Washington, D.C. — Today, in honor of Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls issued the following statement 

“Every year, we recognize Black Women’s Equal Pay Day to magnify the pay gap experienced by Black women compared with their white male counterparts in the workforce. At 63 cents on the dollar, it is America’s widest, most pernicious pay gap. This figure is not incidental; it is symptomatic of centuries of economic abuse and exploitation designed to relegate a population to the margins of the world’s most lucrative economy. While today serves to remind many of the consequences of a system intended to impede the progression of Black women, we must recognize and acknowledge the work that must be done to one day overcome the wage gap between Black women and white men. We must assume a comprehensive approach towards addressing the root causes of this disparity. In the 117th Congress, we have closely examined several legislative measures we believe will narrow this pay gap. Additionally, we proudly co-sponsored the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act because it is time this country takes this issue seriously and acknowledges 63 cents on the dollar is not just a statistic; it is lives. It is the health and happiness of families and neighbors. It is our future,” said the Co-Chairs. “We also support the Black Women’s Equal Pay Day Resolution, which would federally recognize today and its intention. Though today’s purpose is to emphasize the systemic economic oppression Black women and their families endure daily, it is also a moment to celebrate all Black women have achieved against overwhelming odds and relentless adversity. Despite a system working to keep us down, Black women refuse to relent. Our indefatigable fortitude resonates in our communities and in our consistent leadership roles in shaping the future of our nation. We look forward to a time where we will see equity on all fronts for Black women, because when equity is the focus, everyone benefits.” 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 3, 2021

Media contact: 

Remmington Belford (Clarke) 

Remmington.belford@mail.house.gov 

Rachel Kingery (Kelly) 

Rachel.kingery@mail.house.gov 

Mike Shananhan (Watson Coleman) 

Mike.Shananhan@mail.house.gov