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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.

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Did You Know?

In 2006, blacks made up 22 percent of the U.S. Army overall, but comprised only 12.3 percent of the officer corps and between seven and eight percent of the combat arms officers. The combat arms branches represent the principal pipeline to the Army's senior ranks. In 1990, blacks were 29.1 percent of the Army, but only 11 percent of the officer corps.

Source: Lt. Colonel Anthony D. Reyes, Strategic Options for Managing Diversity in the U.S. Army, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, June 2006