Recent cuts in available jobs on the market point to a broader effort eliminating DEI programs and civil rights protections. Job losses tied to DEI cuts are hitting Black women hardest, pushing many toward entrepreneurship.
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by Teri DeePublic News Service
CHICAGO - As President Donald Trump continues to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion policies, thousands of Black women in Indiana and nationwide are losing their jobs. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show the unemployment rate for Black women increased nearly 1.5% from January to December of last year. That includes thousands in federal roles laid off because of budget cuts. To cover living expenses, many of these workers must apply for full or partial government assistance. Chiquita Hall-Jackson, an employment and civil rights attorney, said she believes economic uncertainty and job losses linked to Trump’s orders have hit Black women hardest. "The government is the number one employer of Black people, including Black women," she said. "If the government is controlled by this administration, especially for employment, and they come in and wipe out positions with buyouts, early retirement and ultimately firing and targeting Black people in their roles, especially leadership roles, this is where we land."
Black women are increasingly using entrepreneurship to create income streams.
Hall-Jackson said she believes the mass layoffs ordered by Trump follow the tactics outlined in Project 2025, a conservative initiative that broadly promotes rolling back civil rights protections for women and eliminating DEI programs. She said in conversations with jobless Black women, she has learned they prefer not to seek government aid because of childhood poverty or their parents’ opposition to seeking federal help. The rise of artificial intelligence is causing concerns for people trying to re-enter the workforce. A Reuters-Ipsos poll finds 71% of respondents are concerned AI could permanently put too many people out of work. If severance pay is included during a job exit, Hall-Jackson suggested Black women should consider options outside of pursuing a career change. "Invest that money into a startup, some kind of stock," she suggested. "Find what investment vehicle works for you so you can maximize that money in case there’s an emergency." Black women are increasingly using entrepreneurship to create income streams. A Wells Fargo 2025 report shows the number of Black women-owned businesses rose more than 7% throughout the year. The number of businesses owned by Black women increased by 33% between 2019 and 2023.
