African American’s Unemployment Rate at 16.7% – A 27-Year High!
September 4, 2011 by Admin
Filed under Gospel Today Features, News
Of the approximately 14 million unemployed Americans, 16.7 percent are black, marking a 27-year high. Comparatively check out the unemployment rates among other ethnicities: Hispanics – 11.3 percent, Whites – 8.0 and Asians – 7.1 percent.*
What should the response of the Church be to such times? How is your local church responding to the tough economic times many are facing? If you know of something that IS working, speak up!
* Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
I think now more than ever we need to go back to looking inside ourselves and put our talents to work. I am currently working part-time for a youth organization. I am only here temporarily until funds are no longer available. As soon as those funds are finished, I will be apart of the unemployed population. I made a vow to myself, and believe soley in the word of God that I am not going back to unemployment and public assistance. One Sunday morning, my pastor preached about prosperity. His message was very different from the usual. He did not tell us that God was going to give us all of this money, he said, “if you can’t find a job, make a job!” That really hit me where it needed! Ever since I heard that, I said that I love to teach, have some of the credentials, so I am going to open up my own preschool. I also started my own online greeting card store. I am in the process of completing my first publication, and want to sing professionally. I have acknowledged the talents that God has given me, and I refuse to let them go! I will take them and make a living for myself. Our ancestors did what they had to do to make a living for them selves.. What is your gift? You may be able to style hair like no other, cook better than everyone on your block, or can clean your house with no effort at all! Turn your gift into a job! I was encouraged so now I am encouraging my brothers and sisters.
I realize that this country has taken a downward spiral economically, housing, and most importantly to many, unemployment. Personally, I find it unfair to the President to hold him accountable for the African American joblessness. Far too long many African Americans prefer the fast lane. Others refuse to take the time to re-educate themselves in new job positions. Many of the jobs that were lost will not return do to technology. So, why are technology classes filled to the brim? Many don’t want to start over again nor do they want to start at the bottom rank of a new position. None of this is the President’s fault and I am tired of hearing the junk. To the many African Americans across the country, find a classroom and become acclimated with a new trade or profession. God asked Moses, “What’s in your hands”, I ask you, what’s in your power to help you move forward and stop blaming the President?