Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler (D-CA) joined Senators Reverend Warnock (D-GA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), in introducing resolutions in both chambers of Congress marking Black Women’s Equal Pay Day. The resolutions acknowledge the disparity in wages paid to Black women across America. The resolution was introduced on July 9 – Black Women’s Equal Pay Day — the day that symbolizes how long into 2024 Black women must work to make what White, non-Hispanic men were paid in 2023. Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) introduced companion legislation in the House. Senator Warnock has long been a vocal champion for equal pay and the dignity of work and previously introduced this resolution in 2021 with Congresswoman Adams.
“It is unacceptable that Black women earn less than their white and male counterparts—regardless of where they work or their education level,” said Senator Butler. “Black Women’s Equal Pay Day calls upon us to take action and close the pervasive gender and racial pay gaps that persist in our workforce.”
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 was passed over 60 years ago, requiring women and men to be paid equally for the same work. Yet current data shows that the overrepresentation and underrepresentation of women and people of color in certain occupations and industrial sectors contributes to the persisting pay gap. In 2023, Black women lost $42.7 billion in wages compared to white men due to the impacts of segregation by occupation and industrial sector — and according to the National Women’s Law Center, Black women will lose nearly $885,000 in potential earnings during the course of a 40-year career due to the wage gap.
“There is no such thing as equality for some. Black women deserve the same opportunities to earn the same paycheck as their neighbors across the state and the country. I will always be an advocate and a champion for equal, fair pay for all people,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I’m honored to join Senator Butler, Senator Booker, and Rep. Adams in introducing this resolution to recognize Black Women’s Equal Pay Day and the many contributions Black women have made to this country and continue to make every single day.”
“It is unacceptable that despite all the progress we have made, Black women continue to make 69 cents on the dollar compared to their white male counterparts,” said Senator Booker. “We must continue to fight for equal pay for equal work and take steps to end the practices that underpay and undervalue Black women in the workplace.”
“I am immensely proud to lead the Resolution to mark Black Women’s Equal Pay Day on the House side,” said Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. “My family lived this struggle: my mother was our primary breadwinner. She cleaned houses and saved up and pinched every penny so I could be the first person in my family to go to college. I can only imagine what she would have been able to accomplish had she been paid a fair wage. I see no reason why our daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters must face the same barriers, and that’s why I introduced this legislation with my colleagues today.”
Organizations endorsing the resolution include: Family Values @ Work, National Black Worker Center (NBWC), Equal Rights Advocates, Equal Pay Today, PowHer New York, The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation’s Black Women’s Roundtable, National Partnership for Women and Families, National Committee on Pay Equity, Pro-Choice North Carolina, Maine Women’s Lobby & MWL Education Fund, Michigan Pay Equity Network, Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), Justice for Migrant Women, National Employment Law Project, National Council of Jewish Women, MANA A National Latina Organization, American Association of University Women (AAUW), Gender Equality Law Center, Women Employed, Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable, National Women’s Law Center, National Organization for Women (NOW), In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)
Read the full resolution text HERE.
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