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 Action 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 Action 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 Action 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 Action 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 Action

Turning Bold Ideas Into Effective Policies

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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

Compact View

What It’s Like to Be an LGBTQ+ High Schooler in DeSantis’s Florida In the News

What It’s Like to Be an LGBTQ+ High Schooler in DeSantis’s Florida

Florida high school student Cameron Driggers explains how Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R-FL) policies affect LGBTQ+ students like him. He warns that a potential DeSantis presidency would bring extremist policies to Americans everywhere.

the Advocate

Cameron Driggers

Jamal Simmons on Black Progressive Leadership and Fighting for All Americans Podcast

Jamal Simmons on Black Progressive Leadership and Fighting for All Americans

Daniella and Colin sit down with Jamal Simmons to discuss the work of Black progressive leaders in Congress and the White House, President Joe Biden's economic agenda, and MAGA Republican attacks on racial equity and rights.

A message for Texas Republicans: Gun violence is the problem In the News

A message for Texas Republicans: Gun violence is the problem

Texas teacher, mother, and gun owner Danielle Navarro calls on Republicans to support commonsense gun laws in an op-ed. Navarro hopes for a country free from the terror of senseless gun violence for her children and all students.

The Dallas Morning News

Danielle Navarro

The education investments we need to make In the News

The education investments we need to make

In an op-ed, Akilah Alleyne argues that the United States has an urgent need to invest in schools and teachers. Alleyne argues that MAGA extremists are trying to brush past the investment challenges facing our schools and instead they focus their efforts on pushing for book bans.

CNN

Akilah Alleyne

Fact Sheet: Dangerous Gun Laws in North Carolina Fact Sheet
Photo shows crime scene tape stretching across a neighborhood street.

Fact Sheet: Dangerous Gun Laws in North Carolina

Amid a 20 percent surge in gun deaths across North Carolina from 2016 to 2020, Ted Budd made more than $4 million by flooding the state with guns.

the Center for American Progress Action Fund

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