Are you an unemployed Black woman who lost your job this year?

The unemployment rate for Black women has risen sharply this year, climbing faster than other demographic groups. Igor Suka/E+/Getty Images

The US labor market has weakened over the course of the year as hiring has stalled across many industries. The national unemployment rate has ratcheted higher in the process, hitting 4.4% in September.

However, for certain workers, the negative effects of the slowing job market have been even more acute.

Unemployment has risen sharply this year for Black women workers, jumping from 5.4% in January to 7.7% in September. That jobless rate, which is climbing much faster than other demographic groups, is now at a four-year high. In addition to the negative impacts for people, households and communities, this increase is also a warning sign for the b