It's Been a Minute Is the economy slowing? Ask Black women.
Oct 8, 2025
Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, an author and researcher on economic inequality, and Ofranama Biu, a chief economist, explore the alarming rise in Black women's unemployment, now at 6.7%. They pinpoint systemic issues and highlight how Black women serve as economic bellwethers. Discussing occupational crowding and unique workplace barriers, they emphasize the lasting impacts of job losses on this demographic, debunking myths about motivation. Their conversation concludes with insightful policy solutions and practical tips for empowerment.
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Black Women As Economic Early Warning
- Black women sit at overlapping axes of inequality, making them early indicators of economic stress.
- Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman argues this positioning lets Black women reveal broader crises before they hit the rest of the country.
Labor Signals Predict Broader Economic Health
- Rising unemployment and falling labor-force participation among Black women often presage wider labor-market downturns.
- Ofranama Biu notes that less discrimination and better inclusion raise GDP and overall productivity.
Workplace Dynamics Undercut Black Women's Mobility
- Black women face unique retention and promotion barriers on predominantly white teams.
- Anna cites research showing these dynamics uniquely harm Black women's career progression.
