Center for American Progress

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Rights and Justice

Racial Equity and Justice

We promote systemic reforms to dismantle structural racial injustices, give everyone an equal opportunity to thrive, and ensure society benefits from our nation’s diversity.

A mural honoring people of peace is seen, realized in a Black district of Philadelphia as part of the "Mural Art Program" that began in 1984. (Getty/Frédéric Soltan/Corbis)

What We're Doing

Promote executive actions advancing racial equity and justice

We propose recommendations for federal, state, and local executive branches to adopt robust racial equity policies and ensure agencies are equipped to implement these policies effectively.

Develop a racial equity and justice legislative platform

We coalesce around and promote key legislative actions to garner tangible reforms during this Congress.

Cultivate private sector racial equity and justice initiatives

We partner with the private sector to champion solutions to address the root causes of racial wealth and opportunity gaps and strengthen the case for such solutions to be enacted and scaled by local, state, and federal leaders.

Change the conversation on racial equity and justice

We seek to fundamentally change Americans’ understanding of current and historic structural barriers that have long shut out communities of color from our economic, political, and social systems, building support for both long-term and systemic reforms.

The Racial Equity and Justice team promotes systemic reforms to dismantle structural racial injustices, give everyone an equal opportunity to thrive, and ensure society benefits from our nation’s diversity.

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Fighting for the American Dream Past Event

Fighting for the American Dream

Creating and safeguarding an inclusive economy for the Black middle class.

Edgartown, MA

Trump’s Agenda Is a Direct Threat to the Black Middle Class Article
The owner of a book store poses for a portrait.

Trump’s Agenda Is a Direct Threat to the Black Middle Class

Donald Trump returned to the presidency promising a policy agenda that would help the Black middle class succeed. However, his choices in office and his attacks on diversity and equal opportunity have represented a direct assault on their ability to maintain economic stability.

William Roberts, Mariam Rashid

Building for Our Future Past Event

Building for Our Future

A Black Agenda for 2025 and Beyond

The Barn & Bowl Bistro | Oak Bluffs, MA

Film Screening: ‘The 50’ Past Event

Film Screening: ‘The 50’

A documentary film about a groundbreaking mental health program in a California prison, told by the program’s first 50 participants. The film will be followed by a discussion with the film's director and subjects.

CAP Online | After registering, stream "The 50" during this timeframe:

Executive Summary: How Federal Investments in Safe Drinking Water Infrastructure Are Improving Public Health Fact Sheet
Photo shows a hand holding a clear glass underneath a running faucet

Executive Summary: How Federal Investments in Safe Drinking Water Infrastructure Are Improving Public Health

This fact sheet summarizes a recent Center for American Progress report highlighting the use of federal investments from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to replace dangerous lead service lines and advance public health among vulnerable communities.

Jill Rosenthal, Allie Schneider, Hailey Gibbs, 1 More Mariam Rashid

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.

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.

Barn & Bowl Bistro

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

America Needs Better Data on Race and Ethnicity In the News

America Needs Better Data on Race and Ethnicity

Rose Khattar and Edwith Theogene lay out glaring omissions in the way that the United States collects data on race and ethnicity and call for improvements to the processes.

The Messenger

Rose Khattar, Edwith Theogene

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

The Killing of Tyre Nichols Must Serve as a Catalyst to Root Out Racial Injustice in Policing Article
A makeshift memorial near the location where Tyre Nichols was beaten by Memphis police officers on January 28, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee.

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.

Rachael Eisenberg, Brandon Tucker, Hadi Sedigh

The Latest Poverty, Income, and Food Insecurity Data Reveal Continuing Racial Disparities Article
Two people, faces not shown, carrying grocery bags of food

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.

Kyle Ross, Justin Dorazio

7 Facts on Racial Equity and the Economic Recovery Article
A girl rides on her father's shoulders through the Orange County Fair against a green, leafy backdrop.

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.

Justin Dorazio

The Supreme Court Censoring History and Race Would Be a Mistake Article
Photo shows the U.S. Supreme Court behind a security fence.

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.

Nicole Lee Ndumele, Ben Olinsky, Marcella Bombardieri

A Conversation With Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall Past Event

A Conversation With Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall

Discussing Air Force and Space Force personnel, the crisis in Ukraine, competition with China, human rights, and the role of the U.S. in the world

Online Only

Localized Anti-Displacement Policies Report
Photo shows a construction worker standing on the roof of a house.

Localized Anti-Displacement Policies

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.

Justin Dorazio

Improving Economic Opportunity for Black Women and Families Past Event
Logos of CAP and NPWF over an image of a lighthouse.

Improving Economic Opportunity for Black Women and Families

A discussion with the National Partnership for Women & Families on improving the economic status of Black women and families.

The Barn Bowl & Bistro

Hospital-Based Intervention Programs Reduce Violence and Save Money Article
A man and woman are pictured in a room at the Violence Advocacy Program offices at Boston Medical Center in Boston.

Hospital-Based Intervention Programs Reduce Violence and Save Money

Hospital-based community violence intervention programs combat cycles of violent crime and retaliation by engaging patients in the recovery process immediately following injury.

Karenna Warden

How FEMA Can Prioritize Equity in Disaster Recovery Assistance Report

How FEMA Can Prioritize Equity in Disaster Recovery Assistance

Current disaster recovery efforts in the United States exacerbate racial disparities, as people of color experience greater harms from natural disasters, receive less support, lose wealth, and take longer to recover.

Justin Dorazio

Latino Workers Continue To Experience a Shortage of Good Jobs Article
A California street vendor serves customers in front of a colorful mural in Los Angeles.

Latino Workers Continue To Experience a Shortage of Good Jobs

Although Hispanic and Latino workers have high employment rates in the United States, labor market experiences differ substantially within this community, with Mexican, Guatemalan, Honduran, and Salvadoran Americans experiencing significant and intersecting gender and ethnic wage gaps.

Rose Khattar, Jessica Vela, Lorena Roque

Fact Sheet: Advancing Equity Fact Sheet
A group of Black Lives Matter demonstrators protest about the minimum wage in New York City, July 2020.

Fact Sheet: Advancing Equity

This fact sheet summarizes a recent Center for American Progress report on the Biden administration’s efforts to advance racial equity through the federal government.

Lorena Roque, Justin Dorazio

The United States Must Support HBCUs and Opportunity for Black College Students Article
Close-up of Howard University graduate

The United States Must Support HBCUs and Opportunity for Black College Students

The recent rash of bomb threats against historically Black colleges and universities is just one of the numerous signs that America is at risk of winding the clock backward when it comes to opportunities for Black students in higher education.

Jared C. Bass, Marcella Bombardieri

Advancing Racial Equity: The Biden Administration’s Efforts in Its First Year and the Agenda Ahead Past Event
Yvette Nesbit and Lorenzo Laroc hold hands as they gather near the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York for a Service of Prayer and Witness Against Anti-Asian Violence on March 23, 2021.

Advancing Racial Equity: The Biden Administration’s Efforts in Its First Year and the Agenda Ahead

Please join the Center for American Progress for a discussion on actions taken by the Biden administration to center racial equity in the federal government and the policies and path forward to bend the arc of racial justice toward equity in the years ahead.

Advancing Equity: Review of the Biden Administration’s Efforts in Its First Year To Implement a Racial Equity Agenda Report
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Advancing Equity: Review of the Biden Administration’s Efforts in Its First Year To Implement a Racial Equity Agenda

This report reviews the Biden administration’s key efforts and accomplishments to advance equity in its first year and outlines future policies needed to build a better and more dynamic nation that equitably respects the rights and meets the needs of all Americans.

Nicole Lee Ndumele, Lorena Roque, Justin Dorazio

How To Make Policies Work for Black Women With Disabilities Article
Transit riders, elected officials, and advocates, including Access-a-Ride organizer Eman Rimawi, rally outside Cuomo's office

How To Make Policies Work for Black Women With Disabilities

To create more equitable systems, policymakers must take an intersectional approach that includes Black women and girls with disabilities.

Megan Buckles

10 Policies To Improve Economic Security for Black Women With Disabilities Report
A teenage girl sits at a desk to take part in remote distance learning on a laptop, while her mother stands behind

10 Policies To Improve Economic Security for Black Women With Disabilities

To advance economic security for Black disabled women and girls, policymakers must make intersectionality central to modernizing the social safety net and to dismantling the barriers that contribute to inequality.

Megan Buckles

Investing in Home Care and Early Childhood Educators Has Outsize Impacts on Employment Article
Long-term caregivers and supporters rally in Los Angeles on July 13, 2021, for greater federal and local investment in the country's caregiving infrastructure. (Getty/Frederic J. Brown/AFP)

Investing in Home Care and Early Childhood Educators Has Outsize Impacts on Employment

Proposed investments in the Build Back Better agenda would benefit a significant number of workers, particularly women and women of color; transform the home care and early childhood sectors; and lift living standards and employment prospects for millions of Americans.

Marina Zhavoronkova, Rose Khattar

New Poverty and Food Insecurity Data Illustrate Persistent Racial Inequities Article
A person receives free food as part of an outreach program, December 2013, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Getty/John Moore)

New Poverty and Food Insecurity Data Illustrate Persistent Racial Inequities

Data make it clear that policymakers must finally commit to an expansive racial equity agenda to ensure that racial and gender economic disparities do not continue into the future.

Areeba Haider, Lorena Roque

Wealth Matters: The Black-White Wealth Gap Before and During the Pandemic Report
A group of people walk past the

Wealth Matters: The Black-White Wealth Gap Before and During the Pandemic

The lack of wealth in many African-American households has left them especially vulnerable to the financial fallout from the coronavirus crisis; but the federal government has perhaps its best opportunity yet to fix these racial disparities.

Christian E. Weller, Richard Figueroa

Black LGBTQ Individuals Experience Heightened Levels of Discrimination Article
People holding signs supporting Black transgender people gather during a candlelight vigil in West Reading, Pennsylvania, on September 14, 2020. (Getty/Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle)

Black LGBTQ Individuals Experience Heightened Levels of Discrimination

The compounding effects of discrimination for Black LGBTQ Americans are evident in the workplace, health care systems, and police interactions, leading to gaps in economic advancement and mental and physical health outcomes.

Lindsay Mahowald

How the Biden Administration Can Advance Racial Equity Article
A view of the White House, May 22, 2018, in Washington, D.C. (Getty/Brendan Smialowski/AFP)

How the Biden Administration Can Advance Racial Equity

Federal agencies have the opportunity to advance racial equity and narrow the racial wealth gap through executive actions.

Nicole Lee Ndumele, Lorena Roque

Biden’s Tax Enforcement Overhaul Would Be A Positive Step Toward Racial Equity Article
The IRS building, January 1997. (Getty/James Leynse)

Biden’s Tax Enforcement Overhaul Would Be A Positive Step Toward Racial Equity

Rebuilding the IRS and directing the agency’s focus toward wealthy tax cheats is a fundamental step toward creating a more fair and equitable tax code and an important step in the direction of racial equity.

Lorena Roque, Galen Hendricks

A Criminal Record Shouldn’t Be a Life Sentence to Poverty Report
(Close-up reflection of a white sign with red and black text in a window reading

A Criminal Record Shouldn’t Be a Life Sentence to Poverty

Bipartisan momentum for clean slate and fair chance licensing policies—which remove barriers to economic opportunity for people facing the stigma of a criminal record—has grown significantly in the states in recent years.

Rebecca Vallas, Sharon Dietrich, Beth Avery

National and Community Leaders Discuss How To End White Supremacist Violence Video

National and Community Leaders Discuss How To End White Supremacist Violence

This video presents highlights from an event following the release of a joint report from the Center for American Progress and the McCain Institute for International Leadership on how to address the growing national security threat posed by white supremacist violence in the United States.

Katrina Mulligan, Brette Steele, Simon Clark, 2 More Asha Padmanabhan, Rachel Hunkler

Reversing a Decade of Domestic Disinvestment Article
The U.S. Capitol is seen at sunrise in August 2020. (Getty/Bill Clark)

Reversing a Decade of Domestic Disinvestment

President Biden’s FY 2022 budget request must address years of cuts and underinvestment in critical government functions.

Seth Hanlon, Lorena Roque

Building on the ACA: Administrative Actions to Improve Maternal Health Report

Building on the ACA: Administrative Actions to Improve Maternal Health

The United States’ maternal health crisis demands federal and state action to improve coverage, the delivery of care, and pregnancy outcomes. The cost of inaction will almost certainly be dire.

Jamille Fields Allsbrook, Osub Ahmed

Latinos Face Disproportionate Health and Economic Impacts From COVID-19 Report

Latinos Face Disproportionate Health and Economic Impacts From COVID-19

Congress and the Biden administration must act quickly to minimize further harm during the COVID-19 pandemic—particularly for Latinos and other communities of color.

Ryan Zamarripa, Lorena Roque

The Economic Status of Asian American and Pacific Islander Women Report
Customers and cashiers wear face masks at a supermarket in Quincy, Massachusetts, on March 13, 2020. (Getty/The Boston Globe/Stan Grossfeld)

The Economic Status of Asian American and Pacific Islander Women

Policymakers must closely examine economic data on the experiences of AAPI women, before and during the coronavirus pandemic, in order to surface key barriers and shed light on effective policy solutions.

Robin Bleiweis

The State of Women’s Leadership—And How To Continue Changing the Face of U.S. Politics Article
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris speaks in Detroit, October 2020. (Getty/Nic Antaya)

The State of Women’s Leadership—And How To Continue Changing the Face of U.S. Politics

Women—particularly women of color—continue to make noteworthy gains at all levels of government, but bold policies and structural changes are still needed to reach gender parity in U.S. politics.

Robin Bleiweis, Shilpa Phadke

A CRA To Meet the Challenge of Climate Change Report
A car gets towed while men walk in floodwaters on a road in Houston, August 2017, in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. (Getty/Thomas B. Shea/AFP)

A CRA To Meet the Challenge of Climate Change

A modernized Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) would be a useful tool to effectively address climate resilience and environmental racism in low-income communities of color.

Michela Zonta, Caius Z. Willingham

With a Focus on Equity, Geography No Longer Has To Be Destiny Article
A father and son pick raspberries at an orchard in Michigan, July 2008. (Getty/Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group)

With a Focus on Equity, Geography No Longer Has To Be Destiny

With the rural-urban divide in the headlines, it is time to address long-standing inequities by building a more comprehensive equity analysis.

Olugbenga Ajilore, Katrina Badger

Centering Racial Equity in a New Administration Report

Centering Racial Equity in a New Administration

With a new administration set to lead the U.S. federal government, and in the midst of a pandemic that has exposed the many layers of racial inequality in this country, it is time to finally put infrastructure in place to achieve equity for Black Americans and communities of color.

Danyelle Solomon, Lily Roberts

4 First Steps for Congress To Address White Supremacist Terrorism Report

4 First Steps for Congress To Address White Supremacist Terrorism

As tensions rise ahead of the upcoming election, the 116th Congress can and should act now to confront the surge in violent white supremacy across the country.

Simon Clark, Karuna Nandkumar, James Lamond

The Pandemic Has Exacerbated Housing Instability for Renters of Color Report
Housing activists gather in the Crown Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, on July 31, 2020. (Getty/Scott Heins)

The Pandemic Has Exacerbated Housing Instability for Renters of Color

Hardships disproportionately faced by communities of color are being exacerbated by the pandemic and require an equitable recovery that reconciles past harms while also providing solutions for current and future challenges.

Jaboa Lake

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