The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies recently published Forward Together: The Black Policy Playbook for an Equitable America. The report provides a framework for addressing the most pressing challenges facing Black communities in the United States, with a focus on seven key policy areas: voting rights and civic engagement; economic opportunity and advancement; workforce; education; healthcare; criminal legal system reform; and technology and telecommunications. Each section features targeted objectives, policy recommendations, and resources that reflect an equitable vision for Black communities.
Voting rights are the cornerstone of American democracy, yet Black Americans continue to face barriers with voter registration and turnout. The Forward Together authors highlight strict voter ID laws, voter roll purges, voter intimidation practices, limited early-voting and mail-in options, and felony disenfranchisement laws as key challenges limiting Black voters’ access to the polls. Furthermore, disinformation campaigns aimed at spreading false information about voting procedures disproportionately target majority Black communities, leading to voter suppression, while racial gerrymandering hinders Black Americans’ ability to elect representatives who reflect their interests and concerns. Policies that directly address racial voting disparities, such as the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, could help restore and strengthen key protections of the original Voting Rights Act of 1965.
While the racial wealth divide continues to limit Black American families’ economic opportunities, policies that address homeownership disparities and the country’s lack of housing supply, as well as tax code reforms focused on increasing access to government programs and services, could help close the persistent racial wealth gap. Successful Black-owned businesses, supported by policies that help businesses access fair and appropriate capital, could also create wealth and jobs for more Black Americans.
Black workers and job seekers are often overrepresented in lower-paying, lower-quality jobs, limiting their options for high-quality jobs with employer-provided benefits. The authors of Forward Together note that federal policies aimed at job creation and enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of key industries are among the myriad of investments the U.S. government can make to advance the Black American workforce.
In recent years, there have been efforts across the country to curtail or outright ban the teaching of accurate American history, particularly as it relates to the history of Black Americans and concepts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Efforts to protect Black studies and African American history curricula are crucial to protecting the integrity of American education. Additionally, initiatives that advance access to postsecondary options for Black Americans, such as student loan forgiveness and affirmative action, are important avenues to mitigate racial disparities in education and wealth.
As racial health disparities continue to persist in Black communities, the Forward Together authors stress the importance of advancing access to healthcare facilities, health insurance, and healthy food options. Black mothers are particularly at risk for negative health outcomes, suggesting an urgent need for policies aimed at advancing Black maternal health. Additionally, Black communities are disproportionately vulnerable to the effects of climate change, often experiencing higher levels of pollution than other neighborhoods. Thus, the report authors call on policymakers to develop environmental justice policy solutions that are rooted in addressing systemic racism.
Black Americans have faced unjust discrimination in the U.S. judicial system for decades, including unfair scrutiny and suspicion by law enforcement based on their race, overrepresentation in incarceration, and disparities in marijuana-related offenses. This has led to racial disparities in the juvenile justice system, with Black youth being significantly more likely to be arrested, prosecuted as adults, and sentenced to adult prisons compared to their White counterparts. Policies that address these persistent challenges and prioritize building trust with law enforcement could help reimagine public safety in Black communities.
As technology continues to increase access to education, employment, and economic opportunities, ensuring Black Americans have access to affordable broadband internet is crucial to their success and livelihood. However, increasing internet access is just the first step in mitigating racial tech disparities. Emerging artificial intelligence technologies have been found to perpetuate and amplify existing racial disparities, while harassment on social media continues to go unchecked by private platforms and federal agencies. Within the tech workforce, Black Americans are significantly underrepresented, particularly in technical roles and senior leadership positions. By increasing their representation, companies are more likely to consider these unique challenges facing Black communities and develop effective solutions.
“Our hope is that this policy agenda will serve as a rallying point to increase momentum for positive, holistic change,” the authors write. “The collective development of this work is a nod to the only way forward for all Americans – collective action. These challenges are not new, and we remain resolute and hopeful that change can and will be achieved.”
