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 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.

Center for American Progress

Securing a Better Future for Generations To Come

Celebrate with us

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

Latest

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Securing Environmental Justice for All Report
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks in the Rose Garden of the White House before signing an executive order that would create the White House Office of Environmental Justice.

Securing Environmental Justice for All

The Biden administration has launched the most ambitious climate and environmental justice agenda in history to ensure that every community has clean air and water, can access living-wage jobs and affordable clean energy, and is protected from climate change threats.

2023 Progressive Wins Video

2023 Progressive Wins

This year saw protections for transgender rights, women's rights, the environment, and U.S. democracy overall, as well as strides in building the economy and keeping communities safe.

Hai-Lam Phan, Toni Pandolfo, Ming Gault, 1 More Jeremy Hill

Dispatching Community Responders to 911 Calls Report

Dispatching Community Responders to 911 Calls

This report compares three principal models that cities are using to dispatch community responder teams, answers frequently asked questions, and shares lessons learned.

Amos Irwin, Rachael Eisenberg

2023 CAP IDEAS Conference Past Event
CAP IDEAS Conference logo

2023 CAP IDEAS Conference

Join the Center for American Progress as we celebrate 20 years of innovative policy solutions and look boldly forward to a progressive future.

From the Front Lines: Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs Give Gun Violence Survivors Opportunities To Thrive Video

From the Front Lines: Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs Give Gun Violence Survivors Opportunities To Thrive

Chris Edge, a survivor-advocate from Washington, D.C., shares his story of triumph and why he credits a hospital-based violence intervention program with helping him become a leader in his community.

Nick Wilson, Chandler Hall, Hai-Lam Phan, 4 More Matthew Gossage, Ashley Joo, Ronnie Rivera, Ala Al Sadi

What Does Community Violence Intervention Mean? Hear From People on the Front Lines of Preventing Gun Violence Video

What Does Community Violence Intervention Mean? Hear From People on the Front Lines of Preventing Gun Violence

Community violence intervention workers from across the United States explain and reflect on their work in preventing violence in their communities.

Nick Wilson, Chandler Hall, Tymoni Correa-Buntley, 6 More Audrey Smith, Matthew Gossage, Ashley Joo, Hai-Lam Phan, Ronnie Rivera, Ala Al Sadi

Opinion: A smart and humane answer on immigration

Opinion: A smart and humane answer on immigration

Tom Jawetz and researchers from Texas A&M and the University of Virginia argue that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations may decrease some of the push factors that are causing Venezuelans and others to come to the United States.

CNN

Ben Helms, David Leblang, Tom Jawetz

Challenges and Opportunities of Providing Free School Meals for All Report
Three elementary students sit and compare lunches at a cafeteria table.

Challenges and Opportunities of Providing Free School Meals for All

The Center for American Progress’ community conversations with a Colorado school district illustrate how offering no-cost school meals is critical for students’ success and opportunities.

Allie Pearce, Anona Neal

Transforming the Economy: Forging Black Economic Power Across America Past Event
Logos of CAP and NPWF over an image of a lighthouse.

Transforming the Economy: Forging Black Economic Power Across America

Join the Center for American Progress and the National Partnership of Women & Families on Martha’s Vineyard for a moderated panel which explores new ways to promote economic opportunity in Black communities.

The Disproportionate Burden of Eviction on Black Women Report
Sun coming through clouds behind apartment building

The Disproportionate Burden of Eviction on Black Women

The United States continues to face an eviction crisis that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and that disproportionately affects communities of color, particularly Black women.

Cleo Bluthenthal

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, 1 Year Later Report
President Joe Biden

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, 1 Year Later

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first major federal gun safety bill passed in nearly 30 years, has closed gun law loopholes and implemented new gun violence prevention policies, as well as made significant investments in school and community safety that are saving lives.

Practical Solutions To Assist Cities and States Receiving Asylum-Seekers Across the U.S. Report
Migrants, who boarded a bus in Texas, are dropped off within view of the U.S. Capitol building.

Practical Solutions To Assist Cities and States Receiving Asylum-Seekers Across the U.S.

The uncoordinated busing and relocation of migrants and asylum-seekers poses various challenges to receiving cities and states across the country; but practical solutions at the local, state, and federal levels can turn these challenges into opportunities.

Zefitret Abera Molla

La súplica de una madre para detener el flujo de armas estadounidenses a México Video

La súplica de una madre para detener el flujo de armas estadounidenses a México

La activista de derechos humanos mexicana María Herrera Magdaleno discute el impacto devastador del flujo de armas estadounidenses hacia México, incluyendo la desaparición forzada de cuatro de sus hijos.

Nick Wilson, Andrew Sonntag, Rafael Medina, 4 More Gaby Blanco, Ala Al Sadi, Hai-Lam Phan, Julia Schroeder

Safe Streets for All: An Opportunity To Rethink Traffic Enforcement Article
A police officer directs traffic in Highland Park, Illinois.

Safe Streets for All: An Opportunity To Rethink Traffic Enforcement

The Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets for All program can be leveraged to support community-level innovation in roadway safety efforts, including by rethinking traffic enforcement strategies to improve the physical and psychological safety of Black drivers and others on the road.

Allie Preston

8 Ways To Reduce Gun Violence in Minnesota Report
A collection of confiscated guns is stored in the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office crime lab.

8 Ways To Reduce Gun Violence in Minnesota

In Minnesota, violent crime is increasingly fueled by firearms, as the state lacks foundational gun control laws that would improve public safety and save lives.

Allison Jordan

Community-Based Strategies To Reduce Gun Violence in Schools Article
Photo shows an empty basketball court facing a one-story white school, with a chainlink fence between the camera lens and the basketball court

Community-Based Strategies To Reduce Gun Violence in Schools

In addition to efforts from state and federal lawmakers, schools and communities have a critical role to play in addressing school gun violence through prevention and intervention approaches.

Allie Pearce, Akilah Alleyne

How Federal Agencies Can Advance Equity Through Biden’s Second Executive Order Report
Vice President Kamala Harris looks on as U.S. President Joe Biden signs executives orders related to his racial equity agenda.

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.

Justin Dorazio

Delaware Lawmakers Can Reduce Gun Violence by Passing a Permit-to-Purchase Law Fact Sheet
Three individuals at gun control rally

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.

Nick Wilson, Eugenio Weigend Vargas, Marissa Edmund, 1 More Traci Manza Murphy

DACA Boosts Recipients’ Well-Being and Economic Contributions: 2022 Survey Results Article
People gather for a rally to celebrate the 10th anniversary of DACA.

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 Report
Students hug each other after placing flowers honoring the lives of those killed during the Michigan State shooting.

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.

Allison Jordan

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