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National Black Women’s Equal Pay Day

National Black Women's Equal Pay Day - It's time to close the wage gap and honor the economic power and contributions of black women!

Monday

July 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJuly 27

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYSocial Justice

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Prepare to stand up and speak out for equality on National Black Women’s Equal Pay Day on July 27! This significant day originated in 2016, pioneered by the American Association of University Women as a testament to black women's economic influence and to highlight the persistent wage gap. The date symbolically represents the number of days into the new year that a black woman must work to earn what a white man earned last year. It is a powerful reminder and call to action to strive for economic justice and pay equality. Let's galvanize our efforts and honor the incredible economic strength and contributions of black women on this day and every day!

TIMELINE

National Black Women’s Equal Pay Day Timeline

Civil Rights Movement Beginnings

The Civil Rights Movement commences, spotlighting the quest for equality, including economic and wage matters, impacting black women.

Equal Pay Act Signed

President Kennedy signs the Equal Pay Act into law, aiming to abolish wage disparity based on sex.

Formation of NOW

The National Organization for Women (NOW) is formed, promoting equal rights, including wage equality for women.

Black Women's Wages Fall

Data reveals that the wage gap between black women and white men widens further in the 1980s.

Inception of the Holiday

The American Association of University Women institutes National Black Women's Equal Pay Day to acknowledge wage disparity and stimulate conversation and action.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Black Women’s Equal Pay Day

Host a "Lean-in" circle

Gather your friends and colleagues for a "Lean In" circle. This gathering can be used as a platform for sharing strategies on salary negotiations and advocating for pay equality. It can also serve as a great way to inspire and empower one another.

Share pay discrepancy stories on social media

On this day, share your personal stories of pay discrepancies on social media using the hashtag #BlackWomensEqualPayDay. Encourage others to do the same to raise awareness and start a conversation about the wage gap.

SUPPORT

Support black female entrepreneurs and businesses

Take some time to identify and support black women-owned businesses. Whether it's shopping at their brick and mortar stores, ordering from their online shops, or even simply promoting their businesses on your social media platforms, every bit of support counts.

SEND

Send a letter to your local representative

Write a letter to your local representatives demanding policy changes that address pay disparities faced by black women. Laws that ensure equal pay for equal work are crucial in closing the wage gap.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself and others

Read up on the wage gap and its impacts on black women, then educate others about it. By helping others understand the issue and its implications, you're contributing to the larger effort to close the wage gap for good.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Black Women’s Equal Pay Day is Important

Celebrates Black Women's Economic Contributions

Aside from being a day of advocacy, National Black Women Equal Pay Day is also a day to honor and celebrate the economic power and contributions of black women. Their hard work and value in the workforce, despite the disparities they face, are examples of resilience and strength that should be recognized and appreciated.

Highlights Income Disparity

National Black Women Equal Pay Day is important because it casts a spotlight on the wage gap experienced by black women, prompting conversations about equality in pay. It serves as a reminder that there is still much work to be done towards achieving income equality and financial justice.

Increases Awareness and Advocacy

This day also provides an opportunity to increase the public's awareness of the issue and mobilize efforts towards policy change. It serves as a call to action for everyone - not just black women - to stand up for pay equality. This can be in the form of sharing personal stories, supporting black-women-owned businesses, or demanding policy changes.

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