You are invited to attend a February 16th forum sponsored by EPI’s Program on Race, Ethnicity and the Economy.

While all demographic groups have endured high rates of unemployment in the wake of the Great Recession, African Americans have seen the highest levels.  In 2011, the black unemployment rate averaged 15.8 percent—twice the white average of 7.9 percent.  Even during good economic times, the black unemployment rate is typically about twice the white rate.  In 2007, when the white unemployment rate averaged 4.1 percent, the black rate averaged 8.3 percent.

During 2011, the overall reduction in the unemployment rate was reflected in declining rates for both whites and Latinos, yet the unemployment rate for African Americans was the same at the beginning of 2011 as it was at year’s end.

Join us for a panel that explores about what should be done to reduce high black unemployment today, and what should be done to break the 2-to-1 black-to-white unemployment rate ratio that persists even in good economic times.

Panelists

Algernon Austin, Director, Program on Race, Ethnicity and the Economy

Tanya Clay House, Director of Public Policy, Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Brandon Garrett, Policy Director, Congressional Black Caucus

Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) (invited)

Thursday, February 16, 2012

9:00 – 10:45 am

(Registration opens at 8:45 am)

Continental breakfast will be available.

This event is free, but we ask that you register HERE.

Location

Economic Policy Institute

1333 H Street, NW

Suite 300

Washington, DC 20005