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

Harris and Walz Work Hard To Improve Public Health and Safety During the Opioid Epidemic, While Trump Lies and Undermines Efforts To Save Lives Article
Harris and Walz descend steps leading from plane

Harris and Walz Work Hard To Improve Public Health and Safety During the Opioid Epidemic, While Trump Lies and Undermines Efforts To Save Lives

Vice President Harris and Gov. Walz have supported evidence-based law enforcement and public health measures to address the opioid epidemic, while former President Trump has blocked bipartisan border security legislation, falsely blamed immigrants, and jeopardized access to treatment.

Harris Has Long Supported Both Law Enforcement and Community Collaborations That Keep People Safe Article
Vice President Kamala Harris shakes hands with a Houston police officer. Other first responders are behind Harris.

Harris Has Long Supported Both Law Enforcement and Community Collaborations That Keep People Safe

Contrary to Republicans’ attacks, Vice President Kamala Harris has never defunded the police, but rather has demonstrated her commitment to comprehensive public safety by supporting police to address serious crime and investing in community collaborations that are preventing crime across the country.

Center for American Progress Action Fund staff

Kamala Harris Knows How To Make Communities Safer Article
Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks during an event commemorating the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

Kamala Harris Knows How To Make Communities Safer

Throughout her career, Kamala Harris has consistently delivered real solutions to keep communities safe by holding people accountable for serious crime, investing in crime prevention, and leading the country to a significant decline in violent crime.

Lindsey McLendon

Lindsey McLendon on Public Safety in America Podcast

Lindsey McLendon on Public Safety in America

Lindsey McLendon, senior fellow for Criminal Justice Reform at the Center for American Progress Action Fund, joins the show to talk about public safety, including crime trends, drivers, and evidence-based solutions to improve accountability and justice.

Earth Day Special: Trevor Higgins on Combating Climate Change Podcast

Earth Day Special: Trevor Higgins on Combating Climate Change

Trevor Higgins, senior vice president of Energy and Environment at the Center for American Progress Action Fund, joins the show to discuss climate policy wins and saving the planet.

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.

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