Adams, Frankel, Leger Fernández, Watson Coleman, Blunt Rochester Introduce Black Women’s Equal Pay Day Resolution

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representatives Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12),LoisFrankel (FL-22),Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12),Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), and Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE), introduced the Black Women's Equal Pay Day Resolution, marking July 21^st as Black Women's Equal Pay Day and recognizing the deep, persistent wage gap that Black women continue to face in the United States.

Every year, the date of Black Women's Equal Pay Day is set to mark the amount of time Black women would have to work to earn what white, non-Hispanic men earned by the end of the previous year. In 2025, Black women earned roughly 65 cents for every dollar white men earned.

"Today, we confront an unacceptable wage disparity facing Black women, and recommit ourselves to correcting it," said Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee Ranking Member, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. "For generations, Black women have been compelled to work twice as hard for half the reward. They have faced entrenched barriers, systemic discrimination, and a persistent denial of opportunity. We cannot ask another generation of Black women to wait months, even years, for the pay they rightfully deserve. I am proud to introduce this resolution, and I call on this Congress to act with the urgency this injustice demands."

"Equal pay is more than a slogan-it's about whether women can pay their bills, take care of their families, enjoy a good quality of life, and eventually retire with dignity," said Democratic Women's Caucus Chair Emerita Lois Frankel. "In 2025, for the second year in a row, the gender pay gap widened, and for Black women the disparity is even greater. It's long past time for Congress to close the wage gap and ensure every woman is paid fairly for her work."

"The wage gap has widened for two years in a row - the first time we've seen such an increase since the 1960s," said Rep. Watson Coleman. "And as we navigate a nationwide affordability crisis, Republican policies have stripped away tools to narrow the pay gap and made it harder for black women to earn good-paying jobs. Black women are foundational to the progress and survival of this nation yet for far too long have been prevented from reaping the fruits of their labor. It's imperative that we address the racist, sexist policies that cause structural economic inequality in America so Black women are paid what they've earned."

"Women hold this country together. We raise families, care for loved ones, teach our children, heal the sick, grow businesses, harvest our food, and serve our communities," said Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández, Chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus. "Yet, year after year, our work is still valued less than men's. That is not just unfair-it is a choice our country continues to make. Black Women's Equal Pay Day reminds us that while all women continue to fight for equal pay, Black women face an even steeper climb. We are well into Summer before their equal pay day rolls around-that's too late, it's too tiring and smothering to fathom the disrespect this late date signifies. Congress must finally pass the Paycheck Fairness Act and make equal pay the law of the land so that Black women, and all women earn the pay they deserve." "Even in the 'land of opportunity,' Black women must work 50 percent longer to achieve the same earnings as white men," said Senator Blunt Rochester. "This resolution sheds light on the challenges facing minority communities across the country and reaffirms our commitment to closing the pay gaps. I'm proud to see all my Senate Democratic colleagues join me in making a concerted effort to improve the quality of life for Black women everywhere."

Text of the resolution can be found HERE.