Unemployment rate for college educated African-Americans

"The economic rewards to higher education are disproportionately low for African Americans."

That may be a conclusion reached prematurely. I don't think its relevant to compare such data on a nationwide basis. Instead, it should be compared on a regional or metropolitian basis. If the pattern holds true in a city like Atlanta, I'd agree that there's cause for concern. But to mix the data for areas with minimal participation by college-educated minorities with areas of more racial balance, the data can be skewed. For instance we know Detroit has a significant black population. We also know Detroit's economy is horrible. If the college-educated black workforce in Detroit has higher unemployment than college-educated whites in Detroit, its fair to start asking why. But it would not be logical to compare college educated blacks in Detroit to college educated whites in Minnesota and then extrapolate to make a blanket statement applicable nationwide.

I am not sure I see a trend inside the recession. It seems to me that the problem is that unemployment for blacks was very roughly twice as high in March 2007 as well. So I can agree with the final conclusion that "The economic rewards to higher education are disproportionately low for African Americans " but the recession doesn't seem to have much to do with it.

I am a American of African descent. What I have not seen is an comparative. We are a small percentive of the whole. Contrary to what is polically correct I have found that due to social engineering that our students are dumb down. whether it is politically or teacher related it still puts those students within a public education at a disadvantage. Bring back the shops and skill classes. With the NO CHILD LEFT BEHILD, a lot of childeren are left behild.

I think the analysis is accurate. It's true that blacks are less likely to get hired despite such factors as education and experience. I have extensive experience in banking, no criminal background, along with a graduate degree and can't seem to land a decent job. During interviews, my credentials are scrutinized and I often feel like the interviewer has already judged me before i even open my mouth. Simply put, it's tough being black even in 2009. Check the unemployment numbers for blacks and see for yourself. Recent studies show white males with criminal records are chosen over black men with no criminal history. When you see black unemployment reaching 15% and white unemployment at 4%, it's hard to claim that race isn't a factor. There are definitely many opportunities for blacks that did not exist in the past but let's not pretend that there's fairness across the board.