Unemployment rates have been on the rise for Black women, sparking a national conversation on whether the slashing of federal jobs and dismantling of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are behind the increase.

“The public sector, and in particular the federal government, really has been a pathway for Black women to earn better wages and to enter in more professional roles for generations,” said Ife Finch Floyd of the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute in Wednesday’s episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s “Politically Georgia” podcast.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show Black women’s unemployment rate has increased from just over 5% in March to 6.1% in April and May. The rate hovered around 5.8% in June before inching up to 6.3% in July.

In Georgia, J

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