50+ African American Workers: A Status Report, Implications, and Recommendations

Half a century after the civil rights movement began, African Americans continue to struggle in the workplace, but are uniquely positioned to take advantage of the jobs projected to be in high demand. These challenges, magnified by the 2007-09 recession and its legacy of high unemployment, begin when they start working and continue until they retire. Although the status of younger African American workers is regularly studied and debated, the role that African Americans age 50 and older play in the labor force has received little attention, even as employers and policymakers begin to focus on the challenges and opportunities created by an aging workforce. … Back to Article