The economy seems to be hitting colored communities the hardest. Unemployment has been at an all time high for many different cities in the United States because of the economy and the recession. The economy seems to be making progress and many cities are creating new job opportunities for individuals who are seeking general employment. However, while the economy seems to be making slow progress, the unemployment rate for blacks in the Twin Cities was still at an all time of high of 21 percent. With the unemployment rate of blacks at 21 percent, there are three times more unemployed blacks than there are unemployed white people in the Twin Cities.

Part of the reason that there are more unemployed blacks compared to whites is due to a lack of education. Some studies show that more black students in the Minnesota area will not graduate from high school or attend college compared to white students in the area. Education plays a major role in employment. Employers will often hire employees with a higher education level which leads some blacks left without a job. Black adults in their 30’s and 40’s who never obtained their high school diploma or GED may have trouble finding employment compared to white adults who do have their diploma or GED. In recent years, it has become essential to have a diploma or GED to obtain even the simplest of jobs. The unemployment rate of blacks may go down if GED programs are offered in and around the area.

While education levels can play a role in the unemployment rate of blacks, it is also believed that there is a bit of bias going on, especially in these particular areas. The vice president for the Wells Fargo Foundation in Minnesota, Carolyn Roby, has said that some of the companies in the area may not be able to see past color and could be hiring and not hiring employees due to their personal preference. Roby has spoken out to encourage potential employers to look past their own preference and hire employees who can actually get the job done efficiently regardless of their race or even their age. As long as the individual has the right skills for the job, they should be hired.

It is very important that equal job opportunities are available for all members of the community. With equal job opportunities available, people of all races will be able to find employment. It is illegal for businesses and companies to avoid hiring someone due to their race or gender. If a company or business does not hire someone because of their race, the potential employer can file a lawsuit against the company for racial discrimination.