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

Donate

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

Preston Mitchum on Advocacy, Representation, and Black History Month Podcast

Preston Mitchum on Advocacy, Representation, and Black History Month

This week on “The Tent,” Preston Mitchum discusses Black History Month and the need for intersectional advocacy; CAP Action’s Allison McManus also joins for a conversation on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Cities in Blue States Experiencing Larger Declines in Gun Violence in 2023 Report
A large park is seen before the Chicago city skyline.

Cities in Blue States Experiencing Larger Declines in Gun Violence in 2023

Original analysis from the Center for American Progress Action Fund shows that, on average, cities in blue states have lower rates of gun homicides and shooting incidents than comparably sized cities in red states and are seeing larger single-year decreases in gun violence rates in 2023.

Chandler Hall

Load More

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.