Black/Hispanic vs. Wealth Gap Takes Huge Jump

The Pew Research Center has publish a report that show the asset ratio between Whites as compared to Blacks and Hispanics has has jumped from 7:1 in 1995 to 20:1 in 2010. An increase of nearly 300%. The primary reason is the increase in Black unemployment and the number of sub-prime foreclosures.

The summary is here and the full study is here.

Discrimination against the long term unemployed

An excellent story about discrimination against the unemployed. In the New York Times, July 26th, 2011 edition. Employers want currently employed or recently laid off workers.

SF considers banning discrimination against ex-cons

San Franciso's council on human right is considering a long over due step: banning discrimination again ex-convicts. I am glad someone is recognizing the problems ex-criminals have re0intergrating into society. Get a job is one of the keys to success in society. Ex-convicts can have a positive impact on society when they are given half a chance. Many southern states have measures reduce ex-convict rights, including the right to vote, long after they are released. This type of law is need against a group of people who are constantly discriminated against. The story is here.

Dropouts: The high cost to society of dropping out

NPR is about to start a series on people who drop out of high school. Dropouts have an enormous total cost on society. The series is here.

The issue is a perfect microcosm for US society. You can just as easily switch dropout, poor person or Black person. I must congradulate Claudio Sanchez for find a way to discuss what the majority do not want to discuss: The US underclass and inequality in society. Education is the one workable lever in the US for reducing inequality in society. Everyone is pulling on it; Obama, Bill Gates, Congress, Bloomberg; but no one knows what to do.

Mr. Sanchez explores the true cost to society of the lost potential of a dropout.

White Man's Burden

Ever wonder where the phrase "White Mans Burden" came from. It came from a poem by Rudyard Kipling. Wikipedia has a reference.

Year Up: Warning website has a picture of a Black Man at a Computer

Year Up is a company that runs workforce development programs. Their curriculum is focus on computer skills and business polish. I have got to admire them for trying. The program looks good.

Warning: Web-site features Black man at a computer. As though getting a job was as simple as looking at a computer.

Leo Hindery: Liberal ex-CEO

Leo Hindery, ex-ceo of TCI, Yes Network and ATT broadband, is one of the few corporate executive that will discuss unemployment, labor rights, CEO pay and outsourcing. He say US CEOs are being short-sighted in Business Week. Here.


He is also Chairman of the Economic Growth/Smart Globalization Initiative at the New America Foundation. Here.

Monster Employment Index: MEI

Monster, the job search bulletin board also publishes an index of on-line job advertisements on monster web sites. The index called the MEI, Monster Employment Index. You can read the press release here.

DOE data show major differences in educational opportunities

The US Department of Education released the 2009-2010 Civil Rights Data Collection which show disparities in educational resources and opportunities. The results are from 7,000 school districts and 72,000 schools.

You can read the press release here.

Shrinking Black Middle Class from AP via CST

Another story on the shrinking Black Middle Class from Jesse Washington of the A/P via the Chicago Sun Times. Here.

At least author Washington and A/P continue to cover the unreported story of unemployment and the effect on the Black Middle Class.

Tax cuts and two wars caused the deficit

Basically, the current debt crisis was caused by several huge tax cuts (2 large by Bush and 1 medium sized by Obama), additional spending on two wars and the military, and additional prescription drug coverage.

Washington Post is here.

Black Speakers Bureau

Yes, there is a Black Speakers Bureau where you can find top Black personality, scholars and athletes that will speak at your event for a fee.

Black Speakers Bureau.

Race unspoken in unemployment discussion

Here is a really great summary of the current Black unemployment situation with some comment from top flight social policy experts.

Race is left out of the discussion of jobs and unemployment. CBS News.