Economic Studies
Opening a Retirement Account Is Not Enough to Close the Black Retirement Divide
Racial economic inequality follows Black Americans across the life course. In 2022, 22 percent of Black children lived in poverty, compared with 10 percent of white children. Among adults ages…
July 2026 Jobs Day Analysis
The Joint Center analyzes unemployment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and shows how these numbers affect Black workers. Our July Jobs Day analysis is below. From June to July, the…
C-SPAN Published Joint Center Testimony at Senate Banking Committee Hearing
Joint Center Senior Researcher Cantrell Dumas provided remarks at the Senate Banking Committee hearing. He argued that these disparities in financing between Black- and white-owned firms show why capital markets…
POLITICO Highlighted Joint Center Appearance at Senate Banking Committee Hearing
Joint Center Senior Researcher Cantrell Dumas provided remarks at the Senate Banking Committee hearing. He argued that these disparities in financing between Black- and white-owned firms show why capital markets…
Joint Center Testifies During Congressional Hearing ‘To Examine Empowering Main Street By Unlocking Access To Capital’
Joint Center Senior Researcher Cantrell Dumas testified during a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing titled “Hearings To Examine Empowering Main Street By Unlocking Access To Capital.” Other…
The Root Highlighted Joint Center’s April Jobs Day Analysis
The Root highlighted the Joint Center’s 2026 April Jobs Day analysis in an article discussing how Black men and boys are facing increased economic hardships. From the article: “In April…
How OBBBA is Changing Higher Ed Access for Black Students
In July 2025, Congressional Republicans passed, and President Donald Trump signed, a partisan budget reconciliation package that will reshape the American economy and further erode the social safety net. These…
The Reality of Racial Economic Inequality for Black Retirees
Racial economic inequality has shaped the lives of most African Americans, and it continues into the “golden years” of retirement. In 2022, the typical white family held about $285,000 in…
Joint Center Quoted in Blavity on June Jobs Day Report
Joint Center Senior Research Cantrell Dumas, lead researcher for the Joint Center’s monthly Jobs Day analysis, was quoted in Blavity on how the June report is disproportionately impacting Black workers.…
The Hill Highlighted Joint Center May 2026 Jobs Day Analysis
The Hill highlighted the Joint Center’s May 2026 Jobs Day analysis in an article discussing that the National Urban League released its annual “State of Black America” report and its…