Black/African American
According to the One Economy study, African Americans living in Polk County have an unemployment rate of 16.7% while African Americans living in DSM have an unemployment rate of 12.5%. The overall county unemployment rate was 3.5%, showing that employers are in need of work and could focus on hiring Black/African American individuals.
- African Americans are the second-fastest-growing population group in Iowa at 11% behind Latinos (State Library of Iowa, 2016).
- In 2015, the unemployment rate for the United States averaged 5.3%. Iowa has the highest unemployment rate for African Americans at 14.8%.
- Polk County unemployment rate for African Americans is 16.7% as of 2014 — more than double the rate of Latinos and Asians.
- In 2014, the median income for Black Iowa households was $28,833 annually compared to $53,712 annually for white households.
- Black STEM employees perceive a range of race-related slights and inequities at work.
- According to a National Urban League workplace satisfaction study, African Americans tend to have the least favorable view of their workplace environment — even for diversity best practice award organizations.
- Women of color are not only significantly underrepresented, they are far less likely than others to be promoted to manager, more likely to face everyday discrimination and less likely to receive support from their managers.
Benefits of Hiring Black/African American
Attracting & Retaining Talent
Partner Opportunities: Youth Training Programs
Funding
Additional Resources