The Crisis of Black Male Joblessness on Page 7 Are Making Great Professional Here Are the Findings (* Com- Strides in Their Careers
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
DiversityUrban League Works! Employment/Career & Small Business Guide SPRING 2007 VOL. 2 - NO. 1 A community service of the Business Workforce Development Department of The Urban League of San Diego County www.ulsdc.org consequences and inspired brav- Traditionally remembered during Black History Month, ery and courage in those fearful starting with this issue a of escaping. Called “Moses” The crisis of prominent historical figure is by those she helped get on the featured. In this way, African- American accomplishments Underground Railroad, Tubman are celebrated all year long. brought more than 300 people black male to freedom using the system. Her orn into harsh slavery as trips could take weeks at a time, BAraminta Ross in Dorches- all the while evading slave hunt- ter County, Maryland, Tubman ers and the authorities. joblessness married a free African-American During the Civil War, Tubman at age 25. Several years later, served the Union as a soldier, The unemployment rate for black males was 9.5 percent, more fearing she would be sold, Tub- spy and nurse. However, she was man escaped to Philadelphia denied payment for her wartime than twice the 4.6 percent unemployment rate for all males. where she met William Still, the services. She settled upstate, in Philadelphia stationmaster of the Auburn, New York. ccording to a report this month by Senator Charles “Underground Railroad” who Although she married Nelson AE. Schumer (Democrat-New York), for the Senate’s showed the young Tubman how Davis, a man she met in South Joint Economic Committee, the unemployment the escape system worked. Carolina during the war, she was rate for black men is double that of all men in In 1851 Tubman began relocat- never inactive and continued to the United States. Historically, labor market ing members of her family to On- work keeping open an Auburn outcomes for African-Americans have been tario, Canada. Tubman returned center for women’s activities. worse than those for the population as a whole. to Maryland to rescue other Harriet Tubman In 1995, the federal government But the problem is even more critical than ever family members. She is said to honored her with a commemora- before, particularly for young black men with have operated without fear of any c. 1820 - March 10, 1913 tive postage stamp. low educational attainment. Labor force participation rate is lower... To create this year’s list, Essence 1. Aetna, Inc., Hartford The percentage of all men either working or Magazine asked more than 60 looking for work (the labor force participation business insiders—headhunters, What makes it great: There are rate) has been declining for years. The rate for human resources representatives, strong employee networks at this black men has been falling as well, but it is 6 research firms and nonprofit health-care benefits company, or 7 percentage points lower than the rate for Great places organizations—to nominate with plenty of opportunities for all men. In 2006, for example, the labor force companies with solid reputations black women to meet others. participation rate was 73.5 percent for all men to work for for hiring, retaining, supporting It also has programs that give but only 67 percent for black men. In other and promoting black women. mid-level employees of color words, one out of every three black males is black women (Unlike other lists that rely on a leadership development training not in the workforce question-and-answer survey in for future top spots. which companies can respond Other pluses: black women, Nearly 40 percent of all black men were not working in 2006... with what they want you to like Elease Wright, senior vice- know, we created our methodol- president of human resources, Together, higher unemployment and lower labor force participation ogy based on discussions with are in place to make key hiring mean that the percentage of black males with a job is substantially those in the know.) decisions. Wright was recognized smaller than the percentage of all males with a job. An employment- We then conducted additional last year by The Network Journal to-population ratio for black males of 60.6 percent means that 39.4 research to find exceptional as one of the top influential black percent of all black men were not working in 2006 (see table). programs and policies within women in business. these organizations that cater The problem is particularly acute among young black men... specifically to our needs. We also 2. Citigroup, New York contacted the Equal Employment Unemployment rates for young men are higher than those for the by Jayme S. Ganey Opportunity Commission to find What makes it great: Citigroup overall population, but the unemployment rate for young black men is out if those under consideration has solid employee-led affinity staggeringly high—21.8 percent in 2006, or roughly twice as high as We surveyed the experts, are practicing what they preach. networks and high-placed black the rate for all young men. asked the tough questions, and Finally, we scoured the staff women. Ann Dibble Jordan sits crunched the numbers to compile of some great companies to find on the board of directors, and a list of companies where black black women who are succeeding Leah Johnson, senior vice-presi- women are not only welcome but at all levels. dent, of global corporate affairs, See THE CRISIS OF BLACK MALE JOBLESSNESS on Page 7 are making great professional Here are the findings (* Com- strides in their careers. panies listed alphabetically): See 25 GREAT JOBS on Page 14 Stereotypes: obstacles for black workers? 28 When African-Americans apply for jobs, they sometimes know just what’s coming. Lingering If you haven’t heard about The Urban League’s Job Readiness stereotypes of black workers—that they aren’t program, you may be missing out on an important tool to help as hardworking, or as smart—are still forcing with your employment campaign. Check out the important many to fight those perceptions. 11 information inside and find out about a great service. | SPRING 2007 | Diversity Works! Our customers are some of the most diverse in the world. Our employees, too. We’ve been recognized by DiversityInc., HISPANIC Magazine and ESSENCE. And for six years in a row, Fortune Magazine has ranked us among the Best Companies for Minorities. But a commitment to workforce diversity is nothing new here. It’s part of our culture. And, considering the diversity of our customers, a big reason for our success. AT&T salutes the diversity efforts of the San Diego Urban League. 600953 10x13d5 ATT.indd 1 8/9/2006 1:25:02 PM Diversity Works! | SPRING 2007 | Let me (re-)introduce you to the Urban League of San Diego County. Since 1953 we have been building bridges between communities of color and corporations/business/govern- ment here in San Diego through education, employment, and community development services. Our national history dates back to 1910 when black workers migrated from the rural South to the industrial urban North. When they arrived, they lacked the job skills, education and cul- URBAN LEAGUE OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY he tural awareness to be successful in the urban industrial environment. Additionally, the industrial Trecognizes that an inclusive workforce with a variety of views, North did not understand their culture, customs and behaviors. Consequently, there were a lot perspectives, and backgrounds is integral to our client’s success. of disconnects, firings and under utilized human resources. Ninety-seven years ago (we are the —This unique mixture in the workforce provides unlimited oldest diversity staffing agency in the nation) the National Urban League formed to serve as the ideas and innovative solutions that are imperative to thriving and bridge between the two groups facilitating mutual values, efforts and results. We transformed the Maurice D. Wilson propelling our economy forward. skills, cultures and abilities of the community into productive value-added employees through our programs and services. Also, because of our knowledge of communities of color, we helped EVP/COO, Director of Diversity —The Urban League is dedicated through our extensive net- and Community Initiatives corporations better understand the cultural differences of these new resources and create a win- at the Urban League work of partners and unparalleled reach into the urban market to 619-266-6244 win. Today, there are over 100 affiliates across the nation carrying out this mission, The Urban effectively recruit, train and inspire a diverse workforce and driv- League of San Diego County being one of them. In keeping with changes in society and trends in employment, The Urban League of ing a commitment to inclusion and diversity. San Diego County has undergone a transformation from Social Service Agency to a Social Entrepreneur Business-like Agency. Simply —As a non-profit organization, founded in 1953, the Urban stated, we operate our agency like a business, but maintain our historical purpose and core values. Our approach produces tangible League of San Diego County, is one of more than 100 affiliates -na results and many satisfied customers, both community and corporate. I invite you to take a second look and connect or re-connect tionwide, and seeks to eliminate the equality gap by empower- your company to us. Our 53-year presence here in San Diego gives us a unique edge and we have countless collaborative relationships ing citizens to spread educational information that provides the throughout the County that your company will find beneficial and strategically advantageous. I look forward to seeing you again. tools for social, political and economic success. —Our current services focus on the following areas: [1] Education [2] Housing [3] Employment.