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In an article for TheGrio.com, Ms. Morris asks whether or not black unemployment should be considered a serious human rights issue.. At last count, black unemployment was at 16.5 percent, nearly twice the overall unemployment rate of 9.7 percent for the entire country. Black male unemployment exceeds 19 percent, and black teen unemployment is roughly 41 percent. The magnitude of this problem reminds us that perhaps we should reconsider how we frame the issue so that we can properly understand what it's going to take to solve this problem.
I like the way Morris couches the unemployment issue in terms of human rights because it reminds us that human rights violations don't just occur overseas. They also occur in the United States. The United Nations is seriously considering investigating human rights abuses within the US as they pertain to African Americans, primarily because in America, we have a two-tiered society. African Americans are several times more likely to go to prison than whites, we do not get adequate funding for schools in our communities, and we are far more likely to be in the unemployment line. For some reason, we have a multitude of elected officials who simply accept the disparities as they are, rather than making it a priority to correct them.
President Obama, in his persistent commitment to not directly address these problems aggressively, finds himself in a political quandary. If he does what's right and deals with the human rights problem of black unemployment, his work will be consistent with his core liberal values. At the same time, the systemic structures that created and maintain these abuses are the very same structures that give Obama the power that he has. Therefore, it may take outside intervention to shame the Obama Administration into taking the black unemployment situation seriously.
Morris goes on to mention that the differentials in black vs. white unemployment are not simply due to African Americans having less skill or education. She shows that even for African Americans with a college degree, their unemployment rate (8.4 percent), is nearly double that of educated whites (4.4 percent). I've personally witnessed the discrimination challenges of educated African Americans, as I saw my university attempt to explain why my academic department hasn't granted tenure or promotion to any black man in over 100 years of existence. I could understand why I was passed over (for being too controversial -- business schools don't like black men like me), but to say that no black man in the history of the world is or was qualified for a certain job is a bit ridiculous and delusional. The bottom line is that many of us go through this frustration, and the "angry black middle class" is alive and kicking.
I hope that the United Nations continues to dig into this issue. We also plan to drill into similar matters at the Institute for Black Public Policy. When it's all said and done, the "permanent black depression" is not something we should accept. If America is going to be a country that lives up to it's values, then it is critical that we remind our political leaders to do the hard work necessary to make America fair and just for everyone: This work must be done by all of us, even if our president is black.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and the author of the new book, "Black American Money." To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here. 
Comments: (41)
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By: Steven E. Herring on 5/06/2010 2:46PM
The problem start with the President and stop with him he ask us when he running for the President too help make a change only to find out he took us back to the old fight raceisum. A black man can not get break in employment because of him. Black are always the last to be hired and the first to be let go because for some reason or other. And evan when they get a intervew the cards are stack. Other presidents knew that and this one is only for white america. but at election time come around, he be saying how good he was for us when he done nothing for us at all. Even this so call black president is only help white cooperate america to get on there feet frist it a disgrace to the people of color. I would like to know when he going to do for us will someone please tell me he a great president for whites and a bad one for we people who are dark than blue. I would like too see one thing the man has done the blacks we have the highest umemployment in the land and all he doing is helping white cooperate america its like the 40's,50's and 60's all over again do we have roit in the street to get his adtenion again I am being to think I voted for the worng man an I though it would be better for and they would look at us differtant but that has not happen. He is hell bent on gatting whites back to work.
Regards
a black voter
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By: sandra on 5/06/2010 3:08PM
Out of curiosity, do you actually believe that the people who struggled and suffered and sacrificed their lives, dignity, and blood did so just so that we can STILL, in 2010, sit around and STILL BEG for jobs and opportunities? Why is it, that in 2010, and having spent nearly $1 trillion dollars in 2009, are we still in the mindset that it is someone else's responsibility to provide for us? How is it that we can walk around and proclaim to be a proud people, and yet have nothing to show for the money we do have but a bunch of cars, clothes, lavish hairstyles, and jewelry, yet own nothing in terms of wealth building assets? We should have been creating our own jobs decades ago, but somewhere down the line, we began to see the civil rights movement and affirmative action as a means of 'give me' with no effort whatsoever required on our part. If the economy was to to turn around instantly and jobs suddenly became available, we would do the same thing we've done in the past: spend, spend, spend, and not try to take the opportunity to actually build something lasting, and when the well runs dry it's back to 'what are you going to do for US.'. The jig is up. You can't blame a Black president, because he has already proven what hard work AND education can do. Sad thing is, too many Black folks see this as another 'hook-me-up' moment, and that group includes Boyce Watkins, Tavis Smiley, the Congressional Black Caucus, and Jesse Jackson among others. Instead of rallying Black people to take this moment to change the way we've been doing things (expecting more jobs programs, begging people to spend money on us, etc.) they've instead encouraged us to keep up the status quo (expecting more jobs programs, begging people to spend money on us, etc.).
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By: Dorothy on 5/08/2010 3:47PM
I am not only going to comment on your grammar and spelling which is horrible. The President has been in office over a year. Give the President a chance. How many presidents before him did nothing and because he is black he is going to work totally on black issues. Remember he is the President of the United States and he can not do everything in one term. Email Professor Watson at rwatson@lynn.edu for his grade on Obama's Presidency.
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By: Maxine Thompson on 5/06/2010 10:42AM
I worked in Bureaucratic America as a social worker (I don't say corporate America because I worked for first, Michigan State, then LA county) for twenty-three years. Other than the service I was able to provide my clients, I stayed in the trenches as a field social worker. There was a glass ceiling when it came to promotions for Blacks.
Once I woke up and smelled the racist coffee, I walked off the job.
Since I left my job 1997, I became self-employed. Being the boss has its downside, but I get the credit for my own work. I think the good outweighs the bad.
Many people have skills that could be built into a business.
Dr. Maxine Thompson
Owner Black Butterfly Press
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Author of Hostage of Lies
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By: sandra on 5/06/2010 3:07PM
Good for you! Unfortunately, a lot of Black people would rather work 'for' someone because they don't want to deal with the sacrifices and build the discipline needed to sustain self-sufficiency.
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By: Ron on 5/06/2010 11:18AM
Our anestors from "The Reconstruction Period" to "The Civil Rights Period" have given us the road map and blue print to overcome many of our issues concerning human rights. The Bible has the answers to all our problems. Many of us have applied the words of wisdom of our ansetors. Yet, many have not. It is our duty to apply the teachings of those who paved the way for us. How many of us have done this? Are we living in an era of servanthood or narcissistism? -(egotism). Has our growth and development slowed down, stopped or been hindered? If so why? How? What's needed now?
I agree Black Unemployment is a Human Right's Abuse. I think we need to be wise and move from style to substance. It is also a Civil Rights Issues which has been neglected on the local level in many cities across America.
Many states do not even have a NAACP, Core, Human Rights Office in their small/local cities. The first-step is to get a list of states that do not have Civil Rights Chapters in major/minor cities across America. The question is how active are those already in operation? What are they doing to solve these problems? The people in these areas need to be included in providing some of feed back, for an assetment of the whole picture. The people need an annual report/overview either by electronic media or print to learn about the progress or shortcomings of Black America? The bottom line is: How well are those in operation serving the needs of the people? I say this because these organizations should address the issue of Insitutionalized Racism on a local level before taking to a nation platform.
Institionalized Racism is alive and well. It's practiced in far too many places and professions. Thus, "Neglect" and "Racism" are two issues that need to be connected. Many blacks are neglected by other blacks. This is an in-house problem. We need to keep those who serve us in order as well. Negelct has no color. It's rooted in selfishness. A little selfishness leads to greed. Those who neglect their duties should be fired immediately.
Many blacks will not agree with me on this but many poor whites are neglected just as we are. Dr. King understood this that's why he planned a "Poor People"s Movement". This aspect of his dream has yet, been furfilled. Poverty has no color because selfishness is at it's core. When Americans understand that selfishness is the real problem then, we will move forward in the Grace(Favor) of God. Jesus told us we need only one commandment not ten. "Love your neighbor as yourself". Thank God poor people of all works of life have learned to work together on our jobs in many cases. We have even learned to live in the same communities in some cases. We must continue to build bridges toward more Human Rights for all people. In some way we need to work together at this goal.
At the same time. The masses of black males are entangled in a system of institutionalized racism. Drugs are a part of the problem as well. Our communities need to simply stop buying drugs. We can control this. Put the drug dealers out of business. -Don't buy dope!
The same goes for those Hip Hop Artist and Clowns that create negetive images for our children. Many of image makers and Hip Hop Artist are no better than drug dealers because they destroy the minds of our young. Stop buy into the junk in the media as well.Use that money to catch up on bills or invest in your education or small business.
Our churches need to be more vocal on this issue.It would save lives and souls. At the same time provide training ,job opportunities in our communities and an economic base for families. Pastor's you must walk by "Great" faith to reap the harvest for your church. That means let-go of your "Day- Job" and go into full-time ministry.-It's not easy because it's a faith walk. There are many succesful Pastor's around the country who are restoring live and commnities.
Our churches need to grow in many areas.Especalliy, in mid -size and smll cities/towns. I find far too many chruches are closed all day long, and offer no-services for those in the comminuity beyond a food/clothes pantry. I believe, the church should be open 7 days a week. Providing, families with housing, education, jobs, community development opportunities and much more. I think it's a shame when drugs are being sold 24/7 in most cities yet, the church is only open on Sunday and for a Bible Study during the week? Yet, hurting people are overflowing in too many communities in smal cities. On the other hand. We the people must support our churches. When we do many of these problems are resovled.
There are many chruches in big cities are doing an awesome job. Many are being saved, healed and set free from all forms of bondage. However, it's the mid- size and small cities that suffer hardest.
I think the following issues concerning:
Institutionalized Racism/Poverty/Jobs/Afforable Housing/Equal Opportunities/Negelect/Laws need to be propery enforced concerning these issues and other issues.
THINGS WE CAN DO:
1. The black middle class needs to connect on- line with blacks in poverty. A web sight or support network is needed which must be a secured web sight.(Secured to keep racist off the web sight). This will allow those in the middle class provide encouragement,training, advise and programs for those of us in poverty and below poverty. The black elite should also be apart of this network.
2. Each person should encourage our young people to get an education. Encourage our young to rebuild our communites and give back to their communities at all times. This needs to start on the grade school level and continue into high school/college.
3. We need to clean, restore and rebuild our own communities where needed. Paint old building, clean up old lots and encourage each other to take pride in our communities.This would be a good community outreach for any local church or civic organization. When the people see the church/civic organization at work in the community The people will get more involved with that church or civic organization.
4. Our small business community must be restored. Community leaders must be pressured to seek law makers to balance our communities with small busines opportunities. We have far too many big business chains in our communities that have destroyed the small business owners. This needs to be blanced. Some type of zoning laws need to be inforced to support small businesses in our communities. Small business development centers need to be in more of our communities to mentor and support small business owners. Large buisnesses should give back to the small businesses in terms of money, sponsorship or partnerships.
5. Black Lawyers must paly a role. Our communities need to be educated on their rights and informed of laws, revision of laws and legal advise concerning various matters. Laws Schools shold be involved as well on a grass roots level. This could be very prosperous for lawyers and colleges.
6. Black Political Leaders should not be re- elected if they are not meeting the needs of their base of support. We should demand more from them. In many cities the political leaders need to be more visable after the election season. They need to produce better results within, a time frame. We need to hold our elected officals more accoutable. Interms of producing results in a time frame.
7. Turn off the TV set. Re-foucs on our morals, values traditions within our families. Support positive images and music that is wholesome
for the family. Encourage arts programs for our young and old. The arts could be a tool to bring the family members together. -At home.
8. Get off the junk foods so we can think clearly, and live longer healthier lives.
9. Apprenticeship Programs(Paid) are needed for our youth. This money could come from various soucres. Americans overall need to be encouraged to invest in our children on a community level. A fund is needed for this type of program.Something like the YMCA and/or Black United Fund.
10. Job Innovation Labs are needed.(Daily) This needs to be set up like a school innovation lab. How are we going to create new products,services and careers for our communities, country and world?
11. Black males need to be encouraged to go to college and help to rebuild our commiunities while students and after grauation. These will be our next generation of fathers, husbands and leaders. Black males need marketable career/job skills so each one will be able to work with his mind and hands. In this economy one has to be able to perform on both levels, so if you cannot find work in one area you can do seek working another area. The more you learn the more you can earn.
12. More Contiununig Education Center's are need in black communities.
13. More Testing Center's are needed to help students prepare for high school and college exames on all levels.
14. More fitness centers and smaller health care center's are needed in our communities.
15. Our elderly need to be provided for better in many ways. We need to honor our elders on a daily basis. In many cases we need to include the elderly to offer wisdom to many of our family problems and issues. I think each community needs a "Wisdom Center". Where, we can seek the wisdom of our elders. It would also be an extra income for many of them.
Today, many Americans live below poverty. Black Americans have been in many cases have been living below poverty since, we were brought to this country. What is a better time for our repartions?
I find it intresting how President Obama can give bail out money to so many industries that many Black Americns have supported for years. Yet, neither he nor, we have addressed this issue with concerning reparations? Why not? Now is the time for our Repartions. Our ansetors have paid the price. Their lives lost, blood sheld in many cases and tears in vain. We have waited long enough!
Many of us could use part of this money to help to restore our communities:Open small busnesses, schools, churches, community centers etc. Repartions is not bail out money. It's money owed to us for slavery. It should be placed in the hands of Black American families not in our leaders hands. Our leaders need to support us by finding out were major industries stand on the issue of Repartions, and how they will support us on getting our money?
We need to consider holding our dollars and stop supporting industries that do not support us on this issue. We should support those who support us indefinately until our change comes. It's that simple.
We have much to be thankful for and we have much to be thankful for the blessings yet to come. We came this far by faith. Keep the faith.
"Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding but aknowledge Him in all of His ways and He shall direct your paths" -Proverbs 3-(5-6)
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By: DaddyJ on 5/06/2010 2:02PM
I am white and my family is mixed mostly with blacks and whites some Indian also. I have grown up seeing racist actions first hand in my family, school, and at work. All from so called friends who behind closed doors talk disrespectful about blacks and all other races of different color. Work don't get me started I've refered so many of my black friends or cousins to employers that I know and know of them get the jobs. But these same employers hire trailor trash whites on the daily that screw up everything they touch most and are out of shape unmotivated alcholics. It's pathetic most of the whites are just scared and don't even know how to act around different races. I love my Mother, Aunt's and Uncle's for raising me in a diverse envirenment so that I never was influenced by discrimination. As of now I also have mixed children of African American decent, almost all of my friends are black. And I pretty much only date black woman, cause in my experience almost every white person I've been associated with either talks disrespectful and racist behind closed doors, or they will just stand around and watch without saying anything and that is almost worst than the people blantantly being racist. I don't know what to do it is very frustrating I spend most of my day trying to educate white people on the history or slavery the history of how this country and how they opporate in fear. But at the end of the day most are too brainwashed by the way they were raised and they will never change. But don't worry with all the different races marrying and having babies one day we will be a race of all decents mixed with everything. Keep pipe'n Pipe for the hood Ha Ha. Dead Rock Rockford Ill.
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By: Marcia on 5/11/2010 7:53PM
I appreciate hearing your life story of learning to love and tolerate difference. I commend the fact that you also realize that when one stands around and allows words of hatred to be said in their presence w/out defending the truth is as low as the trash that spreads hatred!! Good for you:) Continue to love your beautiful babies/friends. Teach them the truth about the contribution that African Americans were forced to give America for free labor which created the 1st economical system. No other race built this country for free but Native &African Americans. God created all man!!! I'm extremely proud of my ancestors PERIOD. Continue to grow. May God continue to bless you and keep your mind and heart open for truth & honesty!!
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By: I don't know! on 5/07/2010 4:44PM
The reason is black people don't want the government, to give away their tax doller! to unemployed black's.
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By: Bruce B. Murphy on 5/07/2010 4:44PM
Fool please! what are you smoking? your comment is absolutely ridiculous, it does'nt deserve a reply.
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