Great Depression Drives Black Unemployment to 50% in Northern Cities

By 1932, Black unemployment in Northern industrial cities reached 50% in Chicago and Pittsburgh, double the rate for white workers. 'Last hired, first fired' practices concentrated Depression job losses on Black workers. In Chicago's Black Belt, 40% of Black families were on relief by 1932 vs. 14% of white families. In Philadelphia, 56% of Black workers were unemployed. White workers demanded and received preference in hiring for jobs previously done by Black workers. Black women lost domestic work positions as white women took them out of economic desperation.