Rev. Al Sharpton speaks at Thursday’s press conference, alongside Rev. Patrick Young, Saaeda Dunston, Jeffrion Aubry and other community leaders.
Photo courtesy of Amelia Ramos
Rev. Al Sharpton, the founder of the National Action Network, a New York-based civil rights organization, joined several community leaders at a church in East Elmhurst Thursday to discuss the high rate of unemployment among Black and Hispanic New Yorkers.
Sharpton, who spoke at the First Baptist Church of Corona, called upon the leaders of New York City and New York State to address the widening unemployment gap between Black and Brown New Yorkers and white residents. He also revealed that he and New York City Mayor Eric Adams plan to hold a summit at City Hall to discuss this issue.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate among Black New Yorkers was 9.3% in January, more than three times the 3% rate for white residents. The unemployment rate for Black New Yorkers was also higher than across the nation, with the nationwide figure for African Americans approaching 5.3%.
“For Black unemployment to be almost triple white unemployment in Queens, in the Bronx and in Brooklyn, is inexcusable,” Sharpton said, noting that residents in the boroughs are often forgotten about.
“Those who live in an outer borough should not be out of people’s minds in the State and Federal government. The threat to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion [DEI] within the private sector will only increase Black unemployment. It is time for an aggressive fight – and we intend to work with the Mayor and others to stand and be a part of that fight. We come to announce an aggressive campaign with the private sector, City and State governments and we intend to convene a Black unemployment summit at City Hall.”
In addition to Rev. Sharpton, other community leaders on hand who spoke on the issue included Rev. Patrick Young of the First Baptist Church of Corona, Elmcore Youth and…
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