Black Middle Class Under Attack ⚠️

BFA Collective: Explore the critical threats to Black middle class jobs in federal employment. Join us in advocating for economic stability and justice.

Author

Dale Harris
February 25, 2025

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MAIN STORY

The Black Middle-Class Was Built on Federal Jobs—Now It’s on the Brink

For generations, federal jobs have been a lifeline for Black workers, providing stability, fair wages, and a path to the middle class. Unlike the private sector, which has a long history of racial discrimination in hiring and pay, the federal government offered structured career growth and financial security.

How Federal Jobs Built Black Wealth

After the Civil Rights Movement, federal employment became a major stepping stone for Black workers. These jobs offered:

  •  Higher Wages & Job Security – Many Black families were able to buy homes, send kids to college, and build generational wealth thanks to stable government incomes.

  • Protection Against Discrimination – While the private sector had barriers, the federal government provided more structured hiring and promotion processes.

  • A Pathway to the Middle Class – Today, 18% of the federal workforce is Black, compared to just 13% of the total U.S. workforce.

  • Overrepresented in Education - Nearly 30% of Education employees are Black according to a 2024 report by the department.

These jobs weren’t just careers—they were economic lifelines that fueled Black homeownership, retirement savings, and community investment.

The Ripple Effect on Black Wealth

These job cuts won’t just impact federal employees—they’ll hit entire communities. Losing stable incomes could lower homeownership rates, weaken Black-owned businesses, and shrink retirement savings.

Economists warn this could erase decades of progress, leaving many Black families struggling to maintain financial security.

What Can Be Done?

Protecting Black workers starts with pushing for policies that prevent mass layoffs and provide transition programs. Entrepreneurship, skilled trades, and high-growth industries can also open new career paths.

Supporting Black-owned businesses helps strengthen financial stability, and staying informed and taking action is key to preventing further damage.

The Future Is at Stake

The Black middle class took decades to build, but it could disappear overnight if these cuts continue.

Will we let Black wealth vanish? Or will we fight for policies and opportunities that keep progress alive? The time to act is now. But now, mass job cuts are threatening to dismantle this foundation, putting decades of progress at risk.

Trump & Musk’s Continued Federal Job Crackdown

President Donald Trump backed Elon Musk’s demand that federal employees explain their recent accomplishments by the end of Monday or risk getting fired, even as government agency officials were told that compliance with Musk’s edict was voluntary. Some Trump allies, including FBI officials, refused to comply. Thousands have already lost their jobs, and protests and legal battles continue as the crisis deepens.

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Cut Through Noise with The Flyover!

The Flyover offers a refreshing alternative to traditional news. Our talented editors meticulously curate the day's top stories, keeping you informed and ready to win your day. Join over 950,000 readers who trust The Flyover's unbiased insights!

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THE FLIP SIDE

💴 Gen Z and Millennials Turn to Social Media for Financial Advice—But at What Cost?. A majority of Gen Z (77%) and millennials (61%) seek financial advice on social media, with TikTok's FinTok emerging as a go-to source. While influencers provide useful tips, many lack credentials, leading to costly mistakes. Nearly 40% of Gen Z and one-third of millennials regret following online advice, with some facing scams or financial trouble. (Fast Company)

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🤌🏾 Rep. Jasmine Crockett Condemns Trump, Calls Out DEI Hypocrisy. Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett continues to challenge Donald Trump, criticizing his attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion. In a Breakfast Club interview, she highlighted that white women benefit most from DEI and expressed support for Canada and Mexico’s pushback against Trump. Crockett also slammed his felony convictions, questioning his legitimacy as a presidential candidate. (The Root)

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Roberta Flack

Legendary singer and pianist Roberta Flack, known for her intimate vocal style, passed away at 88. She rose to fame in the 1970s after Clint Eastwood featured The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face in Play Misty for Me. Flack, who announced her ALS diagnosis in 2022, also had a massive hit with Killing Me Softly. She died at home surrounded by family.

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