Shirley Hopkins dedicated her career to the federal government, facilitating job opportunities for numerous Black workers. At the National Institutes of Health (NIH), she was informally known as the “recruitment lady” due to her efforts to encourage Black students in Washington, D.C., to join federal internships and youth employment programs. Referring to her past struggles with employment, Hopkins determined to provide others with opportunities that were unavailable to her.
Now retired and residing in Prince George’s County, Md.—one of the wealthiest majority-Black regions—Hopkins recollects her pride in securing her first federal job as a nurse’s aide. Her mother, who labored as a hairdresser and domestic worker, valued the significance of federal employment.
The Trump administration’s reduction of government jobs, hiring freeze, and challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are disrupting the former pathways to stability for Black workers in federal employment. Current data indicates Black individuals form 18.5% of the federal civilian workforce, surpassing their 14.8% representation in the U.S. population.
Historian Frederick Gooding Jr. states that federal jobs have long played a crucial role in building the Black middle class, particularly after World War II. At that time, government positions began opening to Black Americans, leading the way for equitable employment standards in the private sector.
Former federal employee Calvin Stevens echoes this importance, having advanced to a senior supervisory position after a 30-year career at the General Services Administration. His federal role provided economic stability and personal fulfillment.
Black federal employees, however, have faced challenges in career advancement, including prejudice. As the Trump administration pushes against DEI initiatives, concerns are growing about the vulnerability of Black workers in federal roles.
Job cuts may substantially affect Black communities, particularly in affluent areas in Maryland. Sociologist Kris Marsh cautions that such changes might shrink the Black middle class, undermining decades of economic advancement.
With these federal workforce reductions, the future stability for Black employees and communities is uncertain. Many question the intentions behind these administrative changes and their long-term impacts on Black prosperity.
The White House has not provided comment on these developments.
