The NPR Politics Podcast Top Biden Labor Economist: Boosting Black Women Benefits Everyone
Apr 6, 2021
Janelle Jones discusses her groundbreaking role as the first Black woman top economist at the Labor Department. She highlights the unique economic challenges faced by Black women and advocates for a 'Black Women Best' approach. The conversation emphasizes the need for inclusive economic recovery, lessons from past crises, and the transformative power of infrastructure investments. Jones also addresses the ambitious economic plans of the Biden administration and the political hurdles they must overcome to achieve real change for marginalized communities.
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Persistent Racial Disparity in Unemployment
- Black unemployment is roughly twice the white unemployment rate, a troubling constant in the US economy.
- This disparity persists regardless of economic fluctuations, highlighting deeper structural issues.
Black Women Best Framework
- Janelle Jones introduced "Black Women Best," a framework for evaluating economic health.
- It centers policies on marginalized groups, particularly Black women, believing their success benefits everyone.
Inclusive Recovery and Biden's Plan
- Jones argues for an inclusive recovery, citing past economic growth where Black women's unemployment remained high until 2018.
- President Biden's plan aims to rebuild the middle class and invest in public institutions.