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.
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
How Federal Agencies Can Advance Equity Through Biden’s Second Executive Order
The Biden administration’s recent executive order makes clear its intent to swiftly advance racial equity and support underserved communities by directing federal agencies to deliver equitable outcomes and foster an inclusive and prosperous America for all.
Delaware Lawmakers Can Reduce Gun Violence by Passing a Permit-to-Purchase Law
Lawmakers have an opportunity to increase public safety and save lives by passing and effectively implementing a permit-to-purchase law, which requires an individual to obtain a license before purchasing a firearm.
Rasheed’s story sheds light on the barriers that so many young adults face when returning to their communities and the opportunities that second chance policies give to young adults who are looking to enter the labor market.
DACA Boosts Recipients’ Well-Being and Economic Contributions: 2022 Survey Results
The eighth annual survey of DACA recipients shows, yet again, DACA recipients’ many contributions to their communities and the U.S. economy more broadly while highlighting the need for a pathway to citizenship.
How Policymakers Can Reduce Gun Violence in Michigan
This report highlights additional opportunities for Michigan policymakers to improve public safety through the enactment of popular and proven policies that many other states have successfully adopted to save lives.
St. Cyr's story illustrates the need for supportive reentry services for formerly incarcerated individuals who face barriers to accessing employment due to exclusionary policies.
Strengthening Access to Housing for People With Criminal Records Is Key to Successful Reentry
To facilitate the successful reentry of justice-involved citizens, the United States must bolster its federal, state, and local renter protections and build strong transitional housing programs.
Second Chance Policies Help Individuals Leaving Incarceration Build Financial Security
Second chance policies help returning citizens access education, workforce training, and other wraparound services to prepare for success in the labor market and build long-term financial stability.
How To Improve Employment Outcomes for Young Adults Leaving Incarceration
Young adults reentering communities after incarceration face many barriers to finding stable work, but forward-thinking policies can lead to better employment outcomes and safer communities.
Fact Sheet: Addressing Employment Barriers for Young Adults Leaving Incarceration
Many young adults re-entering communities after incarceration face institutional barriers to reaching their employment goals—and policymakers can and should take action to help them.
Opinion: Three Black leaders offer one practical solution to reduce police assaults on Black motorists
Patrick Gaspard partners with Color of Change's Rashad Robinson and the Vera Institute of Justice's Nicholas Turner to discuss the dangers of traffic stops for Black motorists and to urge leaders at the federal, state, and local levels to seek solutions.
The Killing of Tyre Nichols Must Serve as a Catalyst to Root Out Racial Injustice in Policing
The killing of Tyre Nichols at the hands of police in Memphis has focused the national attention on the dangers of driving while Black in America and the urgent need for police reform that fulfills the promise of public safety.
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.
How To Make Schools Safer Without Additional Physical Security Measures
The newly enacted Bipartisan Safer Communities Act can help schools and districts create safer learning environments without resorting to implementing measures that harden schools.
ARPA Funds Continue To Support Community Safety Efforts Through Community Responder Programs
With the help of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, governments are expanding their public safety strategies to invest in community responder programs that reduce reliance on law enforcement and provide communities with meaningful emergency management support.
Centering Youth in Community Violence Interventions as Part of a Comprehensive Approach to Countering Gun Violence
Community violence intervention programs are a critical part of a comprehensive approach to reduce the impact of rising gun violence on youth and in U.S. communities.
Opinion: Hispanic and Latino workers deserve equal economic opportunity, not a return to the pre-pandemic status quo
Rose Khattar and Jessica Vela discuss how equitable implementation of the Biden administration's major economic accomplishments, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, can help better support Hispanic and Latino workers.
While politicians and the media have largely focused their attention on gun violence in large cities, rural communities continue to see a rise in gun-related deaths.
As more investments enter disadvantaged communities, it is crucial that local policies stabilize current residents, ensure they benefit from expanded opportunity, and protect them from displacement.
