"The prospect of obtaining a job and developing economic security remains out of reach for too many African Americans"

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Melvin L. Watt (D-NC), Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, released the following statement regarding the May unemployment figures announced this morning by the U.S. Department of Labor:

"Jobless figures for African Americans totaled 10.1 percent in May, compared to 4.4 percent for white Americans, continuing the dismal trend of month after month in which the African American unemployment rate has been more than double that of white Americans, according to an unemployment report released this morning by the U.S. Labor Department.

"While Labor figures for May show the unemployment rate for Blacks at 10.1 percent, I am confident that the actual rate is even higher because many African Americans have simply stopped looking for jobs. The possibility of obtaining a job and developing economic security remains out of reach for too many African Americans and this negatively impacts every aspect of life. Unemployment makes it impossible to have access to health care, widens the opportunity gap in education and makes it impossible for individuals to achieve their full potential.

"While the unemployment numbers are dismal and gloomy, what's even more distressing is that President Bush is doing nothing to reverse the trend. He seems not to care.

"We call on the President, once again, to show his personal commitment to closing these disparities and call on him to rally the country behind the persistent and unfinished business of closing these disparities. Only then can our country realize its full potential and honor its commitment to provide equal opportunity for all."


On the web: www.congressionalblackcaucus.net