Current Research and Policy Activities
The Joint Center's research and policy priorities are guided largely by issues of current concern to the African American community and other communities of color. The work is carried out by a team of nationally recognized experts, including both resident staff and consultants. From the days when the Joint Center focused primarily on providing technical assistance and policy information to public officials and policy experts in the United States and abroad, we have evolved into a dynamic "think tank" that objectively and thoroughly examines the impact of a wide range of policies and programs on African Americans. Today, our principal areas of work fall into seven categories:
For over 20 years, the Joint Center has hosted an Army officer through its participation in the Army's Senior Service College Fellows Program. Fewer than 20 universities, government agencies, and think tanks around the country participate in the program. The senior officers selected must be among the top 25 percent of their peer group. During his or her year in residence at the Joint Center, each fellow conducts research that is viewed as potentially beneficial to both the Army and Joint Center. The daily presence of these military fellows at the Joint Center creates an opportunity for an exchange of ideas within the Joint Center and the Army's officer corps.
Since 1980, the Joint Center has worked to increase the involvement of African Americans and other minorities in international affairs and to raise the visibility of Africa and policies affecting the continent and the African diaspora.
Economic advancement plays a crucial role in the ability of African Americans to achieve equality. The Joint Center's three areas of economic study include: Income and Poverty, Employment and Training, and Minority Business Development.
From the very beginning, the Joint Center has been committed to providing guidance and training to emerging leaders in the African American community, particularly those in the public sector. This work continues today as a new generation of leaders emerge.
The Joint Center engages in a number of social policies that impact the economic advancement and political participation of African Americans, especially arts engagement, juvenile justice, youth development, the state of young black males in Washington, D.C. and community-based racial reconciliation.
The Joint Center's work on African American's Political Participation is widely acknowledged as among the best in the field. Our work includes the roster of Black Elected Officials, national opinion polls of African Americans, as well as work on voting rights and Redistricting issues.