On Tuesday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released updated preliminary benchmarking data, indicating that nearly fewer jobs were added to the U.S. economy in the 12 months concluding in March 2025—roughly half the number of jobs initially projected.
Indeed, the American economy is on . Furthermore, concerns that the White House might suppress or alter data if it reflects poorly on President Trump’s policies heighten the apprehension. Currently, recent figures are concerning. Only jobs were created in August, significantly below expectations, and job growth sharply over the summer. June saw a loss of 13,000 jobs, marking the first decline since 2020.
Compounding this labor market fragility, the credibility of government economic data is now at risk. Alleging that last month’s modest jobs numbers were “”, President Trump promptly dismissed the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner and appointed to the lead position. Antoni, who previously managed a Twitter account featuring bigoted remarks and conspiracy theories, and who economists across the political spectrum deem , has suggested discontinuing the Bureau’s monthly job report entirely.
With economic data in question, Black women may represent one of our most reliable remaining economic indicators. They serve as the canary in the coal mine for the economy’s health. Given their disproportionate concentration in economically vulnerable sectors such as retail and services, a significant increase in Black women’s unemployment signals potential trouble for the broader economy. They are among the initial demographics to exhibit signs of economic strain, which subsequently impacts other groups.
Black women: The economic canary in the coal mine
During the Great Recession, Black workers were the most severely affected in the labor market, experiencing the unemployment rates throughout the downturn. As the crisis progressed, widespread job losses occurred across all sectors. However, while other populations began to recover, Black women continued to lose jobs even after the recession was officially declared over.
The COVID-19 recession presented a similar trend. Black workers once again encountered unprecedented job losses. Despite historically low unemployment rates in March 2020, the jobless rate for Black women dramatically surged between February and May, reaching —among the highest across all groups, second only to Latina women. Shortly thereafter, unprecedentedly high unemployment rates.
Beyond official government figures, Black women consistently voice concerns that the economy is not adequately serving them or their communities. At the pandemic’s onset, Black women were the likely to be anxious about job loss and paying bills. Their worries proved justified. Over two years later, the unemployment rate for Black women remained (5.3%), whereas the overall unemployment rate for women had returned to February 2020 levels (3.1%).
As history shows, Black women are frequently the first to suffer during a crisis and the last to benefit from recovery. This dual burden reflects the cumulative impact of racism and sexism. As Anna details in her upcoming book, , Black women are prevalent in precarious jobs characterized by low pay, limited security, and minimal benefits, and in the highest paying careers. Even during periods of prosperity, Black women experience promotion rates, receive managerial support, and are typically paid less than white men with comparable or even lower educational attainment. In adverse times, this “Double Tax” imposes an even greater cost because systemic inequities place Black women directly in the path of economic hardship. Consequently, their economic experiences function as a nationwide early warning system, revealing economic shifts even before they appear in broader statistics.
Current economic impact on Black women
So, what is the current situation for Black women? While reliable data is still accessible, indicators suggest the economy is deteriorating. In the spring, unemployment among Black women began to climb, spiking from in March to in August, while most other demographic groups experienced smaller increases or maintained steady rates. Given Black women’s significant presence in public sector jobs, the Trump Administration’s to the federal workforce has likely contributed to over leaving the labor force between February and July. Excluding the pandemic, Black women have not witnessed such staggering job.
These employment statistics are mirrored in Black women’s high levels of financial anxiety. A study by the Highland Project revealed that the percentage of Black women reporting worsened economic conditions in the past year soared from 40% in 2024 to 87% in 2025. Alarmingly, the survey also found that over half of Black women (54%) are currently worried about routine and rising bills, a percentage even higher than during the peak of the pandemic (44%).
This abrupt increase in unemployment and financial concern among Black women is not random; it’s a recurring pattern observed in successive recessions. It is a trend that demands our attention. History demonstrates that Black women’s experiences offer a timely and accurate glimpse into the initial economic vulnerabilities that eventually affect the rest of society. By focusing on Black women, policymakers can identify downturns more quickly and respond sooner, thereby mitigating damage. Therefore, government policies aimed at addressing the needs of those first and hardest hit by a crisis ultimately benefit everyone.
Early warning signs are only valuable if they are heeded. Let us not overlook the warning Black women are once again signaling.
