The Role of Race, Labor Markets, and Education in Building an Equitable Recovery

Understanding how labor markets function for different racial and ethnic groups during recessions can reveal structural inequities in our economy and inform efforts to rebuild after the COVID-19 pandemic. Though educational attainment has long been regarded as the primary engine of economic mobility, new insights show it may not act as a buffer against economic hardship during recessions equally across racial and ethnic groups.

New research from Darrick Hamilton, the Henry Cohen professor of economics and urban policy and founding director of the Institute on Race and Political Economy at The New School, demonstrates disparities in labor market experiences for Black, Latinx, and white workers during recessions and illustrates the unique impact of the current recession compared with previous downturns. 

Join WorkRise and The New School for an exclusive research briefing with Hamilton, a member of WorkRise’s Leadership Board. The briefing will be followed by a discussion with civic, business, and philanthropic leaders on bold solutions for dismantling structural inequities in education and the labor market and building an equitable recovery.

Introduction:

• Elisabeth Jacobs, Senior Fellow, Urban Institute; Deputy Director, WorkRise

Speakers:

• Melody Barnes, Professor of Practice, Dorothy Danforth Compton Professor, and Codirector of the Democracy Initiative, University of Virginia; former Director, White House Domestic Policy Council @MelodyCBarnes
• Colleen Briggs, Head of Community Development and Financial Health, Corporate Responsibility, JPMorgan Chase
• Darrick Hamilton, Henry Cohen Professor of Economics and Urban Policy, University Professor, and Director of the Institute on Race and Political Economy at The New School; member, WorkRise Leadership Board @DarrickHamilton
• Carmen Rojas, President and CEO, Marguerite Casey Foundation @crojasphd
• Kimberly Adams, Correspondent and Host, Marketplace (moderator) @KAreports

Materials:

• Speaker biographies
• Presentation slides
   

Support for this event is provided by the funders of WorkRise. For more information on the Urban Institute’s funding principles, go to urban.org/fundingprinciples.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. Please email events@urban.org if you require any accommodations or have any questions about this event.

Image credit: fizkes/Shutterstock