Report

New Report Highlights Disparities for Workers of Color in the Ocean State

Last updated: June 27, 2025

A new report from the Economic Progress Institute, The State of Working Rhode Island 2015: Workers of Color, documents the challenges faced by workers of color who fall behind in employment opportunities, earnings and educational attainment.

“This report pulls together data that have been highlighted by different communities and sources over the years to provide a full picture of how workers of color are faring in the Ocean State,” said Rachel Flum, Executive Director of the Institute. “The significantly higher rates of unemployment for Latino and Black Rhode Islanders and lower wages for these communities and Southeast Asians — should set off alarm bells for business leaders and policy makers.”

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