Hundreds Attend Minneapolis Job Fair as Black Women Face National Unemployment Crisis

Hundreds Attend Minneapolis Job Fair as Black Women Face National Unemployment Crisis

MINNEAPOLIS — October 18, 2025

A surge in unemployment among Black women nationwide has prompted action in the Twin Cities. On Friday, more than 200 job seekers and a dozen employers gathered at The Coliseum on East Lake Street for “A Job Fair & Brunch for Black Women,” an event designed to address what organizers are calling a growing — but underreported — economic crisis.

A National Trend with Local Impact

Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that unemployment among Black women remains significantly higher than the national average. The September report placed the rate for Black women at 5.9%, compared with 4.1% nationally. Earlier this summer, that number climbed to nearly 7%, translating to more than 300,000 Black women laid off or leaving the workforce nationwide.

In Minnesota, the state’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) reports a similar trend, with unemployment among Black workers hovering between 7% and 8% through midyear. DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek noted that historically marginalized groups “tend to bear the brunt of rising unemployment,” often serving as an early warning sign for the broader economy.

Layoffs Hitting Experienced Professionals

The economic downturn has hit even seasoned professionals. Penny Houston, a Twin Cities resident with a 25-year career and multiple advanced degrees, has been unemployed for 18 months — the longest stretch of her career.

“It was really bad,” Houston said. “I applied to over 100 jobs. I’ve had to sell personal assets and use my retirement savings just to make ends meet.”

She joined dozens of other women at the Minneapolis job fair, hoping to turn the corner in her job search. “Black women are very capable,” she said. “We just want to thrive like anyone else.”

Possible Causes: DEI Cuts and Federal Layoffs

Economists and workforce experts point to several factors driving the losses. Brundidge and others cite widespread cuts to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, along with layoffs in sectors where Black women are heavily represented — including health care, human resources, and the federal workforce.

“There’s strong representation of Black workers in federal jobs,” said Varilek. “When layoffs are concentrated there, they impact Black workers more.”

The Economic Policy Institute recently found that Black women’s labor-force participation has declined faster than any other demographic group in 2025, particularly among middle-income professionals.

A Fair Focused on Empowerment

The Minneapolis job fair was organized by Sheletta Brundidge, founder of Sheletta Makes Me Laugh, who said she felt compelled to act after learning of the national spike in unemployment.

“This is an unemployment crisis for Black women that nobody is talking about,” Brundidge said. “I wanted them to be reminded of how valuable they are — and that better days are ahead.”

The event offered on-site interviews, resume workshops, and one-on-one networking with employers from industries such as banking, government, and health care. Attendees were treated to a complimentary brunch — complete with mimosas — meant to foster both professional and emotional uplift.

As a gesture of support, organizers selected two attendees to have their November rent or mortgage payments covered.

“When Black women do well, this country does well,” Brundidge added. “This job fair wasn’t just about jobs — it was about dignity, visibility, and community.”

Looking Forward

Organizers plan to track employment outcomes from the event and are exploring ways to make the job fair an annual gathering. For attendees like Houston, the effort offers more than just a networking opportunity — it restores a sense of hope.

“Events like this give us encouragement,” she said. “We’re not just statistics. We’re talented, we’re determined — and we still rise.”

MinneapoliMedia