Sisters,

‘Are you better off than you were four years ago?’ has become a common question in policy debates. Today, WE CAN wants to focus on what the data show about how the current administration’s economic policies are affecting women of color.

There is no way to put a positive spin on this. Most women of color would respond that we are doing much worse since the start of the second Trump administration. Economic policies have led to much economic distress for women of color, especially Black women. For example:

• Black women lost up to 319,000 jobs in just the first year.
• Black women made up only 14% of working women—but took 55% of all job losses.
• Indigenous women had the biggest drop of any group of women.
• Nearly 100,000 Black women lost government jobs—about one-third of all federal job cuts.

We Must Fight Back

On May 21, 2026, Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) stood on Capitol Hill with the NAACP, Color of Change, the National Urban League, and the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies to shine a bright light on the economic crisis in the Black community. Calling out the rise in unemployment, Rep. Pressley said this [crisis] is, “A direct result of Trump’s reckless financial policies that are precisely targeting Black communities who already carry the weight of systemic economic harm.”

For today’s Mobilize Monday, WE CAN asks that you first watch and share the May 21^st press conference to educate yourselves on the data and what advocacy groups are doing to create more inclusive economic policy.

Second, connect with your U.S. Congresspersons to let them know you expect them to take definitive action to address the unemployment crisis and related economic hardship for women of color and our communities.

Below is a script you can use when you make the call, and your call will be even more impactful if you can add something about how you have been impacted by the economic policies of the administration.

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Phone Call Script

Hello. My name is [YOUR NAME], and I am a constituent calling from [YOUR CITY/ZIP CODE].

I am calling to urge [REPRESENTATIVE/SENATOR NAME] to take immediate action on the Black unemployment crisis.

Black unemployment has reached 7.3 percent nationally — nearly double the overall rate. In Prince George’s County, where I live, Black women are the backbone of our families and our economy. When federal policy pushes us out of jobs, our entire community suffers.

Last week, Rep. Ayanna Pressley and major civil rights organizations went on record demanding a concrete plan. I am asking [REPRESENTATIVE/SENATOR NAME] to do the same — specifically:

1. Strengthen the Federal Reserve’s mandate to maximize employment.
2. Conduct a Congressional hearing on the impact of anti-DEI policies on Black unemployment.
3. Co-sponsor legislation that restores and expands federal workforce equity protections.

Please let [REPRESENTATIVE/SENATOR NAME] know that I expect him/her to commit to taking at least one of these actions.

Thank you!

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After you make your calls, please click HERE to help WE CAN get a good tally of all calls

We have evidence that when we raise our voices—things change! Watch and share the video. Make the calls. WE (STILL) CAN be effective change agents!

In solidarity,

Dr. Stephanie, WE CAN Founder

Walk In Ready: Claim Your Power Seat with Elected Officials | June 25, 2026 – 7:00pm

Sisters, this moment is calling us to action! Federal decisions are hitting our communities hard — from budget cuts that gut the programs we depend on to the way public funds are being redirected away from the people who need them most. Our elected officials need to hear directly from us — loudly, clearly, and frequently.

Join WE CAN and our partners for another session in our Power Hour series: Walk In Ready: Claim Your Power Seat with Elected Officials, a free, one-hour virtual session designed to give you the tools and confidence to walk into any elected official’s office — in person or virtually — and make your voice impossible to ignore.

You’ll leave knowing how to:

1. Request an appointment with your elected official
2. Prepare your message and materials before you walk in the door
3. Conduct yourself during the meeting to maximize your impact
4. Follow up strategically to keep the pressure on
5. Hold your electeds accountable long after the meeting ends

We’ll have two experienced advocates share insider tips on how to make the most of every meeting, this session will meet you where you are—whether this is your first time contacting your elected official or you’re ready to take your advocacy to the next level!