Today marks Black Women’s Equal Pay Day. Today, Black women have to work nearly 21 months to make what a non-Hispanic white male makes in one full year. That’s heartbreaking.
Black women and other women of color earn less than their non-Hispanic white male counterparts. In fact, according to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), “Black women are paid 58 cents for every dollar paid to white men.” AAUW also predicts that there is no end in sight for the pay gap to close for Black women because data trends are going in the wrong direction.
Pay inequity is a systemic problem that requires systemic change. However, to provide a baseline for the state of Black women in America, here are a few facts:
- Nearly 85% of Black mothers are key breadwinners for their families [Center for American Progress]
- Women of color make up only 4% of C-Suite positions. [Lean In: Women in the Workplace]
- Single Black women own 2¢ to the dollar when compared to all single men. [ Women’s Fund of Central Ohio’s Wealth Gap Report]
Black women are at a crossroads when it comes to equality. While there are many policy solutions and actions individuals and businesses can take to close the gap – Brave Philanthropists‘ mission is to revolutionize philanthropy for women and girls by providing tools and resources for everyday philanthropists to do more good that matters.
Therefore, here are a few charitable organizations you should consider investing your time, talent and resources to help close the pay gap faster:
National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing opportunities and the quality of life for African-American women, their families, and communities. The NCNW offers education, economic empowerment, and health care programs.
American Association of University Women’s mission is to advance equity for women and girls through education, advocacy, research, and philanthropy. While their data and research on economic security and education are impressive, their advocacy work has propelled countless new laws forward. These laws include the Equal Pay Act, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009, and the Paycheck Fairness Act, passed by the U.S. Representatives in 2019 and awaiting support in the U.S. Senate.
The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio is a public foundation that promotes social change by growing philanthropy and making grants to programs that expand opportunities for women and girls. Specifically, their Enduring Progress Initiative (EPI), a groundbreaking effort to provide women of color with the capital they need and deserve, is an impressive fund that supports Black women.
The Black Economic Alliance Foundation is a national organization that harnesses the collective expertise of Black business leaders to build economic prosperity and generational wealth for the Black community. They, too, have a plethora of research and data that supports Black economic empowerment through a national lens.
Black Women’s Equal Pay Day is one day to reflect on the issues that disproportionately impact Black women’s economic security and advancement. However, this is not a one-day issue. Black women’s pay is an everyday issue that necessitates a long-term commitment and robust solutions. Therefore, let’s take the time to reflect on the data and research today, then take action by donating to one of the many organizations working hard to close the gap.