On May 30, 2025, Dr. Ravon Alford, a senior policy analyst at a criminal justice reform non-profit in Detroit, received notification from her organization’s leadership that federal grants had been revoked. As a consequence, projects funded by these grants were halted, leading to organization-wide layoffs that affected Alford and approximately 75% of the staff. This incident is part of a broader trend, with nearly 300,000 Black women leaving the U.S. labor force in just three months, largely due to federal policy changes resulting in significant cuts to public-sector agencies.
Black women constitute just over 6% of the overall workforce but represent over 12% of federal employees, historically benefiting from more stable jobs, pensions, and equitable pay compared to the private sector. Alford described her layoff as traumatic, highlighting her prior belief in the public sector’s stability. This shift has influenced many Black women to consider entrepreneurship as an alternative to traditional employment.
Dr. Rajanique Modeste, an industrial and organizational psychologist, pointed out that the psychological climate created by job insecurity affects engagement and feelings of safety, particularly for underrepresented groups. Employees often enter a survival mode, minimizing self-advocacy due to fear of losing their positions. The loss of colleagues during layoffs can erode community and support systems in the workplace, leaving individuals feeling isolated.
Duke, a 28-year-old account supervisor in Washington, D.C., experienced heightened anxiety and pressure to overperform after surviving layoffs at her advertising agency. She described a continuous state of uncertainty, which complicated personal decisions such as lease renewals. Like Alford, Duke had expected stability through her degree and job in the public sector but found that these assumptions no longer hold true.
Despite being spared from layoffs, the lingering anxiety can diminish a sense of belonging and safety, making employees less likely to seek promotions or raises. This silence can negatively impact morale and self-worth, particularly for Black women, who may feel pressured to conform and not make demands. The ongoing threat of job loss raises stress levels and affects mental health, leaving many in a state of uncertainty regarding their future employment prospects.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/20/black-women-trump-federal-layoffs