Sidney Madden's Documentary Explores the Lives of Black Women After Layoffs

Understanding the Impact of Layoffs on Black Women

As the workforce faces a significant shakeup, approximately 700,000 Black women have exited their jobs since early 2025, transforming unemployment into a deeply personal crisis. The implications of losing a job extend beyond mere statistics; for many Black women, this experience leads to financial instability and a profound shift in identity. Documentarian and journalist Sidney Madden aims to illuminate these realities through her upcoming film, And Counting, highlighting the personal narratives behind these staggering figures.

The Documentary's Roots

Madden's motivation for creating And Counting emerged during a road trip with a friend earlier in the year when discussions on job losses sparked the idea of documenting the narratives that often go unheard in media headlines. “I know so many people laid off. I know so many people pushed out,” she reflects, emphasizing the unique psychological toll that job loss takes on Black women.

A Personal Connection to Unemployment

Her own experiences with layoffs further fueled her passion for this project. Having worked at NPR, she felt the effects of job cuts firsthand when her team was dismantled in 2023. This prompted feelings of survivor's guilt and a drive to advocate for those left behind. Madden believes that storytelling from a personal perspective allows for a deeper understanding of these challenges, unencumbered by the influence of larger media organizations.

Exploring Diverse Experiences

The documentary introduces four women from varying backgrounds, representing a breadth of experiences and insights into post-layoff life. Among them is Maite Nicholas, a former employee at USAID who was affected by organizational dissolutions during the Trump administration. Rachel Finn, once a librarian at Barnard College, faced layoffs due to significant budget cuts. Asha Brown is enhancing her qualifications through another MBA, while Kaitlyn McNab, a former culture editor at Teen Vogue, is navigating the competitive world of freelance journalism.

The Fractured Sense of Purpose

Their individual stories reveal that layoffs can dismantle more than just financial stability; they have the power to fracture one’s sense of purpose. “All of the people I spoke to … talked about how what they did was purpose work,” shares Madden. These women dedicated years to their careers, and losing their positions often results in a significant blow to their self-esteem and identity.

The Isolation of Unemployment

Madden emphasizes the isolation experienced during unemployment, particularly for those who feel they’ve followed the traditional path to success—obtaining degrees, building networks, and staying active in professional circles yet still facing setbacks. “Everybody thinks it’s just me. Like, what am I doing wrong?” she points out, addressing the mental obstacles faced in a competitive job market.

Diverse Paths Forward

Moving beyond unemployment looks different for everyone, as demonstrated by the women featured in And Counting. Brown aims to complete her MBA in 2027, while Nicholas is exploring opportunities in artificial intelligence and consulting. Kaitlyn McNab is establishing her presence in freelance writing, and Rachel Finn is securing temporary roles within the city’s CUNY library system, exploring alternative health practices along the way. Their stories illustrate the complexities of transitioning after a layoff, reminding us that recovery isn’t always straightforward or quick.

The Cultural Backbone of the Community

Madden reflects on the resilience found within communities, particularly among Black women, who often rely on each other during difficult times. “Culturally, Black women are the backbone of the Black community,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of mutual support during adversity. However, she warns against romanticizing this strength into an expectation, allowing discussions around unemployment to expose the systemic issues behind rising unemployment rates.

Documenting Underlying Realities

The documentary aims to dispel myths surrounding unemployment, encouraging viewers to grasp the broader societal implications of these experiences. Madden seeks to ensure these narratives are not glossed over in future discussions about economic downturns, stating, “No, this is specific to us.” She is committed to fostering awareness about the personal and structural challenges that contribute to unemployment demographics.

Progress and Future Goals

Currently, And Counting stands as a 10-minute proof of concept. Madden is working tirelessly toward turning it into a feature-length documentary that explores the subjects' experiences in depth, including aspects of professional networking and the burdens that come with signing nondisclosure agreements after layoffs. She's actively seeking funding to support the completion of this project and to fairly compensate everyone involved in its creation.

Audience Resonance and Community Engagement

As the trailer for And Counting begins to resonate with audiences, Madden receives feedback from women who see their own experiences reflected in the stories. This authenticity is at the core of her mission: “I want to make sure that we will always have the ability to tell our own stories,” she expresses, advancing the importance of self-representation among underrepresented communities.

Stay Updated

For those interested in following the progress of And Counting, including updates on screenings and fundraising efforts, continue to check in on And Counting. Madden is actively submitting the documentary to film festivals while exploring additional opportunities to share this compelling narrative with the world.