Young Black Women’s Unemployment in Chicago Soars During Pandemic: A New Study Unveils

Introduction: The Unseen Crisis

The rippling effects of the pandemic are broad and diverse, with the rising tide of unemployment among young Black women in Chicago being one of the most alarming outcomes. A new study by the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) unveils a shocking revelation – the rate of joblessness for this demographic nearly doubled.

Stark Realities in Numbers

As per the UIC study, approximately 45,800 young individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 were neither in school, college, nor part of the workforce in Chicago. Statewide, the number escalated to a whopping 177,000 in 2021. The rise in joblessness among Black women aged 20 to 24 – soaring from 32% in 2019 to nearly 60% in 2021 – stood out as the most astonishing finding.

A Relentless Dilemma

The disparities in unemployment rates widened more in Illinois than the national average. Even as the situation for young whites and Latinos improved, it deteriorated for Black youth. The city of Chicago, with its deeply entrenched inequities, took a harsher blow compared to the national average due to its status as a segregated urban area.

Youth Joblessness and Its Repercussions

Joblessness in youth, particularly those not in school or the workforce, has long plagued Chicago and other cities. It is closely linked to persistent poverty and high violence rates, making it an urgent issue to tackle. The aftermath of disconnection from school and work has shown detrimental effects on health, relationships, and increased chances of violence and incarceration.

Amelioration Efforts and Struggles

Efforts to address this issue include plans like the $300 million statewide youth jobs program, aimed at creating jobs for up to 80,000 teens and young adults. While programs like One Summer Chicago have provided jobs for thousands, the problem persists. The challenge of gaining a foothold on the job market without prior experience is a widespread concern among youth.

Concluding Note

The pandemic-induced rise in young Black women’s unemployment necessitates immediate and substantial measures. By understanding the complexity of the issue, and the long-term benefits of investing in youth job programs, we can hope to witness a positive shift in these troubling trends.