Forward Together:
The Black Policy Playbook for an Equitable America
Forward Together: The Black Policy Playbook is a bold and necessary framework for addressing the most pressing challenges facing Black communities in the United States. The Playbook was co-developed by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, and features input from various research, advocacy, and policy organizations that share our commitment to improving the conditions of Black communities. This agenda, which is a testament to the power of collective action and advocacy, offers data-driven, evidence-based policy solutions designed to dismantle systemic barriers and promote racial equity.
Rooted in rigorous research and a deep understanding of longstanding disparities, the Playbook provides actionable tools to advance justice and opportunity for Black Americans. The Playbook centers on seven key policy areas that are critical to Black advancement and, by extension, beneficial to all Americans: Voting Rights and Civic Engagement; Economic Opportunity and Advancement; Workforce; Education; Healthcare; Criminal Legal System Reform; and Technology and Telecommunications. In each section, readers will find targeted objectives, policy recommendations, and resources that reflect a forward-looking, equitable vision for Black communities—and for the nation as a whole. Together we can fight for an America where inequities are overcome and where everyone has an equal opportunity to pursue and achieve success and dignity.
Report Authors
We are grateful to all those from the research teams of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Center for Policy Analysis and Research and the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, present and former, who helped in the creation of this policy agenda:
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation: Center for Policy Analysis and Research:
- Jonathan M. Cox, PhD
Vice President - Lauren Pearlman, PhD
Senior Research Manager
- Rayna Young
Research Analyst - Olajumoke “Jummy” Banjo
Former Senior Director, National Racial Equity Initiative
Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies:
- Jessica Fulton
Vice President, Policy - LaShonda Brenson, PhD
Senior Researcher
- Danielle A. Davis, Esq.
Director, Technology Policy - Kayla C. Elliott, PhD
Director, Workforce Policy
Special Thanks:
- Ashley Stewart, PhD
Health Equity Research Fellow
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and American Institutes for Research
Acknowledgements
The CBCF and the Joint Center collaborated with several organizations with topical expertise to produce this agenda, including African American Policy Forum, Black Futures Lab, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Center for Black Health and Equity, Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network, Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Kindred Futures, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, National Bankers Association, National Black Justice Collective, National Black MBA Association, National Black Worker Center, and National Fair Housing Alliance.
These organizations, among others, are poised to provide expert insight and analysis on how these issues affect Black Americans. After the agenda was finalized, we further solicited the support of numerous organizations who signed this agenda, recognizing its importance and potential impact:
- Kindred Futures
- Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network
- Black Women’s Health Imperative
- The Center for Black Health & Equity
- BMMA, Inc. (Black Mamas Matter Alliance)
- NAACP Legal Defense Fund
This support demonstrates the value of this policy agenda and clearly communicates the pressing nature of addressing these inequities for Black communities.
We would also like to acknowledge Ed Paisley and Streamlined Media & Communications for their support in editing and design, respectively.