Rising Black unemployment is a warning sign for America's economy

CNN —

August, which is heralded as Black Business Month, should have been a time to celebrate the Black labor force. But last month's jobs report showed unemployment rates increased for Black workers — and it could point to an economic slump.

The unemployment rate for Black workers reached 7.5% in August — its highest level since October 2021 (7.6%) — and followed consecutive increases in June (6.8%) and July (7.2%). A rise in Black unemployment is often considered the " canary in the coal mine ," foretelling a slowdown for the broader job market. Advertisement

Video above: U.S. job growth weakens; immigration enforcement adds to strain

"The most vulnerable people tend to get laid off first, and unfortunately, that tends to be Black Americans, and that's something that is very d