Shirley Hopkins, an 81-year-old retiree, dedicated her career to helping Black students in Washington, D.C., find jobs in the federal government. Before retiring, she worked at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where she became known as the "recruitment lady." Her mission was to encourage young Black students to apply for internships and employment opportunities at the NIH.
Reflecting on her own struggles to find work as a young person, Hopkins was determined to ensure that future generations had better access to job opportunities. She recalls her pride when she secured her first federal job as a nurse’s aide for young cancer patients, which made her mother proud.
Hopkins now lives in Prince George’s County, Maryland, a majority-Black area known for its wealth and stability. Her story highlights how federal jobs have historically provided stability and opportunities for many Black workers. However, recent changes under the Trump administration, including job cuts and hiring freezes, threaten this path to the middle class for many Black employees.
The federal workforce has seen significant changes, with Black employees making up 18.5% of the federal civilian workforce, compared to 14.8% of the general U.S. population. Certain agencies have even higher percentages of Black staff. Yet, the ongoing cuts and attacks on diversity programs have raised concerns about job security for these workers.
Calvin Stevens, another former federal employee, worked for over 30 years at the General Services Administration. He credits his stable government job for allowing him to support his family and achieve a comfortable life. Stevens emphasizes the importance of federal employment in providing clear paths for career advancement, despite facing challenges like prejudice along the way.
Kevin Abernathy, a letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service and a nephew of Hopkins, joined the federal workforce for its stability. However, he now faces uncertainty as his eldest son recently left a government job for the private sector due to concerns about job security. Abernathy’s story reflects a broader trend where federal jobs are becoming less attractive amid ongoing cuts.
Experts worry that these changes could have long-lasting effects on Black families and communities, particularly in areas like Prince George’s County, which have benefited from federal employment. The loss of these jobs might reshape the local economy and threaten the stability of the Black middle class.
As federal job cuts continue, many Black workers find themselves at a crossroads, uncertain about their futures and the opportunities that once seemed secure. The implications of these cuts are not just personal; they could alter the landscape of Black employment and economic stability in the region for years to come.