Federal job cuts push unemployment higher for Black women in Georgia

Black women in Georgia are seeing their unemployment rate rise as federal diversity, equity and inclusion programs have been rolled back under the Trump administration.

Recent data show federal workforce reductions and policy shifts have disproportionately affected Black women in public-sector and administrative roles. The unemployment rate for Black women rose by nearly 1.5% last year. In Georgia and nationwide, they are more likely than other groups to hold government and public-facing jobs, sectors hit by federal budget cuts.

Chiquita Hall-Jackson, an employment and civil rights attorney, said federal employment has historically provided stability for Black women, making the recent job losses especially destabilizing.

“The government is the number one employer of Black people, including Black women,” Hall-Jackson said. “When positions are eliminated through buyouts, forced retirements or firings — especially leadership roles — this is where we land.”

Supporters of the administration and Project 2025 said shrinking the federal workforce and scaling back DEI programs reduces costs and increases efficiency. Critics argued the approach disproportionately affects workers of color and women.

As displaced workers search for new opportunities, some face added uncertainty from rapid labor market changes. A Reuters-Ipsos poll found 71% of Americans worry artificial intelligence could lead to fewer jobs.

In response to job losses, more Black women are turning to entrepreneurship. A 2025 Wells Fargo report found Black women-owned businesses grew more than 7% last year, continuing a long-term trend toward self-employment.