Documentary And Counting explores Black women’s workforce exodus

Award‑winning journalist Sidney Madden is documenting the growing exodus of Black women from the American workforce, turning their experiences into a new film titled And Counting, which examines how layoffs and workplace shifts are reshaping their lives.

A Film Rooted in a National Crisis

Madden’s documentary follows four Black women across industries and generations. Each woman faced layoffs or displacement in 2025, a year marked by sharp employment declines for Black women. According to the recent federal labor data, nearly 700,000 Black women were unemployed, and more than 240,000 left the labor force between May and August alone.

The film highlights women from federal service, marketing, media, and education. Madden said in an interview with La Fronde, she wanted viewers to see the real people behind the numbers, pushing back against political rhetoric that turned the crisis into a talking point.

Stories of Displacement and Reinvention

The documentary shows how layoffs affected each woman’s financial stability, identity, and mental health. One participant lost her federal government role after her agency dissolved. Another faced sudden job loss in media and struggled with the stigma of unemployment. Others navigated pressure to pursue entrepreneurship after feeling pushed out of traditional workplaces.

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Madden said the women’s experiences reveal a broader pattern: Black women often remain out of work longer than any other demographic after layoffs. She argues the trend destabilizes communities because Black women frequently serve as economic anchors.

Community Response and Growing Visibility

A trailer for And Counting sparked strong reactions online. Many Black women commented “me too,” saying the film made them feel seen during a difficult period. Journalists covering the unemployment crisis noted that visibility matters, especially as many Black women privately carry shame and guilt about job loss.

Madden emphasized that community support is essential. She said Black women are finding new opportunities through networks, group chats, and shared resources. Some women featured in the film returned to school, pursued new certifications, or explored creative paths after layoffs.

Post‑Production and Funding Push

Filming for And Counting is complete. The short version premiered in Brooklyn in September 2026 and is now screening at festivals and community events. Madden is raising funds to finish post‑production and expand the project into a longer film. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support editing, distribution, and outreach.

She hopes the documentary will spark national conversations about workplace equity, economic stability, and the future of Black women in the labor market.