Setting a policy agenda for Black Americans

The United States is currently facing several simultaneous crises — the COVID-19 pandemic, a cratering economy, and systemic racism — all of which have disproportionately affected Black communities. As the country continues to grapple with the consequences of policies that have created and perpetuate the deep socioeconomic disparities experienced by Black Americans, many policymakers are exploring measures that could address structural inequities and expand social and economic mobility opportunities for communities of color.

On February 1, as part of our celebration of Black History Month, the Brookings Institution hosted a webinar focusing on an inclusive public policy agenda for Black Americans. The event featured a keynote session with Rep. Joyce Beatty, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and Mayor of Little Rock, Ark., Frank Scott, Jr., followed by a panel of Brookings scholars who discussed key policy ideas such as expanding access to health care, housing, jobs and education, police and criminal justice reform, reparations for Black Americans, and why prioritizing the needs of Black communities is crucial to national recovery efforts.

Viewers submitted questions for speakers via email to events@brookings.edu or via Twitter at @BrookingsGov or by using #BlackHistoryMonth.