Where to start on justice at work: what we’ve written, the numbers and words to know, what to do this month, and the people, organizations and newsrooms worth following.
The Basics
Overview Work is where many of us spend most of our time, and where racism shows up in hiring, pay, promotions and everyday interactions. Workers of color are organizing for fair wages, safe conditions and a real voice on the job. Knowing the language helps you name what you see.
By the Numbers
Why this matters, in three numbers.
Black workers were more than twice as likely to be unemployed as white workers in spring 2026 (7.2% vs. 3.3%). (Economic Policy Institute, 2026 Q2)
41% of Black workers say they have faced discrimination or unfair treatment from an employer in hiring, pay or promotions because of their race. (Pew Research Center (2023))
Microaggressions — Everyday comments or actions, intended or not, that target someone’s marginalized identity.
Code-Switching — Changing how you speak, dress or act depending on who you’re around, often to get through spaces shaped by the dominant culture.
Tokenism — Including a small number of marginalized people to look diverse without addressing discrimination.
Take Action
Three things you can do this month.
Call your members of Congress about the CROWN Act. The CROWN Act of 2025 (H.R.1638 / S.751) would ban discrimination at work and school based on hair texture and styles like braids, locs and twists. It has been stuck in committee since February 2025. Say: "I'm a constituent, and I want you to support the CROWN Act so no one loses a job because of their natural hair."
Give to the National Black Worker Center. NBWC supports Black worker centers across the country and runs a Working While Black hotline for people facing discrimination on the job.
Sign the CROWN Coalition petition. Many states still have no CROWN law. Add your name to the official petition to make hair discrimination illegal everywhere, then share it with coworkers.
During a period where employee and employer dynamics fracture and DEI initiatives fall short, economic justice and sustainability in the workplace take center stage.
Discussions on the hazards of policing misrepresent reality yet are used to protect the police. A closer look into policing and the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. challenges the claim that police are "under attack."
These groups are led by people of color and work on justice at work every day. Follow them for updates and ways to help.
National Domestic Workers Alliance Organizes nannies, house cleaners and care workers for rights and fair pay. Visit their website, and follow @domesticworkers on Instagram to get updates in your newsfeed.
National Day Laborer Organizing Network Organizes day laborers and immigrant workers for safety and fair wages. Visit their website, and follow @daylaborernetwork on Instagram to get updates in your newsfeed.
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance Asian American and Pacific Islander union members organizing for workers' rights. Visit their website, and follow @apalanational on Instagram to get updates in your newsfeed.
People to Follow
Organizers, scholars and journalists who know this topic. Follow them to keep learning.
Valerie Wilson Labor economist at the Economic Policy Institute. She leads EPI's program on race and the economy, tracking how Black workers fare on jobs and pay. Follow them here.
Erica Smiley Executive director of Jobs With Justice. A longtime organizer who connects unions and community groups to win better jobs and workers' rights. Follow them here.
Minda Harts Author and workplace equity speaker. She shares honest, practical advice for women of color on getting fair treatment and advancing at work. Follow @mindaharts on Instagram.
Independent Media
Independent newsrooms and newsletters that cover justice at work often. Read and donate if you can!
Watch: Dolores by Peter Bratt. The life of Dolores Huerta, who co-founded the first farm workers union and fought for racial and labor justice.
Listen: Black Womaning in Corporate America by Nicole S. Palmer. Honest talk about code-switching, pay and leadership for Black women at work, with new episodes in 2026.
Talk About It
Not sure how to bring this up with family or coworkers? Try one of these.
Has anyone at work ever commented on your hair or told you to change it?
Do you think people here get promoted fairly, or does it depend on who you know?
Would you feel okay talking about pay with coworkers? It's usually legal, and it helps us spot unfair gaps.
ps – this is a community-created guide that is updated often. Want to make changes/corrections? Complete this form.
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