Advancing Racial Equity and Justice
CAP applies a racial equity lens in developing and advancing policies that root out deeply entrenched systemic racism to ensure everyone has an opportunity to thrive.
What We're Working On
What We're Doing
Closing the racial wealth gap and building an equitable economy
Centuries of government policies have systematically deprived communities of color of economic opportunity, leading to a persistent, growing racial wealth gap. CAP develops and advances policies to combat the root causes of the racial wealth gap and promote a more equitable, vibrant economy for all.
Supporting the Equitable and Just National Climate Platform
Long-standing racial and environmental injustices disproportionately expose communities of color to climate pollution. CAP develops and advocates for climate policies that ensure communities of color benefit from the transition to clean energy.
Eliminating racial disparities and strengthening health systems
Structural racism causes inequities in health systems and disparities in health outcomes. It also negatively affects numerous social determinants of health. CAP develops and furthers policies to reduce racial disparities in health and foster more accessible, affordable, and equitable health systems.
Promoting a representative, responsive, and inclusive democracy
Online disinformation and hate; white supremacist violence and rhetoric; and voter subversion and suppression undermine democracy and entrench systemic inequities. CAP develops policies to foster an effective, accountable, and representative democracy to meet the needs and improve the lives of all Americans.
By the numbers
$838K
The absolute dollar wealth gap between Black households and white households
CAP, “Eliminating the Black-White Gap Is a Generational Challenge” (2021).
75%
People of color’s exposure to fine particulate matter emitted by almost every fossil fuel source
Science Advances, “PM2.5 polluters disproportionately and systemically affect people of color in the United States” (2021).
4.1x
Hispanic or Latinos more likely to be hospitalized from COVID-19 than their white peers
CDC, “Risk for COVID-19 Infection, Hospitalization, and Death By Race/Ethnicity.”
4,939
Hate crimes in 2020 where a victim was targeted because of their race, ethnicity, or ancestry
FBI, “Hate Crime Statistics.”
Recent work
Only Bold Action From Congress Will Solve the Child Care Crisis
Iowa Lawmakers Must Strengthen Gun Laws To Lower Rising Rates of Violence
Latest
Engaging the Community in School Funding Decisions
Community members highlight the importance of community involvement in school spending decisions and ways for schools to increase this engagement.
Religious Organizations Are Integral to the Fight Against Gun Violence
Religious organizations and people of faith across the country are working to heal their communities and prevent gun violence through support for broader reforms.
Fines and Fees Are a Barrier to Criminal Record-Clearing
Jurisdictions can take several steps to eliminate the financial barriers imposed by fines and fees, which would help system-impacted individuals clear their records and reenter society.
Returning To School Must Include a Reinvestment in Section 504 Plans
Stolen Firearms in Missouri Are Linked to the Repeal of Its Permit-to-Purchase Law
Data show that the repeal of Missouri’s permit-to-purchase law is linked to higher levels of gun theft—a problem state officials must correct.
The Demographic and Economic Impacts of DACA Recipients: Fall 2021 Edition
Nearly 600,000 DACA recipients live across the United States, raise 300,000 U.S.-citizen children, and pay $9.4 billion in taxes each year.
Women of Color and the Wage Gap
Women of color continue to suffer the most severe gender wage gap in the United States, a reality that reflects the effects of intersecting racial, ethnic, and gender biases that threaten the economic security of them and their families.
Massive Safety Net Loopholes Hurt Poor Puerto Rican Residents
The federal safety net excludes Puerto Rican residents from normal benefits. The Build Back Better Act would change that in a major way
Higher Minimum Wages Support Job Growth as the Economy Recovers From COVID-19
States that guarantee better pay for their workers have added more jobs in 2021 than states with lower minimum and subminimum wages.
The United States Must Advance Economic Security for Disabled LGBTQI+ Workers
Data indicate that disabled LGBTQI+ workers experience higher rates of barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment, resulting in difficulties in obtaining economic security.