On her birthday, we’re celebrating Susan Rice’s public service and leadership. In 2013, then–Joint Center President Ralph B. Everett presented her with our Louis E. Martin Great American Award. With a donation, you can help us continue to recognize Black leadership: jointcenter.org/donate

For decades, the Joint Center documented Black political leadership through publications like 1977's Profiles of Black Mayors in America. Our work continues this tradition of research that uplifts policy. Help us reach our end-of-year giving goal of $55,000 at jointcenter.org/donate

The Joint Center was founded in 1970 to help newly elected Black officials, including Maynard Jackson, the first Black mayor of Atlanta. We were honored to have him speak at an annual dinner and continue to convene leaders like Mayor Jackson each year. Help support our work: jointcenter.org/donate

In 1990, Colin Powell joined then-Joint Center President Eddie N. Williams at a reception honoring Black appointees. We continue to encourage diversity among staff across all branches of government. Help us reach our end-of-year giving goal of $55,000 at jointcenter.org/donate #JointCenter55

For 32 years, Eddie N. Williams led the Joint Center with a vision of excellence and influence. Under his leadership, we became the preeminent source for research and policy solutions advancing Black communities. You can help ensure our legacy continues: jointcenter.org/donate

In 1983, the Joint Center released "A Policy Framework for Racial Justice." @nytimes.com reported that the research argued that "government-supported social policies were urgently needed to bring equity to people excluded from society's mainstream," especially among Black communities.

"...[W]e are all standing on the shoulders of giants and those who came before us." Watch @govwesmoore.bsky.social's speech from the Joint Center's Louis E. Martin Great American Award ceremony: https://jointcenter.org/governor-wes-moore-receives-joint-center-louis-e-martin-great-american-award/

The Joint Center’s first executive director was Frank Reeves, an attorney who played a crucial role in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education. His vision of data-driven advocacy and leadership endures through our work today. Help us continue this work by donating at jointcenter.org/donate

How are Black women shaping the digital future? Join Joint Center Tech Policy Director Danielle Davis at @ncnwhq.bsky.social's #EdTechQuitySummit to learn more. https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/e/1FAIpQLSd8DO1vWWPfs8l2Rr19pgWD5qd45QOsbeU9H_wiOnO2C4iKJg/closedform

In 1970, we collected and distributed information on the names and positions held by Black elected officials nationwide. Our research and analysis continue to help support Black leaders who shape policy. To help support our work, donate here: jointcenter.org/donate

In 2015, @staceyabrams.com joined our roundtable on criminal justice, technology, financial services, and the energy workforce. Her dedication to an equitable democracy continues to reflect the Joint Center’s long-standing mission. Help us continue our work: jointcenter.org/donate

After the 2000 election, our magazine, FOCUS, provided election results for Black candidates to congressional offices, analyzed the reauthorization of welfare reform, and more. With a small donation for our 55th anniversary, you can help ensure our work continues: jointcenter.org/donate

In 1995, Maya Angelou served as a keynote speaker at the Joint Center’s 25th Anniversary dinner. We are grateful to have her as part of our legacy. With a small donation for our 55th anniversary, you can help ensure our legacy continues for years to come: jointcenter.org/donate #JointCenter55

Starting today, we will share 55 photos to honor our 55th anniversary. For 55 years, the Joint Center has stood firm in centering Black communities, cultivating policy, progress, and influence. With a small donation, you can help ensure our legacy endures for years to come: jointcenter.org/donate

The Joint Center mourns the passing of former Joint Center Vice President of International Affairs Carole Henderson Tyson, an unwavering educator, economic developer, and advocate who left a lasting impact on Black communities across the United States, Senegal, Lesotho, and Jamaica. Our statement:

NEW: The Treasury Department’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund was one of the most effective and bipartisan vehicles for community investment in America. Trump just eliminated its entire staff. Dedrick Asante-Muhammad and Eric Morrissette of @jointcenter.bsky.social:

On Monday, join Joint Center Tech Policy Director Danielle Davis as she moderates the conversation, "Chatbots and Childhood: Risks & Opportunities," at the Family Online Safety Institute Conference. #FOSI2025 Details here: https://fosi.org/event/fosi-annual-conference-2025/

🚨 The government shutdown just surpassed the record for the longest one in history. With nearly 19% of the federal workforce identifying as Black, we are deeply concerned about the ongoing federal government shutdown and its disproportionate impact on Black Americans. Read our statement:

Congratulations to Joint Center Tech Policy Director Danielle Davis, who has been selected to be a Public Voices Fellow of The OpEd Project on Technology in the Public Interest!

In an op-ed, the Joint Center's Dedrick Asante-Muhammad and Eric Morrissette explain why the deliberate dismantling of the agency is both a moral failure and an economic crisis. Read it here: https://www.washingtoninformer.com/minority-business-development-agency-dismantled/

Everyone needs internet access — but too many families still can’t afford to get online. Joint Center’s Danielle Davis writes on how to modernize the Universal Service Fund for today’s digital economy: https://www.techpolicy.press/the-universal-service-fund-is-legal-now-make-it-legitimate/

October at the Joint Center: ➡️ @govwesmoore.bsky.social honored with the Louis E. Martin Great American Award ➡️ Three op-eds on community investment, Black student parents, and the racial wealth divide Read the newsletter: https://jointcenter.org/inside-black-policy-joint-center-october-2025

🚨 One decision just froze billions in community investment. This Otherwords op-ed details how eliminating the CDFI Fund threatens small businesses and working families. Learn more: https://otherwords.org/a-cruel-and-short-sighted-attack-on-low-income-communities/

ICYMI: Joint Center President Dedrick Asante-Muhammad joined Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney and other leaders at the OwnCincy25 Housing Policy Symposium for "a day of learning, dialogue, and action." Learn more: https://owncincy.org/owncincy-housing-policy-symposium/

ICYMI: We brought together staff and partners to honor @govwesmoore.bsky.social with the Louis E. Martin Great American Award. See our mention in @playbookdc.bsky.social: https://www.politico.com/newsletters/playbook-pm/2025/10/24/inflation-report-offers-relief-as-trump-faces-trade-cliff-00622019

Today, the Joint Center celebrated Maryland Governor Wes Moore with its highest honor — the Louis E. Martin Great American Award. Learn more here: https://jointcenter.org/joint-center-presented-governor-wes-moore-with-louis-e-martin-great-american-award/

Joint Center President Dedrick Asante-Muhammad joined Rev. Al Sharpton on Keepin' It Real to discuss Black unemployment, wealth inequality, business ownership, homeownership, and more. Watch here: https://jointcenter.org/joint-center-appeared-on-keepin-it-real-with-rev-al-sharpton/

Joint Center President Dedrick Asante-Muhammad joined SiriusXM's Urban View with Greg Carr and Lamont King to discuss the termination of the CDFI Fund staff. Listen to a snippet. ⬇️ Full episode: https://www.siriusxm.com/player/episode-audio/government-shutdown/205dedd3-39e4-34f2-5f10-73193c7f432a

This year marks the Joint Center's 55th anniversary. 🎉 To celebrate, we held a special brunch, conversation, and exhibition covering our work as America’s Black think tank. Watch the recap: https://youtu.be/H7RaIGyZaV0

Amid mass layoffs and the push to end DEI initiatives, Black unemployment surged from six percent in May to 7.5 percent in Oct. 2025. Joint Center President Dedrick Asante-Muhammad joined @nbcnews.com to talk about it.

🗞️ Joint Center in the news: For The Washington Informer, Joint Center Special Assistant Carlton Langford and Former Senior Policy Analyst Justin Nalley explain why #CCAMPIS must better serve Black student parents: https://www.washingtoninformer.com/child-care-access-black-students/

On WURD Radio, Joint Center President Dedrick Asante-Muhammad joined Dr. James Peterson to discuss the impacts of the government shutdown, especially in relation to Black communities. Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/onwurd/dedrick-asante-muhammad

The Trump administration’s decision to terminate the Treasury Department’s CDFI Fund's entire staff dismantles one of the federal government’s most effective and bipartisan tools for ensuring access to capital in underserved communities. Our statement: https://jointcenter.org/media/#press-releases

🚨 Black unemployment is surging again. This time is different. For @nytimes.com, Joint Center President Dedrick Asante-Muhammad explains that investing in America should lead to lower unemployment and higher wages for *all* Americans.

The Joint Center mourns the passing of former CBC Chair and Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, an unwavering public servant who left a lasting impact on Black communities in Detroit and across the United States. Read our statement from Joint Center President Dedrick Asante-Muhammad below.

Do you ever feel like you’re being watched? Well, you’re not imagining it. From loyalty cards to smart devices, we live in a surveillance economy where nearly every click, tap, and purchase is tracked, stored, and sold. Learn more in this latest episode: jointcenter.org/tech-policy/#podcast

From the courts to the military to economic governance, Trump and the GOP are systematically attempting to delegitimize Black leadership. Loudly resisting this intimidation is key to defeating it. Dedrick Asante-Muhammad of @jointcenter.bsky.social:

wrote about the latest federal jobs reports and why they contain so many ominous signs for the economy—including, and especially, the surge in Black employment. with insights from @itsafronomics.bsky.social and the @jointcenter.bsky.social's Gabrielle Smith Finnie: slate.com/business/202...

🚨 An estimated $124 trillion could pass down to heirs in the U.S., leading to the nation’s largest intergenerational wealth transfer. But unless profound changes are made in tax policy, this transfer will deepen the racial wealth divide. Learn more: generations.asaging.org/the-civil-ri...

NEW: Last month, the Black unemployment rate surged to 7.5% — double the rate for white workers. Mending this divide will require policy: Asset-building programs, paid job training, and lending and housing reform. LaToya Parker and Dedrick Asante-Muhammad of @jointcenter.bsky.social:

We are driving change. In CNN, Newsweek, NBC BLK, and Slate, Joint Center experts are shaping national conversations on Black unemployment, homeownership, and economic opportunity. See our latest media highlights below. 🧵

🚨 The unemployment rate for Black Americans jumped to 7.5%, the highest rate since Oct. 2021. On @cnn.com, watch Joint Center Senior Fellow @jessicajfulton.bsky.social explain why so many Black workers are being affected and how this is concerning for all workers. jointcenter.org/joint-center...

For #JobsDay, the Joint Center analyzes the employment numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and showcases what the numbers mean for Black workers. Our August Jobs Day analysis by Joint Center Policy Analyst, Workforce Policy Dr. Gabrielle Smith Finnie is below. #JobsReport

Black unemployment is rising 📈 Safety net programs are under threat 🛑 Civil rights groups are in court fighting to restore fair lending data 📊 The August edition of Inside Black Policy: Econ breaks down what this means for Black workers, families, and businesses: jointcenter.org/inside-black...

Last month, I was worried about signs of growing black joblessness. This month provides more reason to worry: Black unemployment up from 6.8% to 7.2%. Employment-population ratio drops from 57.7 to 57.2. @ceprdc.bsky.social @jointcenter.bsky.social cepr.net/publications...

For #JobsDay, the Joint Center analyzes the employment numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and showcases what the numbers mean for Black workers. Our July Jobs Day analysis by Joint Center Policy Analyst, Workforce Policy Gabrielle Smith Finnie is below. 🧵 #JobsReport

The Joint Center is proud to announce the addition of three distinguished fellows — Lettisha “Tish” Boyd, Narda M. Jones, and Eric Morrissette. Learn more about them here: jointcenter.org/joint-center...

For #JobsDay, the Joint Center analyzes the employment numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and showcases what the numbers mean for Black workers. Our June Jobs Day analysis by Joint Center Policy Analyst, Workforce Policy Gabrielle Smith Finnie is below. 🧵 #JobsReport

Congratulations to Joint Center Board Member Otis Rolley, who was appointed to be the new president and chief executive officer of the Baltimore Development Corporation. This appointment will mark Rolley as the first African American man to lead Baltimore's economic development agency.

As #Section230 remains central to debates on content moderation, misinformation, and platform accountability, the Joint Center brought together key policymakers, civil rights leaders, platform representatives, and philanthropic organizations to discuss our findings and explore actionable solutions.