Trump's Slowdown on Equity-Centric Jobs Puts Black Workers in Jeopardy

A recent 16-page policy brief from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies cautions that federal investments designed to promote economic opportunities for Black communities are at risk. This is largely due to the Trump administration's elimination of essential diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) provisions, coupled with a slowdown in funding distribution. Authored by policy analyst Dr. Gabrielle Smith Finnie, the report titled “Shifting the Narrative on Industrial Policy: Opportunities for Genuine Economic Mobility and Good Jobs for Black Communities” examines federal initiatives such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These investments provided a unique opportunity for enhancing access to quality jobs in growth sectors like manufacturing and clean energy. However, the report reveals that significant equity elements, including labor protections, are being curtailed. Moreover, while funds aim to positively impact high-poverty areas, Black-led organizations report being under-informed and lacking resources to navigate the funding landscape effectively.