The Recession and Minorities

Hi Everyone! I know we all know there is a recession and that of course its affecting all of us in some form. As Bonners we have an idea of this struggle even before the recession hit. I found a news article on BBC that deals with poverty and African Americans in Chicago specifically. Although African Americans were the targeted race group of the article. I can also reiterate from Thomas on the Bonner Weekly that we as minorities in some form can relate to these types of issues.

Anyway for the Article! The article mentioned that the national unemployment rate was 8.5% in December of 2007. African Americans specifically had a 13.4% unemployment rate. Although rates for minority groups are usually higher than average, it ultimately shouldn't be. A few examples of individuals affected was a family that was currently only being supported by the daughter of a woman who was used to being middle class most of her life. The daughter currently has a decent paying job as a nurse, but as we all know supporting around 4 people with a family member in college is very challenging. In response to lack of funds in the family, the woman's grandson had to drop out of college at Columbia.

As we all know something like this can happen to us, if it already hasn't. We as Bonners are blessed to be in such a program that understands that every community has needs and gives us the opportunity to help them. We know that actually dealing with these issues personally gives us a better connection in finding a solution to the problem.

If anyone wants to read the article here is the link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8013102.stm