Rev. Al Sharpton and his organization, National Action Network, are hosting rallies Friday in more than 25 cities nationwide to bring awareness to the struggles facing African-Americans and other minorities in the current economic climate.

Citing recent dismal statistics about African-Americans’ unemployment and income levels, the National Action Network will partner with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and other civil rights leaders across the country to incite the public to action in efforts to remedy these issues.

Recent analysis of 2010 census data showed that over the past decade, the number of Black families who were already earning less than $15,000 rose from 20 percent to 26 percent. The data also showed that, overall, one in nine African-Americans live in neighborhoods with poverty rates of 40 percent or more.

“In recent years, too many American families have lost economic ground … With African-American unemployment at an unacceptable 15%, this is a clear sign that we need action — inaction is not an option. Black layoffs have only skyrocketed as the public sector — heavily comprised of a Black workforce — continues to slash jobs. And as a result, not only has Black wealth diminished, but so too has the existence of much of this nation’s Black middle class itself. Black, White or Brown — that is a startling reality that should have all of us deeply concerned,” NAN said in a statement.

Some of the cities hosting rallies are New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Memphis, Baltimore and Detroit. Find out more information about the rallies here.

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