Federal investments in response to the pandemic recession have led to near-record low unemployment among Black workers, helped narrow racial disparities across the U.S. economy, and strengthened the economic standing of Black Americans. Strong job growth and historic low unemployment has led to significant gains for Black workers, including higher labor force participation and wage growth. The expansion of the Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan also helped lead to a record drop in poverty for Black Americans and children in 2021. Federal economic relief programs in 2021 also supported the sharpest increase in Black homeownership since the Great Recession.

Older workers, generally defined as those aged 55 and above, make vital contributions to the U.S. economy.