U.S. Unemployment rate is 9.1%.

Unemployment rate for African Americans  hit 16.7% in September
Unemployment rate for African American men – 19.1%
Unemployment rate for African American women – 14.5%

I mention African Americans because I am one, but swapping the numbers above for any other community would be just as dire. 

As I speak to employed African-American young professionals, the sense is they will be fired first.  They also know they will have fewer employer or government supported resources for retirement.

So if you are employed, you need to have a sick retirement savings account.  You also need to maximize your earnings by ensuring you receive top dollar for all of those skills you paid and are still paying a fortune to acquire.  Making it to the next pay level will be a strategic endeavor as many boomers are returning to the workforce to bolster sagging investment accounts or just because they want to continue to work.

So, it’s time to get in the game.  Your parents advice may or may not work for today’s economy (unless they were Rich Dad) and the politics of the situation…well let’s just say it’s not looking good.

The National Urban League Young Professionals and Urban League Council of Guilds are hosting a week of creating job opportunity November 7-12th.  In 50+ chapters and affiliate offices across the country, you will be able to participate in programming designed to help you in your job search.  You will also be able to discuss the jobs numbers with our Policy Institute so you can mobilize in your community to influence your representatives.

You don’t want to miss it.  Sign up today to get involved!

Hey, I know you’re afraid to get involved because you need to stay focused on your job.  But if you do nothing who will help you when you don’t have one?