History

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies was founded in 1970 to lend a hand to Black leaders as they traveled the uncharted road from civil rights activism to the political establishment. Its most prominent founders were Dr. Kenneth B. Clark, a renowned social psychologist, and Louis E. Martin, the legendary newspaper editor who had become a key presidential advisor on issues affecting Black America.

Originally known as the Joint Center for Political Studies, the Joint Center brought together Black intellectuals and professionals to provide training and technical assistance to newly elected Black officials.

The history of the Joint Center has not only reflected the progress African Americans made since the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, but, also mirrored the nation's political and socio-economic progress over the last five decades. When the Joint Center first opened its doors, there were 1,469 Black elected officials (BEOs) in the United States. Now, there are over 10,000.

Increasing Black political participation formed the foundation of much of the Joint Center's work during the '70s and the '80s. However, as the civil rights era gave way to the era of "economic rights," the Joint Center signaled its expanding focus on job creation and workforce development and changed its name to the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.

From 1972 to 2011, FOCUS magazine provided coverage of national issues to our leadership audience. Over 18,000 readers, nearly half of whom are Black elected officials, read the magazine for its in-depth, yet straightforward features on politics and the broad range of economic and social concerns.

Read The Joint Center: Portrait of a Black Think Tank here.

Each year the Joint Center recognizes individuals who have made transformational contributions that furthered the promise of America as a land of hope and opportunity for all. The award, first given in 2003, is named in the memory of Louis E. Martin (1912-1997), a principal founder of the Joint Center and the first chair of its board. Click here to see our Louis E. Martin Great American Award recipients.

See below for historical Joint Center video and photos.