2025
The Race, Prosperity, and Inclusion Initiative (RPII) at Brookings aims to advance concrete policy solutions that combat systemic racism and build a more equitable society for all Americans, with a particular focus on poor, low-income and communities of color. The initiative encompasses scholarship from Brookings Economic Studies, Governance Studies, and Brookings Metro.
Gabriel R. Sanchez, Edward D. Vargas
October 16, 2025
Jeffrey C. Fuhrer
October 2, 2025
Keon L. Gilbert, Zachary Affeldt
September 29, 2025
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The Wellness in Black Life (#WIBL) project focuses on community-driven definitions of well-being, highlighting the vibrant experiences and contributions of Black men and boys in the U.S.Â
The How We Rise blog focuses on policy solutions to upend structural racism and create a more equitable society for all.
The People, Policy, and Police project sheds light on how policing influences public safety and community health. We highlight the work of various stakeholders in these cities and the police reform legislation needed to make effective and lasting policy changes.
This series examines how social determinants influence gender biases in public health research, menstrual hygiene product development, and women’s health outcomes.
Data has the power to define and redefine narratives, especially for marginalized communities. This project illustrates how to empower local communities with access to open and transparent public data.
This series explores the role of racial and ethnic minority representation within the judicial system to discover the impact on judicial politics and policy.
Our experts shape public discourse
Richard Reeves was interviewed on WBUR’s “Here & Now” about ways in which boys and men are falling behind. Â
Richard V. Reeves
Nonresident Senior Fellow - Governance Studies, Race, Prosperity, and Inclusion Initiative (RPII) @RichardvReevesHoward Henderson spoke to The Houston Chronicle about bridging the divide between police and the community of Harris County, Texas.Â
Howard Henderson
Nonresident Senior Fellow - Governance Studies, Race, Prosperity, and Inclusion Initiative (RPII) @hhendersonphdEdward D. Vargas spoke about the long-term effects of racial profiling on Latino Americans with Illinois News Connection.
Edward D. Vargas
Nonresident Fellow - Governance Studies, Race, Prosperity, and Inclusion Initiative (RPII)Andre M. Perry discussed the rising costs and a lack of middle-income jobs in New York City with MSNBC.
Andre M. Perry
Senior Fellow - Brookings Metro, Director - Center for Community Uplift @andreperryeduRichard Reeves spoke to The New York Times about the merits of boys deferring kindergarten by a year.Â
Richard V. Reeves
Nonresident Senior Fellow - Governance Studies, Race, Prosperity, and Inclusion Initiative (RPII) @RichardvReevesHoward Henderson spoke to the Houston Chronicle about the report that resulted from George Floyd’s death and led to 106 reform proposals for the Houston Police Department.
Howard Henderson
Nonresident Senior Fellow - Governance Studies, Race, Prosperity, and Inclusion Initiative (RPII) @hhendersonphdRashawn Ray appeared on Matter of Fact where he shared key findings from his latest report on police reform, “The state of police reform: Measuring progress in each state.”
Keon Gilbert spoke to Reuters about the impact of tariffs on Black farmers. Â
Keon L. Gilbert
Director - Race, Prosperity, and Inclusion Initiative (RPII), Senior Fellow - Governance Studies @DrKLG4HealthThe challenge with…changing voting laws is we’ve had very close elections in the last three cycles, and so if you reduce the potential voters by 1 or 2% that could change the outcome of..."
People don’t trust government. The lack of trust in government, plus the disinformation in this echo chamber of information, leads to vaccine hesitancy.
Meet our experts