Black Americans in the Workforce: Top 5 Gains and Challenges - Labor Day 2025

Nicole Hicks, Family Historian/Genealogist
Sep 2
3 min read

Happy Labor Day! Labor Day became a federal holiday on June 28, 1894, when President Grover Cleveland signed it into law.

The holiday was established to honor American workers and recognize their contributions to the country's strength, prosperity, and well-being.

Some of us got the day off, while others see today as the last days of summer. Lots of cookouts are happening. School is back in session throughout most of the country, and we are preparing for fall and winter holidays and celebrations.

This Labor Day, I am contemplating my retirement next year and considering a second career. I thought about Black Americans in today’s workforce. My 36 years of experience in the federal government, including 26 years as a human resources specialist, I have worked in recruitment and staffing, employee development, leadership, and management development. I recognize the significant contributions of Black Americans to the nation’s civil service. While there has been meaningful progress in representation across several industries, major challenges persist, shaping the realities of work for millions of Black professionals today.

Five Areas of Growth for Black Americans

Professional and Managerial Roles Expand

Over the past century, Black workers have transitioned from being almost entirely concentrated in agricultural and domestic labor to holding over one-third of jobs in professional, managerial, business, and financial roles today. 1

Rising Representation in Science, Arts, and Management

From 2017 to 2022, the share of Black workers in management, science, and arts occupations increased from 30% to 32%. 2 This represents steady progress in industries where representation was historically minimal.

Public Sector: A Launchpad for Advancement

The federal government has long provided critical opportunities for career growth. In 2019, Black professionals made up about 18% of federal professional positions—far higher than in many private-sector industries. 3

More Black CEOs and Senior Leaders

A collage-style graphic featuring Black professionals in diverse industries — healthcare, business, tech, and government — layered over a Labor Day theme (e.g., U.S. flag or workplace tools).

As of 2024, eight Fortune 500 companies are led by Black CEOs—twice as many as in 2020. 4 This signals growing representation in top leadership, though progress remains slow given Black Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population.

Healthcare and Social Assistance Are Driving Job Growth

Black workers remain heavily represented in healthcare and social assistance, industries that added over 73,000 jobs in July 2025 alone. 5 These sectors are emerging as vital engines for upward mobility.

Five Persistent Challenges in the Workforce

Disproportionately High Unemployment

Despite job growth, unemployment among Black Americans remains elevated—7.2% in July 2025 compared to the national average of 4.2%. 6 Moreover, 300,000 Black women exited the workforce this year due to layoffs, DEI cuts, and automation pressures. 7

Ongoing Hiring Bias

Research shows that Black applicants still receive fewer callbacks compared to equally qualified white applicants. 8 In a 2022 Pew survey, 64% of Black adults identified race-based hiring bias as a “major problem.” 9

Mentorship and Sponsorship Gaps

Lack of mentorship and sponsorship continues to restrict advancement. Black employees who don’t receive adequate feedback are 1.5 times more likely to consider leaving their jobs. 10

The Wage Gap Persists

Despite education gains, Black men earn roughly 87 cents for every dollar earned by white men, with Black women earning even less. 11 Occupational segregation and systemic bias fuel these disparities.

Policy Rollbacks Threaten Progress

Recent proposals tied to Project 2025 and anti-DEI policies pose risks to workplace equity and diversity. These changes threaten civil rights protections and corporate diversity programs that have historically improved representation. 12

A Labor Day Reflection

Labor Day is more than a federal holiday—it’s a time to reflect on contributions and confront inequities. Black Americans are shaping industries, leading in government, and climbing corporate ladders, yet they remain disproportionately impacted by systemic barriers.

For sustainable progress, employers must invest in mentorship, ensure pay equity, and safeguard DEI initiatives. Policymakers must protect anti-discrimination laws and workforce access. Communities must continue amplifying success stories while addressing persistent inequities.

This Labor Day, let’s honor the work—and recommit to making sure opportunity reaches everyone.