Nevada, while African American unemployment will be worst in Michigan, where nearly one in four are projected to lose their jobs.
“These figures are frightening. This is why the Center continues to push for special consideration from the federal government for these communities; this is why we pushed for reserving a percentage of stimulus jobs for minority workers.
“Our elected officials must do more to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. It has always been America’s strength that we care for each other and believe in shared responsibility and shared sacrifice. We are all connected to each other and interdependent. It’s time we help these communities rise, for the sake of our country."
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The Center for Community Change has strengthened the leadership, voice and power of low-income communities nationwide since 1968 to confront the vital issues of today and build the social movements of tomorrow. www.communitychange.org
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