Calling Out The Deep-Rooted Racism Against Black Federal Employees

When I dreamed of being the first Black woman on the Supreme Court as a child, it seemed ambitious, especially growing up in Richmond, Virginia, well-known for its Confederate legacy. However, my aspiration boiled down to a desire for a federal job, which led me to thank my mother, a devoted federal employee for 35 years. Despite being a single parent after my father's passing, she ensured her three daughters had stability and healthcare, allowing us to dream big.Many Black families share this narrative; federal employment has historically served as a pathway to the middle class. However, the Trump administration's systematic removal of Black federal employees jeopardizes this progress. Although Black Americans constitute 13% of the population, they make up nearly 20% of the federal workforce, indicating major strides. Regrettably, the stability once offered is waning due to the administration's actions, disproportionately affecting women and people of color, thereby diminishing opportunities for future Black generations.