An uneven job market for different races is nothing new.
Blacks have endured unemployment rates roughly double those of whites since the government started tracking the data by race in the 1970s.
That's been the case for a variety of reasons, including discrimination, lower education rates and access to fewer professional networks, said Rodgers.
But now Rodgers fears the recession has put the U.S. another step back from achieving racial equality.
"The most vulnerable groups who got hit by the recession run the risk that their recovery is going to be derailed," he said. "Many of these families are going to hit potholes and not get out."
It's too early to tell this time around, Rodgers said -- but if history pans out, minority groups and people with disabilities will be the last ones to get in on the job recovery.
Current unemployment rates:
