City Club of Chicago: The imperative of investing in Black men and fathers in Chicago
July 31, 2025
Black men in Illinois face a persistent workforce crisis, with Chicago ranking lowest among major U.S. cities in labor force participation. In response, Equity & Transformation (EAT) and Fathers, Families & Healthy Communities (FFHC) conducted in-depth research to understand the barriers Black men and fathers face in securing stable employment. Their findings, to be released in the upcoming report, Breaking the Chains: Reclaiming Wealth, Power, and Dignity for Black Men, outline urgent, actionable solutions—including targeted guaranteed income, job training with wraparound support, fatherhood and mentorship programs, and investment in Black-owned businesses. This initiative aims to drive systemic change, ensuring Black men have access to opportunities that strengthen families and Chicago’s economy.
In partnership with the Field Foundation.
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