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.

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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Delivering Accountability: Stopping Crime in Our Communities Upcoming Event
The statue titled

Delivering Accountability: Stopping Crime in Our Communities

Join the Center for American Progress for a panel discussion on stopping crime with Mayors Jane Castor (Tampa), Craig Greenberg (Louisville), and Brandon Scott (Baltimore), as well as Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman, moderated by CAP President and CEO Neera Tanden.

Center for American Progress & Online | 1333 H St. NW Washington DC 20005

Under Trump, workplace harassment can now go unpunished In the News

Under Trump, workplace harassment can now go unpunished

In an op-ed published by Salon, Sara Estep and Haley Norris unpack the Trump administration’s attempts to roll back workplace anti-harassment protections, culminating in an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission vote.

Salon

Sara Estep, Haley Norris

Community Violence Intervention: Maiya Shackelford Shares Heartfelt Story of 1 Gunshot Survivor’s Journey to Thriving Video

Community Violence Intervention: Maiya Shackelford Shares Heartfelt Story of 1 Gunshot Survivor’s Journey to Thriving

Maiya Shackelford shares how coaches at the community violence intervention program READI Chicago support program participants to rebuild and have autonomy over their lives.

‘Pieces of the Puzzle’: A Reel Progress Film Screening Past Event

‘Pieces of the Puzzle’: A Reel Progress Film Screening

Join the Center for American Progress for a Reel Progress screening of "Pieces of the Puzzle."

Center for American Progress (in-person only) 1333 H St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

11th National Gun Violence Prevention Summit (Registered Attendees) Past Event

11th National Gun Violence Prevention Summit (Registered Attendees)

Join CAP for a summit featuring speeches and discussions by leading advocates of the gun violence prevention movement.

Center for American Progress (1333 H St. NW Washington DC 20005) & Online

11th National Gun Violence Prevention Summit Past Event

11th National Gun Violence Prevention Summit

Join CAP for a summit featuring speeches and discussions by leading advocates of the gun violence prevention movement.

Center for American Progress - Online

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