the recession diaries

While some people got up early and made their way to the lengthy lines outside of the country’s biggest retail stores this morning to search for a 97 inch TV for $4 (I bet each store only had 2 TVs), some Americans have decided to opt out of Black Friday shopping in order to focus…

The Washington Post released a hard-hitting report on the state of the young black worker. In short, if you’re between the ages of 16-24 you are screwed. Actually, as someone who only recently turned 25, let me add that you’re not much bigger off in that demographic either. For black men the state of the…

One issue that I’ve always taken throughout this entire ordeal with the economy that so much has been stressed on the plight of the middle class, but not enough about those with much lower earnings. Yes, the extension of unemployment benefits and other services like food stamps have been helpful, but that additional money comes…

If you’re looking to make a little extra money this holiday season to buy things you don’t need, chances are you’re on the hunt for a seasonal job. But if this new survey from Careerbuilder.com is as accurate as it seems, you face some pretty stiff competition. Survey says 1-in-8 employed workers plan to take…

Earlier this year, a reader sent in a letter about her experiences with identity theft. In her letter, she detailed how she missed out on her dream job opportunity after a background check revealed she failed to appear in courts over tickets she never knew she received. That was because someone stole her identity. By…

When I’m not writing about the recession, race and culture, or sexuality I’m writing about Rihanna’s daily steps for pay. Yes, I’m one of many growing writers who dabble in the world of celebrity journalism in order to not dance in the world of homelessness. Like it or not (I tend to have a mixture…

With unemployment among blacks topping 15 percent nationally and 20 percent in several states, the N.A.A.C.P. is reportedly ready to put pressure on President Obama to do more to create jobs. The N.A.A.C.P. plans to join the A.F.L.-C.I.O. along with the National Council of La Raza to make the case that the president’s $787 billion…

If you’re the type of shopper who frequents Nordstrom, Saks, and Macy’s, congratulations – you’re slowly but surely making your way back to the cashier. The AP reports on new recent earnings reports from major retailers that suggest that wealthier Americans have begun to trek back to higher end retailers…to actually spend money. But, for…

Despite new claims from Warren Buffett that the worst is over, there’s still much to be miserable over. There is rampant unemployment, foreclosures have declined slightly but they’re still higher than they were a year ago, men continue to struggle to find work, the deficit is soaring, gas may reach the price of $4.00 a…

There are nearly 16 million people out of work. According to new stats from the labor department, job seekers now outnumber openings by more than six to one — the greatest discrepancy since tracking of job openings began. With millions unemployed and scarce jobs available those still actively looking for work have to be certain…