July 27, 2023: Black Women's Equal Pay Day

WHEREAS, Black women, on average, must work more than 7 months into a new year to make the same amount as their white, non-Hispanic male counterparts were paid last year; and,  

WHEREAS, more than 50 years after the passage of the Equal Pay Act, women in Michigan continue to suffer the consequences of unequal pay; and,

WHEREAS, as a whole, women in the U.S. who work full-time, year-round are typically paid only 84

cents for every dollar paid to their male counterparts; and,

WHEREAS, nationally, the average Black woman in the United States who works full-time, year-round is typically paid 67 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men; and,

WHEREAS, this wage gap typically means an annual median loss of $22,692 for Black women and a staggering loss of $907,680 over the course of a 40-year career; and,

WHEREAS, women continue to experience a pervasive wage gap with real consequences for their families, communities, and our nation; and,

WHEREAS, these lost wages mean that Black women and their families have less money to support themselves and their families, save and invest for the future, and spend on goods and services. Families, businesses, and the economy suffer as a result; and,

WHEREAS, on this day, we raise awareness of the need to institute fair pay policies which will allow us to achieve pay equity across the board for all women;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim July 27, 2023, as Black Women’s Equal Pay Day in Michigan.