Joint Center Recommits to Our Work as America’s Black Think Tank

Dear Supporters and Partners of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies,

As we navigate the ongoing change in today’s political environment, we are once again reminded of how much work lies ahead in our mission to empower Black voices in the policymaking process.

While the country has yet again delayed the opportunity for its first Black woman president, history was made in other ways. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to two remarkable Black women, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and House Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), on their historic election to the U.S. Senate. Their victories double the number of Black women ever simultaneously elected to the Senate, underscoring progress that we must continue to build upon.

For over fifty years, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies navigated shifting political landscapes to drive meaningful change in Black communities across the United States. Established in 1970 and born from the Civil Rights Movement, we, as noted in our mission, provide “compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America.” From our beginning as a guiding force for Black leaders transitioning from activism to political leadership, the Joint Center has evolved into a national resource for research-backed policy recommendations.

As we look to the year ahead, we are more committed than ever to the areas of focus that will allow us to meet the emerging needs within Black communities. We will continue to work in our programmatic areas of Black political appointments, hill diversity, workforce, economic, and tech policies, and look forward to expanding our work in the following areas:

• Wealth and Economic Development: We will conduct in-depth analyses on wealth and economic development, advocating for policies that support asset-building, household security, and growth for Black-owned businesses. Our goal is to broaden the policy debate beyond traditional access to capital, promoting equitable tax structures and government spending that support asset-poor households and foster local economic development without displacement.
• Expanding Government Affairs and Relations Capacity: In 2025, we aim to strengthen our engagement with government institutions by expanding our government affairs team. This dedicated group will strengthen our ability to share the Joint Center’s nonpartisan research and analysis with policymakers, respond to governmental requests for expertise, and track legislative developments affecting Black communities. By building this capacity, we will ensure our evidence-based research effectively informs policy discussions and debates.
• Strengthening Communications and Convenings: We are committed to expanding our communication strategies, ensuring our insights reach an even wider audience. This includes growing our monthly publications on topics like technology, tax policy, hill diversity, and race and economics. We will also enhance our social media presence and deepen partnerships with Black media outlets, ensuring our research and insights are accessible and influential across platforms. By enhancing our convening power, we aim to facilitate discussions that unite scholars, advocates, and policymakers around the issues that matter most to Black communities.

These planned initiatives will allow us to expand our reach and deepen our ability to affect meaningful change in the lives of Black Americans. Our long-term vision is rooted in enhancing the Joint Center’s role as the primary resource for data, analysis, and policy solutions that uplift Black communities. We are dedicated to remaining a trusted source for emerging issues critical to Black Americans, and we will never back down from our mission to empower communities and transform advocacy into actionable social and economic policies.

Today, your support is more critical than ever. With your continued partnership, we will continue championing policies that uplift Black communities, advocate for representation, and drive inclusive policy changes. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of Americans and work toward a more equitable future.

We are immensely grateful for your unwavering commitment to our mission, and we invite you to renew your support for the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. Your investment allows us to pursue meaningful research, influence public policy, and ensure that Black communities are not only heard but are central in national conversations shaping our collective future.

Thank you for standing with us. We look forward to continuing this important journey together.

With appreciation,
Dedrick Asante-Muhammad
President, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies