CNNMoney contributor, Tami Luhby recently acknowledged what many already know, African-Americans still suffer disproportionate high unemployment. Utilizing the statistical data below, she highlighted the prolonged time period it takes for African American prospects to find a job, even with a college degree. In retrospect, the black jobless rate is twice that compared to white counterparts; currently at 14 percent, it is well above the national average of 7.9 percent.

“Congress can help ensure that the economic situation of black workers and their families continues to improve by supporting programs that provide assistance to those who are struggling to make ends meet and examining new approaches to alleviating unemployment and poverty,” the bipartisan Joint Economic Committee (JEC) wrote in its release.

But why do African Americans struggle the most?

Research shows immigrants have active networks that help new arrivals navigate the country, and trading information about jobs is an important part of that. That is one reason that Hispanics — more than a third of whom are foreign born — have lower jobless rates than African Americans despite, on average, having fewer educational credentials.

A reduction in the unemployment gap amongst African Americans is most likely among those willing to continue their education, searching beyond the public sector and fostering economic growth in low-income all the way up to upper middle class communities.