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.
People stand before a mural honoring people of peace in a Black district in Philadelphia on September 15, 2013. (Getty/Frédéric Soltan)
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
At Navajo Technical University, a World-Class Laboratory Is Building Native American Manufacturing Capacity
In the third and final installment in a series on Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), the Center for American Progress and American Indian College Fund examine how a Tribal university in New Mexico is creating engineering and advanced manufacturing career opportunities on the rural Navajo Nation.
The Latest Poverty, Income, and Food Insecurity Data Reveal Continuing Racial Disparities
Federal policies implemented in 2021 led to notable progress in the fight against poverty, but data show that persistent economic disparities, by both gender and race and ethnicity, will only be closed through continued attention and investments.
America’s Broken Criminal Legal System Contributes to Wealth Inequality
New CAP analysis highlights how the nation’s failed experiment with mass incarceration and overcriminalization strips wealth from families and widens the racial wealth gap.
Administrative Burdens: How the Social Safety Net Is Failing Disabled People
Disabled Americans describe their, often dehumanizing, experiences trying to overcome unnecessary barriers to access vital assistance from the government.
For Native Americans, Tribal Colleges Tackle the ‘Present-Day Work of Our Ancestors’
In the first installment in a series on Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), the Center for American Progress and American Indian College Fund explore the essential role TCUs play in their communities and why investing in them should be a priority for policymakers.
7 Facts on Racial Equity and the Economic Recovery
The economic recovery has supported workers of color, but inequities persist, and the Federal Reserve risks undoing the equitable economic gains achieved.
Gun Violence Has a Devastating Impact on Hispanic Communities
Hispanic and Latino communities are disproportionately at risk from rising rates of gun violence, but elected officials in these communities have so far failed to act.
Weak Gun Laws Are Harmful to Women and Survivors of Domestic Violence
States with weak gun violence prevention laws see significantly higher rates of female gun homicide, while states with strong guns laws have much lower rates.
The Supreme Court Censoring History and Race Would Be a Mistake
Race-conscious remedies, such as voting rights protections and affirmative action in college admissions, are supported by the Constitution, are a part of American history, and are essential to equal opportunity.
