Center for American Progress

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Advancing Racial Equity and Justice

We apply a racial equity lens in developing and advancing policies that aim to root out entrenched systemic racism to ensure everyone has an opportunity to thrive.

People stand before a mural honoring people of peace in a Black district in Philadelphia on September 15, 2013. (Getty/Frédéric Soltan)
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.”

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‘Take Me Home’: A Reel Progress Screening Upcoming Event
Film poster for

‘Take Me Home’: A Reel Progress Screening

Join the Center for American Progress for the Washington, D.C., prerelease screening of “Take Me Home.”

Center for American Progress

Here’s How to Actually Secure the Border In the News

Here’s How to Actually Secure the Border

In an op-ed for InsideSources, Debu Gandhi outlines what real immigration reform could look like for the country's broken asylum system.

InsideSources

Debu Gandhi

Public Health Is About to Get Sicker In the News

Public Health Is About to Get Sicker

In an op-ed for The Contrarian, Mariam Rashid argues that a federal rule stripping nursing, public health, and social work degrees of their “professional” status effectively guts America’s disease defense systems.

The Contrarian

Mariam Rashid, Dr. Perry N. Halikitis

Alondra: A DACA Nurse Providing Care Despite Barriers Video
An image of Alondra, a DACA recipient and nurse

Alondra: A DACA Nurse Providing Care Despite Barriers

This video highlights the experience of Alondra, an emergency department registered nurse and DACA recipient who has to cross state lines to work as a nurse because of state licensing barriers. Her story illustrates both the obstacles facing DACA nurses and the vital role they play in strengthening America's nursing workforce.

Rosa Barrientos-Ferrer, Hai-Lam Phan, Olivia Mowry, 1 More Toni Pandolfo

America Is Running Out of Nurses, and DACA Recipients Are Helping Provide Critical Care to Communities Despite Threats of Deportation From the Trump Administration Report
Demonstrators, one with back to camera wearing yellow butterfly wings that read

America Is Running Out of Nurses, and DACA Recipients Are Helping Provide Critical Care to Communities Despite Threats of Deportation From the Trump Administration

Through in-depth interviews with three registered nurses who have DACA, this report examines the vital contributions of DACA nurses to the health care workforce amid a growing national nursing shortage.

Rosa Barrientos-Ferrer

How Federal Attacks on Diversity and Inclusion Policies Have Dismantled Public Health Infrastructure and Threaten National Health Security Report
The U.S. Capitol is seen in Washington, D.C., May 21, 2026.

How Federal Attacks on Diversity and Inclusion Policies Have Dismantled Public Health Infrastructure and Threaten National Health Security

Federal executive orders targeting initiatives that seek to ensure diversity and equity for all are systematically dismantling America's public health infrastructure—cutting research, surveillance systems, and workforce programs while raising costs and putting national health security at risk.

Mariam Rashid, Perry N. Halkitis

Congressional Republicans Recklessly Bill Taxpayers for the Trump Administration’s ICE and CBP Slush Fund and Wasteful Ballroom Article
The U.S. Capitol Building dome.

Congressional Republicans Recklessly Bill Taxpayers for the Trump Administration’s ICE and CBP Slush Fund and Wasteful Ballroom

Instead of addressing Americans’ affordability concerns, congressional Republicans funnel tens of billions more toward the Trump administration’s reckless mass deportation agenda while failing to put a stop to dangerous tactics that have cost lives.

Rosa Barrientos-Ferrer, Ben Greenho, Debu Gandhi, 1 More Silva Mathema

What City Leaders Say Is Helping Drive Down Gun Violence in Their Communities Report
A group of people stand gathered at a march to denounce gun violence. A man in the foreground raises his fist in the air.

What City Leaders Say Is Helping Drive Down Gun Violence in Their Communities

Estimates suggest that 2025 marked another historic year of declining gun violence nationwide since the COVID-era surge. Here is what officials from cities seeing the largest declines in gun violence are saying about how they have improved public safety since 2021.

Chandler Hall

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