Black Males Hit Extra Hard By Unemployment : NPR : The country's spiraling unemployment rate is taking a particular toll on men as the recession continues to roil male-dominated industries, such as manufacturing and construction.
This 'he-cession,' as it's sometimes called, has hit African-American men especially hard, increasing their unemployment rate to more than 17 percent last month.
One of those unemployed black men searching for work is Randolph Smith. When Smith, 53, is working, he manages logistics, inventory and supplies for large companies. He's been trying to find that type of work since he was laid off a year ago — but so far, he's had no success.
Playing racquetball has been a lifesaver for Smith. He meets friends at a local health club about three or four times a week.
'Just to be able to come somewhere that's affordable for me, not far from home, to be around some good friends where there's camaraderie. To exercise and get the stress off my life.'
