Weathering the Storm: Black Male Employment in the Recession

June 19, 2009, 12:00pm - 1:15pm

The recession is taking a toll on most Americans and has resulted in job losses not seen in almost 25 years. There are less jobs available, but black men have long faced limited employment prospects and disproportionately high rates of unemployment. To address this crisis, policymakers are actively focused on creating more jobs, but the issues that impact black men go beyond job creation.

Please join the Center for American Progress for a discussion that will explore the root causes of black men's difficulties in the labor market and examine policy solutions that will reduce inequities and promote equal opportunity. Speakers will address the current status of black men's labor market participation; race-based employment discrimination; barriers to employment posed by criminal records; and relevant legislative approaches to eliminating barriers to work.