美国黑人失业率创近年新高，美媒：更广泛劳动力市场可能正显现裂痕

Group 1 - The overall unemployment rate in the U.S. remained at 4.2% in July, but the unemployment rate for the Black community rose to 7.2%, the highest level since October 2021 [1] - In Michigan, the Black unemployment rate reached 10% in the first quarter of this year, nearly double the state's overall unemployment rate, while South Carolina's rate increased by 3 percentage points to 6.9% [1] - The rise in Black unemployment may indicate broader cracks in the labor market, as Black workers are often the first to be impacted during economic downturns [1] Group 2 - The Black unemployment rate had previously dropped to 4.8% in 2023, the lowest level since 1972, with the gap between Black and White unemployment rates narrowing to a historical low [1] - However, as the job market slows and economic distortions from the pandemic become apparent, this gap has widened again [1] - The U.S. manufacturing sector lost 11,000 jobs from June to July, and wholesale trade saw a reduction of 7,800 jobs, with a higher proportion of Black workers in these industries [1] Group 3 - Recent cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in Republican-led states and companies, along with federal layoffs, have negatively impacted Black employment [2] - Black workers make up about 18% of federal employees, significantly higher than their 12% share in the overall labor market, with even higher proportions in certain departments [2] - For instance, the Department of Education has a Black employee ratio of approximately 36%, while the International Development Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services have ratios of 21% and 20.5%, respectively [2]