Email Updates

  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • Email Address
Focus Magazine

About the Joint Center

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies is one of the nation's premier research and public policy institutions and the only one whose work focuses exclusively on issues of particular concern to African Americans and other people of color. For over three decades, our research and information programs have informed and influenced public opinion and national policy to benefit not only African Americans, but every American.

The Joint Center's current research and analyses address critical issues in three key areas: political participation; economic advancement; and health policy. In conducting research and policy analysis and in disseminating our products, we seek to build partnerships and coalitions with Black Elected and Appointed Officials at every level of government and with like-minded organizations in order to broaden and strengthen the impact of our work.

Joint Center Mission

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies informs and illuminates the nation's major public policy debates through research, analysis, and information dissemination in order to: improve the socioeconomic status of black Americans and other minorities; expand their effective participation in the political and public policy arenas; and promote communications and relationships across racial and ethnic lines to strengthen the nation's pluralistic society.


Did You Know?

Did you know that more than two-fifths (42 percent) of African Americans surveyed in a October-November 2005 Joint Center survey expect that their own retirement savings and investments will be their major source of income in retirement? However, only 51 percent have any money in savings accounts, certificates of deposit, or money market funds. Furthermore, only 16 percent have money invested in bonds, only 31 percent have investments in stocks or mutual fund shares, and only 24 percent have an IRA or Keogh plan