Black Women’s Equal Pay Day is observed on July 27, and just a few days earlier, July 24, marks 14 years since the last time the federal minimum wage was raised. These two days are inextricably connected to the fact that Black women are overrepresented among low-wage workers. Black women and their families have suffered for too long due to Congress’ failure—as well as the failure of many states and localities—to raise the minimum wage. Even though we tend to discuss the pay gap in cents, it adds up to thousands of dollars in lost income each year for Black women, accumulating as severe impacts on retirement and older age. While progress on closing the pay gap has been far too slow, one way that Congress could take meaningful action is by raising the minimum wage.
Watch this recorded event to hear Jocelyn Frye, president of the National Partnership for Women & Families, and Rose Khattar, director of economic analysis for Inclusive Economy at the Center for American Progress, discuss the connection between raising the minimum wage and Black Women’s Equal Pay Day. Edwith Theogene, senior director for Racial Equity and Justice at CAP, will deliver opening remarks.