Dear Unemployed Black Women

Since March 2025, over 300,000 Black women in the U.S. have lost their jobs. The numbers are staggering, but they don’t tell the whole story. They don’t capture the quiet strength it takes to open your laptop every morning and search again. They don’t reflect the brilliance found in community work, side hustles, caregiving, and leadership that never made it onto a résumé. They don’t honor the tears, the prayers, the pep talks, or the moments when you chose to believe in yourself even when the system didn’t.

I understand what it feels like to be laid off. I know the sting of rejection, the silence after interviews, and the fear of falling behind. But I also know this: you are not alone!

The System Is Flawed, But You Are Not

Unemployment among Black women has risen faster and lasted longer than for any other group. This is not a reflection of your worth; it is a reflection of systemic inequities:

- Unequal access to education

- Biased hiring practices

- Cuts to federal and public-facing roles

- Underinvestment in professional development

These barriers are real, but so is your brilliance.

Your Skills Are Valid, Even If They’re Unrecognized

You’ve led families, organized communities, managed budgets, built brands, and solved problems with creativity and grit. These are fundamental skills, and the right job will recognize them.

Protect Your Peace While You Wait

While you search, I hope you’re also resting. I hope you’re setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and surrounding yourself with people who remind you of your worth. I hope you’re dreaming, not just of a job, but of a future that honors your whole self.

Your Role Is Coming 

It may not look like what you expected. It might come through a connection, a pivot, or a moment of divine timing. But it’s coming. And when it does, you’ll walk into it with the strength of every step you took to get there.

Black woman, I see you, I believe in you, and I’m rooting for you.