Forward Together: Black Policy Playbook for an Equitable America

(Black PR Wire) WASHINGTON — The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) and Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, published Forward Together: Black Policy Playbook for an Equitable America. The compendium provides a vital roadmap for addressing key issues affecting Black communities and outlines evidence-based and actionable solutions for lawmakers, advocates, and community leaders.

“The release of Forward Together: Black Policy Playbook for an Equitable America marks a significant milestone in our shared pursuit of racial and economic justice,” said Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. “This collaboration between CBCF and the Joint Center demonstrates the power of partnership in advancing thoughtful, data-driven solutions to the complex challenges facing Black communities. Together, we are equipping lawmakers, advocates, and changemakers with the tools they need to enact policies that move us closer to equity and justice for all.”

“This is a pivotal moment for Black Americans,” said Jonathan Cox, PhD, Vice President of the Center for Policy Analysis and Research at CBCF. “History has shown us that progress is often met with resistance. However, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that Black communities have the resources, rights, and opportunities to thrive.”

The newly released policy agenda prioritizes seven key areas for advancing Black communities:

• Voting Rights and Civic Engagement
• Economic Opportunity and Advancement
• Workforce Development
• Education Equity
• Healthcare Access and Affordability
• Criminal Legal System Reform
• Technology and Telecommunications Policies

“We constructed this playbook with a commitment to Black advancement at its center,” said Joint Center Senior Fellow and Former Vice President, Policy Jessica Fulton. “Black Americans confront the challenges laid out across this report on a daily basis, but thoughtful, evidence-based policymaking can make an impact.”

By leveraging rigorous research and evidence-based policy recommendations from several partner organizations, the report provides federal solutions to address these disparities. It highlights the importance of policies that close the racial wealth gap, ensure equitable access to education and healthcare, and protect voting rights. Additionally, it underscores the economic benefits of racial equity, citing research from the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank that demonstrates how increasing Black household wealth contributes to overall economic growth.

“The Joint Center and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation were founded to advance the social, political, and economic status of Black Americans, and this policy agenda and partnership furthers that promise,” said Joint Center President Dedrick Asante-Muhammad. “African Americans continue to face a myriad of systemic issues in the United States that are strategically outlined in this much-needed policy playbook. We are honored to engage in this critical partnership between the Joint Center and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and we thank the additional partners who provided crucial input.”

Read the report here.

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About the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research, and educational institute committed to advancing the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. For more information, visit cbcfinc.org and follow @CBCFinc on social platforms.

About the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, provides compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America. We are the trusted forum for leading experts and scholars to participate in major public policy debates and promote ideas that advance Black communities. We use evidence-based research, analysis, convenings, and strategic communications to support Black communities and a network of allies.