AMERICAN-AFRICAN INCARCERATION STATISTICS:
The statistics on African American incarceration in the United States are troubling. According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, as of 2020, African Americans make up approximately 33% of the incarcerated population in the United States, despite comprising only about 13% of the overall population.
Furthermore, African American males are six times more likely to be incarcerated than white males and African American females are twice as likely to be incarcerated as white females. The incarceration rate for African American women has also been rising faster than any other group in recent years.
These disparities are often attributed to a range of factors, including racial bias in policing and the criminal justice system, economic and educational inequalities, and other systemic issues. They have far-reaching social and economic consequences, not only for the individuals and families affected but also for the broader community and society as a whole.
AMERICAN-AFRICAN UNEMPLOYMENT STATISTICS:
As of 2021, the unemployment rate for African Americans in the United States was 8.2%, which is higher than the overall unemployment rate for the country, which was 5.2% at the same time. However, it’s important to note that the unemployment rate for African Americans has historically been higher than for other groups, even during times of economic growth and stability.
Additionally, African Americans are more likely to be in low-paying jobs and experience longer periods of unemployment than other groups. They also face barriers to education and job training, which can limit their opportunities for advancement and contribute to ongoing disparities in employment outcomes.
It’s worth noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on African American employment, with higher rates of job loss and economic hardship in this community compared to others. The pandemic has exacerbated longstanding inequalities in the labor market and highlighted the urgent need for policies and programs that address these disparities.