We stumbled upon an interesting interactive graphic at the New York Times (thanks to a tip from The Chicago Reporter’s blog) that highlights how race, gender, age and education level affect unemployment rates.

It’s worth checking out.

Most startling: Black men ages 15 – 24 who hadn’t graduated from high school had the highest unemployment rate: 48.5% according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Prominent minority organizations including the N.A.A.C.P. and the National Council of La Raza are calling on President Obama for help in creating more jobs.

Which group is faring best in terms of employment?

The answer: White women, ages 25 – 44 who are college graduates.  They have an unemployment rate of only 3.6%.The news isn’t all rosy for women, though. Unmarried women, particularly mothers and caregivers, are among the hardest hit by the recession, according to the Center for American Progress.