Black Women Lost 106,000 Jobs in April: A Closer Look at the Data

In April 2025, Black women recorded the largest job loss of any racial or gender group in the United States, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While the national economy added 175,000 jobs overall, the number of employed Black women declined by 106,000—from 10.325 million in March to 10.219 million in April.

During that same period, the unemployment rate for Black women rose from 5.1% to 6.1%, the steepest increase across any demographic, as highlighted by The Grio. These job losses came despite a stable national unemployment rate, which remained at 4.2%, and marked a concerning reversal in workforce participation for a group often overlooked in employment narratives.

In addition to rising unemployment, the labor force participation rate for Black women edged down to 61.2%, suggesting a number of individuals may have exited the labor market altogether. Economists say this signals more than just a dip in hiring—it suggests displacement from the workforce itself.

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Several structural issues contributed to the downturn. One of the most notable was a reduction in federal government employment, which lost 9,000 jobs in April alone. Federal positions have historically been a pathway to economic stability for Black women, particularly in roles tied to education, public health, and administration.

William Michael Cunningham, an economist who closely follows racial trends in employment, stated that the increase in unemployment among Black women may also be linked to the pullback of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in both the public and private sectors. As cited by Black Enterprise, Cunningham emphasized that such policy changes have tangible economic effects, especially on those historically underrepresented in leadership roles and stable industries.

These job losses don’t just reflect shifting labor trends—they bring up broader questions about how economic recovery is being distributed, and who may be getting left behind in the process. Bacon Magazine will continue to follow this story as more data becomes available and report developments relevant to our readership.