Blacks who are high school graduates are about twice as likely to be unemployed as White high school graduates.
True
False
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer: True
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and research from institutions such as the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), Black high school graduates are consistently about twice as likely to be unemployed as White high school graduates. This gap in unemployment persists across educational levels and has remained remarkably stable over decades, suggesting that systemic issues — rather than individual qualifications — are significant factors.
For example, BLS data from recent years consistently show that the unemployment rate for Black Americans with only a high school diploma tends to be around 7–9%, while for similarly educated White Americans, it ranges between 3–5%. Even during periods of economic growth, this disparity remains. In times of recession or economic downturn, the gap can even widen.
This difference cannot be fully explained by differences in skill level, education quality, or job market location alone. Research points to a combination of structural racism, discrimination in hiring, occupational segregation, and differences in access to professional networks as key contributing factors. For example, numerous studies have demonstrated that job applicants with “White-sounding” names receive significantly more callbacks for interviews than equally qualified applicants with “Black-sounding” names.
Additionally, Black communities often face underfunded schools, less access to college preparatory programs, and higher rates of contact with the criminal justice system — all of which can hinder long-term employment opportunities, even among those who do graduate from high school.
In summary, while education improves employment prospects for everyone, it does not eliminate racial disparities in the labor market. The persistent unemployment gap between Black and White high school graduates reflects deeper systemic inequalities that go beyond individual achievement. Addressing this issue requires broader policy solutions and changes in employer practices.