July 27th Heritage & Cultural Highlight: Black Women's Equal Pay Day

About  

In 1963 the Equal Pay Act was passed by the United States Congress. This year, the Equal Pay Act was celebrated March 12, 2024. The Equal Pay Act represents the current state of the gender pay gap for women. The 2024 March date kicks off the acknowledgement of unequal pay differences of women throughout the United States such as: 

  • Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Women’s Equal Pay Day – April 3
  • LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day – June 13
  • Black Women’s Equal Pay Day – July 9
  • Moms’ Equal Pay Day – August 7
  • Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) Women’s Equal Pay Day – August 28
  • Latina Equal Pay Day – October 3
  • Native Women’s Equal Pay Day – November 21

In 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Paycheck Fairness Act” to helpEQUAL PAY DAY close the race and gender gaps in pay.

Equitable Well-Being proudly recognizes and celebrates Black Women’s Equal Pay Day. Black Women’s Equal Pay Day is celebrated on July 27th this year. This date changes year by year because it represents how far into  the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year. This day commemorates an unfortunate but true state of where we are in America. Regardless of the employment status, part-time, full-time, or hourly there is a substantial gap between Black women and white men. According to the 2022 census data, compared to non-Hispanic white men, Black women are making 69 cents for full time workers and 66 cents for all workers. Black mothers are making 50 cents to every dollar a white father makes. In 1963 the Equal Pay Act was passed. It wasn’t until 2019 the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Paycheck Fairness Act” to help close the race and gender gaps in pay. By fostering a culture that embraces diversity, Durham County is dedicated to addressing social inequities and fostering a more inclusive environment. 

Connecting  

One of the most effective ways to connect on Black Women’s Equal Pay Day is to educate yourself and others about the wage gap and its underlying causes. You can start by reading reports and studies from authoritative sources, such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the National Women’s Law Center , and the American Association of University Women. These resources can provide you with facts, figures, and insights into the wage gap and its impact on Black women’s economic security and well-being. 

Learning  

Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, a stark reminder of the persistent wage gap, highlights the ongoing struggle for economic justice. This day, calculated by the National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE), signifies the point in the year when Black women’s earnings finally catch up to what white men earned the previous year. The NCPE, dedicated to eliminating wage discrimination based on sex and race, provides valuable resources and data on this issue. Organizations like the National Partnership for Women & Families (NPWF) further advocate for policies that promote women’s equality in all aspects of life, including the workplace. Their reports shed light on the wage gaps affecting Black women, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges they face. Podcasts like “In the Gap” by In These Times delve into the complexities of the wage gap, providing a platform for voices and stories that often go unheard. By raising awareness and promoting dialogue, these organizations and resources contribute to the fight for equal pay and a more equitable future for all. 

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Conversation Starters  

Here are some questions to start conversations with others about Black Women’s Equal Pay Day. For leaders, try building in time in supervision or team meetings to prompt staff conversations about Black Women’s Equal Pay Day. Options could include:  

  1. Did you learn anything new about Black Women’s Equal Pay Day this month? 

  2. What influential figure or event from Black Women’s Equal Pay Day has left a lasting impact on you personally?

  3. Did you learn anything new during Black Women’s Equal Pay Day that has inspired or impacted your perspective? 

  4. How did you participate in Black Women’s Equal Pay Day?