NREI 2022 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT

2022 PREPARED BY Olajumoke Obayanju, Sr. Director, NREI Congressional Black Caucus Foundation oobayanju@cbcfinc.org

Contents Executive Summary

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Overview: National Racial Equity Initiative For Social Justice

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Initiatives

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I.

HBCU Social Justice Scholarships

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II. John R. Lewis Social Justice Fellowship Program

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III. Policy Research

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IV. Task Force Of Social Justice Ambassadors

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Presentations & Programs

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SWOT Analysis

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Review Of NREI 2022 Goals

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NREI 2023 Goals

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Executive Summary This 2022 Annual Report provides an overview of the National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice (NREI) to capture our progress on priorities since 2021.

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his 2022 Annual Report provides an overview of the National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice

(NREI) to capture our progress on priorities since 2021. The NREI was established in late 2020 in direct response to the murder of George Floyd, which prompted protests nationally over the reliving of yet another Black person killed by police. Though the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) has prioritized advancing the global Black community for years, the NREI was founded as CBCF’s pledge to bolster its work in advancing racial justice, combating systemic injustice, and increasing economic development opportunities for the Black community. George Floyd’s murder exemplified the structural barriers and systemic racism that continue to pervade our societal constructs, from the criminal legal system and our court system to health care and education systems. His death also inspired— and, more appropriately, ignited—a force of political, financial, and grassroots mobilization regarding social justice and racial equity.

In its second operating year, the NREI has accomplished the following to remove financial barriers for Black students attending historically Black colleges or universities (HBCUs), advance social justice policy through research and programming, create a pipeline for young Black leaders, and empower action-driven change: 1. Hosted and placed six full-time fellows on Capitol Hill and the Foundation through our John R. Lewis Social Justice Fellowship.

2. Awarded $220,000 to 22 undergraduate and graduate scholars attending 11 HBCUs across the nation.

3. Published 12 NREI Research Deliverables on issues ranging from the impact of the Black dollar, heart disease, education equity, police reform, and much more.

4. Launched the NREI Task Force of Social Justice Ambassadors.

5. Hosted informative and policy-informed programming, including two in-person Community Conversations (Detroit and Washington, D.C.), and the NREI Task Force Annual Legislative Conference Panel.

As NREI embarks on its third year of operations, we eagerly anticipate the meaningful work that lies ahead in 2023.

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Overview: National Racial Equity Initiative For Social Justice The NREI’s mission is to combat systemic injustice and advance racial equity, human rights, education, and economic development opportunities for the Black community.

he NREI’s mission is to combat systemic injustice and advance racial equity, human rights, education, and economic development opportunities for the Black community. Housed in the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR), the NREI takes an evidencebased approach to develop sound policies targeted to reducing racial disparities caused by racism and discrimination. NREI provides solutions-driven and proactive policies and practices that produce

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equitable access, opportunities, treatment, and outcomes for Black people. Recognizing that combating systemic racism can be achieved through various avenues, the NREI framework supports the CBCF’s organizational mission of developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. The NREI includes social justice fellows; social justice scholarships for HBCU students; a task force; and research, data, and public policy related to social justice reform for maximum impact in Black communities.

The scope of work for the NREI involves measurable deliverables and activism that shape the foundation of the NREI’s establishment, operational trajectory, and research policy.

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Initiatives I. HBCU Social Justice Scholarships he NREI HBCU Social Justice Scholarships were created to encourage and support the next generation of social justice leaders committed to advancing equity, freedom, and justice for all, especially the Black community. The scholarships ameliorate the economic hardships particularly experienced by HBCU students committed to social justice work, with the hopes of removing financial barriers and expanding future opportunities and access to

success. The funds are disbursed on an annual, one-time basis to undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral students attending historically Black colleges or universities (HBCUs) and pursuing studies related to social justice, including but not limited to criminal justice, education, civil rights, and community/economic development.

Students must demonstrate their interests and experience in social justice, student activism, and/ or community service.

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2022 2022 Scholarship Scholarship Cycle Cycle Information Information Scholarship applications received

98 22 $220,000 3.9 13/9

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Scholarships awarded at $10,000 each

Total amount of money awarded

Average GPA

Gender (Female/Male)

HBCUs represented in the awardees Florida A&M University Fort Valley State University Hampton University Howard University Jackson State University North Carolina Central University

Prairie View A&M University Savannah State University Spelman College Stillman College Xavier University

Classification of awardees

66% Undergraduate Students

33% Graduate/Doctoral Students

Geographic representation East

15 South

3

West

3

1

Midwest

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II. John R. Lewis Social Justice Fellowship Program

II. John R. Lewis Social Justice Fellowship Program he NREI John R. Lewis Social Justice Policy Fellowship is designed to giveJustice youngPolicy he NREI John R. Lewis Social Black professionals the opportunity Fellowship is designed to give young to work inBlack Congress and with the the opportunity Foundation to professionals address justice and racial issuesto to work insocial Congress and with theequity Foundation that affect the justice Black community.

Distinguished address social and racial equity issues by two six-month rotations, Social Justice Fellows that affect the Black community. Distinguished are by placed in the U.S. Congress with Congressional two six-month rotations, Social Justice Fellows are Black Caucus members andwith the CBCF’s Center placed in the U.S. Congress Congressional for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR)Center for a Black Caucus members and the CBCF’s total of 12 months.

Fellows produce social justice for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR) for a policy research and analysis on topics like criminal total of 12 months. Fellows produce social justice justiceresearch reform, education, community/economic policy and analysis on topics like criminal development, equity, and civil rights. While justice reform, health education, community/economic working in Congressional Black member development, health equity, andCaucus civil rights.

While offices, fellows gain invaluable legislative experiworking in Congressional Black Caucus member ence asfellows they engage in developing publicexperipolicy offices, gain invaluable legislative initiatives, attending conducting research, ence as they engagebriefings, in developing public policy writing speeches, and developing rapport with initiatives, attending briefings, conducting research, key leaders—all in and the area of social justice.

In the writing speeches, developing rapport with Center for PolicyinAnalysis Research, fellows key leaders—all the areaand of social justice.

In the work under the NREI Senior Director and in coopCenter for Policy Analysis and Research, fellows eration withthe other stakeholders policy work under NREI director andtoinconduct cooperation analysis, and data collection.

During their with otherresearch, stakeholders to conduct policy analysis, terms, fellows also organize social justice research, and data collection.

During their forums terms, and brain trusts; serve as experts their fields; fellows also organize social justice in forums and brain and produce issue briefs, fact sheets, and other trusts; serve as experts in their fields; and produce publications related to social issue briefs, fact sheets, and justice. other publications

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2022-2023 Fellowship Fellowship Cycle Cycle 2022-2023 September 2022 Cohort applications received

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Fellowships awarded

6 26%

Applicants awarded

In September 2022, the NREI welcomed six new policy professionals tothe theNREI John R. Lewis Justice Program.

In September 2022, welcomed six Social new policy professionals This comprises an interdisciplinary group of young to the cohort John R. Lewis Social Justice Program. This cohort comprises an professionalsgroup fromofacross the countryfrom representing a interdisciplinary young professionals across the country variety of interest areas and policy expertise. representing a variety of interest areas and policy expertise.

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September 2022- September 2023 Fellows

Abou Bakri Sy

Jasmine Lewis*

Congressional Placement: Rep. Shri Thanedar

Congressional Placement: Rep. Yvette Clark

Interests: Democracy/Governance, International Relations, Wealth Inequality, Economic Development

Interests: Human Rights, Criminal Justice, Gender & Racial Equity, Technology Sponsor: PepsiCo

Sponsor: Prudential

Tatyana Hopkins

Malik Neal

Congressional Placement: Rep. Barbara Lee

Congressional Placement: Sen. Cory Booker

Interests: Juvenile Justice, Economic Inclusion/Equity, Cannabis Policy

Interests: Racial Justice, Criminal Justice, Economic Justice

Sponsor: Scotts Miracle-Gro

Sponsor: Amazon

Autumn James

Tashia Roberson-Wing

Congressional Placement: Rep. Donald Payne, Jr.

Congressional Placement: Rep. Shontel Brown

Interests: Cannabis Policy, Criminal Justice

Interests: Child Welfare Sponsor: McDonalds

Sponsor: Scotts Miracle-Gro

* Fellow exited the program before completion 07

Fellow Capstone Projects

The Capstone Project is the culmination of the fellowship experience that allows each fellow to demonstrate their mastery of a specific topic and their research and analytical skills. The capstone incorporates concepts, techniques and skills learned throughout the fellowship

experience through which fellows can make original, scholarly, and professional contributions to their field. The final publication addresses a key policy or issue within the NREI priorities: criminal justice reform, education, health equity, and economic opportunity.

September 2022 NREI Fellows’ Capstone Topics include: • 2023 Cannabis Economic Opportunity: East Coast States Report

by Autumn James • A Net With Gapping Holes: Unemployment Insurance and Racial Inequality

by Malik Neal • Black Foster Youth Matter and So Do Their Black Families: A Resource Guide to Improving Outcomes for Black Youth in Foster Care by Tashia Roberson-Wing • Road to 2030: Federal Legislative Solutions to Social Equity in a Booming Cannabis Industry by Tatyana Hopkins • The Shrinking of the Middle and Working Class by Abou Bakri Sy

The CBCF Fellows’ Virtual Closing Presentation took place on Aug. 28, 2023. Fellows discussed their research, as well as their fellowship experience and accomplishments.

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2022 NREI Fellows’ Testimonials

“

The Fellowship Program offered a supportive and inclusive environment that encouraged personal and professional growth.

I had the privilege of gaining a wide range of experiences, from working on Capitol Hill to conducting research.

I am grateful for the diverse experiences and supportive environment that the Fellowship Program provided. It was a period of immense personal and professional growth, and I am excited to carry the knowledge and skills I acquired into my future endeavors.”

AUTUMN JAMES 2022 NREI Fellow, Rep. Donald Payne Jr.

“

I enjoyed conducting research. From the memos to the finished product, it was rewarding. I also enjoyed the events, especially ALC and the connections that were forged as a result.”

ABOU BAKRI SY 2022 NREI Fellow, Rep. Shri Thanedar

“

I found both aspects of the Fellowship enjoyable for different reasons. On the Foundation side, I enjoyed the opportunity to immerse myself in an issue area for weeks, carefully examining and analyzing it. On the Hill, the pace was much quicker, and I couldn’t indulge in such in-depth analysis, but I enjoyed the process of crafting legislation.”

MALIK NEAL 2022 NREI Fellow, Sen. Cory Booker

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III. Policy Research n the past year, the NREI Research Team has continued its unwavering commitment to advancing social justice reform through a multifaceted approach. Through the production of reports, programming, and strategic engagement with influential stakeholders, we have diligently pursued our mission. Our focus areas of

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criminal justice reform, education, health equity, and economic opportunity have guided our efforts, ensuring that our research remains impactful and relevant to our communities’ pressing needs. As we reflect on our accomplishments, we remain dedicated to driving positive change and promoting equitable outcomes for all.

2022 Research Publications Criminal Justice The Cycle: How Motor Vehicular Tickets, Fines, and Fees Exacerbate Poverty and Contribute to Mass Incarceration: Though a person’s inability to pay a ticket, fine, or fee arguably does not threaten public safety, today, states across the country respond to this offense by revoking the privilege to drive. This report explores how debt-based driving restrictions disproportionately impact Black people, contribute to financial instability, and threaten the safety of their communities.

The Rally Cry Heard Around the Nation: A Case Study on Newark’s Approach to Impactful Police Reform: By analyzing the current state of police reform in the United States post–George Floyd and Newark’s approach to solving police misconduct on a local level, this case study provides a fresh outlook on the city’s true impact and lessons learned.

Economic Opportunity Exploring the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Over the next five years, more than $1 trillion in government funding will be poured into infrastructure projects across the country, including roads, bridges, public transit, clean water, airport upgrades, energy grid upgrades, passenger and freight railways, coastal resiliency, clean school buses, and small-business growth. This fact sheet highlights how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act impacts Black communities.

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NREI Fact Sheet: Inflation Reduction Act & Black America: This fact sheet outlines the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act and how it addresses the climate, health, and economic challenges disproportionately impacting the Black community.

The Black Dollar Part I: Cooperative Economics in Africa: This report implores African nations to minimize their dependency on foreign direct investment and neocolonial partnerships and instead strengthen economic relations within themselves.

The Black Dollar II: Cooperative Economics in the U.S.: This report explores how Black communities have collaborated to sustain themselves and their economies throughout histories. Despite generations of forced migration and intentional disruption of community building, the African diaspora in the United States facilitated cooperative systems to supply community needs and improve their outcomes.

CENTER FOR POLICY ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH Economic Opportunity

FEBRUARY 2022

Haleigh Hoskins, John R. Lewis Social Justice Fellow

Reparations More than 150 Years Later: The Case of Restorative Justice Policy in Evanston, IL

Reparations More than 150 Years Later: The Case of Restorative Justice Policy in Evanston, IL: This case study dissects the history of reparations and the overall political discourse of the United States’ attitude toward reparations implementation through current legislation.

Education Appeal for Administrative Action: Canceling Student Loan Debt for Historically Black College and University Alumni: This policy brief encourages policymakers to prioritize student debt cancellation, particularly for historically Black college and university (HBCU) borrowers, to alleviate the impact of high intergenerational financial costs.

NREI Research Op-Ed: HBCUs Should Receive More than 1% of Federal Research Funding: This research op-ed explores the importance of federal research dollars, disparities in federal research funding, and the implications of the HBCU federal research funding gap and provides suggestions on how policy can help to support the research activities and personnel at HBCUs.

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UNPLUGGED: Examining COVID-19 and its Technological Impact on Black Students: This policy brief explores COVID-19’s contribution to widening the digital divide and its detrimental impact on K–12 Black students’ accessibility and connectivity. Further, it encourages legislative action addressing practical solutions to closing the digital divide.

Health Heart of the Matter: The Social Justice Fight Against Heart Disease: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Common conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity, and diabetes—prevalently experienced in Black communities—increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. This report addresses the societal factors related to heart disease in the Black community and how policymakers can help through legislation.

CENTER FOR POLICY ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH Health Equity

FEBRUARY 2022

Airenakhue B. Omoragbon, John R. Lewis Social Justice Fellow

Reproductive Rights: Dobbs v. Jackson and Implications for the Black Maternal Health Crisis

Reproductive Rights: Dobbs v. Jackson and Implications for the Black Maternal Health Crisis: This policy brief, released before the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson decision, explores the implications of overturning or weakening Roe v. Wade, the impact of an anti-abortion ruling on Black pregnant people, and how such a ruling could threaten extant efforts to address the Black maternal and pregnancy-related mortality crisis.

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IV. Task Force of Social Justice Ambassadors he NREI Task Force of Social Justice Ambassadors is a cohort of individuals committed to challenging racial injustice and advancing racial equity and social justice reform. Using their platforms, ambassadors work in collaboration with NREI to disseminate research and information, advance policy and communi-

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ty-based solutions, develop relevant programming, share best practices, and raise awareness through media and mass movements for change with attention to youth activism, community organizing, and grassroots mobilization. The inaugural task force launched in February 2022.

Task Force Goals

Push policy that compels action by lawmakers to end systemic inequality and racism and advances community-based solutions.

Disseminate research and information to the public to expand legislative knowledge and promote civic engagement.

Partner with NREI leadership to develop relevant programming that advances the NREI mission.

Utilize their power and platforms to equip young leaders and community members and serve as champions for change.

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Task Force 2022–23 Members

Erika Alexander

LaTosha Brown

Co-Founder, Color Farm Media

Co-Founder, Black Voters Matter

Erika Alexander is beloved for her iconic acting roles as

LaTosha Brown is an award-winning visionary thought leader,

Maxine Shaw (“Living Single,” NAACP Image Awards as

institution builder, cultural activist and artist, and connector.

Outstanding Actress/Comedy Series), Detective Latoya (“Get

She is a nationally recognized, “go-to” expert in Black voting

Out”), Cousin Pam (“The Cosby Show”), Perenna (“Black

rights and voter suppression, Black women’s empowerment,

Lightning”), Linda Diggs (“Wutang: An American Saga”), Barb

and philanthropy. Her voice is the nexus between the Civil

Ballard (Run The World), and Meredith Lockhart (“Swimming

Rights Movement, the Black Power Movement, and Black

with Sharks”). Ms. Alexander wears many hats, including

Lives Matter. LaTosha is the co-founder of the Black Voters

actress, trailblazing activist, entrepreneur, creator, producer,

Matter Fund and the Black Voters Matter Capacity Building

and director—one of the country’s boldest, most daring, and

Institute. These initiatives are designed to boost Black voter

powerful voices. As co-founder of Color Farm Media, she is

registration and turnout and to increase power in marginal-

on a mission to bring greater equity, inclusion, and diverse

ized, predominantly Black communities. LaTosha is also the

representation to both media and electoral politics. Color

visionary, founder and co-anchor of a regional network called

Farm Media, self-described as the “Motown of film, TV, and

the Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium. This is a

tech,” develops and produces scripted and nonscripted

$100 million, 10-year initiative to invest in organizations that

content for film, television, streaming, and podcast platforms.

serve Black women and girls. The goal of the consortium is

Color Farm’s project about the legendary congressman and

to create a new approach to philanthropy by allowing every

civil rights icon John Lewis, “Good Trouble,” won the NAACP

component of the program, from inception to execution, to

Award Best Documentary and was nominated for three

be created by Black girls and women in the South. LaTosha is

Emmy Awards. In addition to her entertainment career, Ms.

also the 2020 Hauser Leader at the Center for Public Leader-

Alexander is a critical thought leader on racial and gender

ship at Harvard Kennedy School, the 2020 Leader in Practice

equity and leadership. She serves as a board member for

at Harvard Kennedy School’s Women and Public Policy

One Fair Wage and Exponent and is highly involved with

Program, and a 2020–21 American Democracy fellow at the

many other social and racial justice organizations, including

Charles Warren Center at Harvard.

The Poor People’s Campaign, Color of Change, NAACP, UNCF, and others. Her work in content reflects the social activism work she does on the ground. A sought-after speaker, Ms. Alexander delivers keynotes on topics including leadership, communications and performance, and diversity and inclusion. Born in Winslow, Arizona, Ms. Alexander grew up in Flagstaff before moving to Philadelphia.

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Tamir D. Harper

Nupol Kiazolu

Co-Founder, UrbEd Inc.

Founder, We Protect Us

Tamir Harper is a proud product of the School District of Phil-

Nupol Kiazolu is a powerhouse in the field of activism, from

adelphia, a nonprofit co-founder, an outspoken disruptor for

being on the front lines of the Charlottesville protests to

public education, a Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholar,

taping “Do I look suspicious?” behind her hoodie in the wake

and the 61st Eastern regional assistant vice president for

of Travyon Martin’s death. Nupol is an award-winning civil

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. He graduated from

rights activist, organizer, Miss Liberia USA, and proud member

American University in Washington, D.C., as a part of the

of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She lends her

awarding-winning Frederick Douglass Distinguished Scholars

spirit, expertise, and voice to her organization We Protect Us

program, majoring in public relations strategic communica-

to empower disenfranchised Black and Brown communities

tions with a minor in education. When Tamir was 17 years old,

through mutual aid, education, violence prevention services,

he co-founded UrbEd Inc., a nonprofit that advocates for a

and sustainable resources. The Brooklynite has been a

quality and efficient urban education by working to disband

leading voice among Generation Z, focusing on civil rights,

the school-to-prison pipeline, increasing teacher diversity,

domestic and sexual violence, and homelessness. Nupol

improving building conditions, and advocating for local

has been recognized by Forbes, Seventeen magazine, and

control of schools. Tamir has a mission to create sustainable

The New York Times. The multi-hyphenate is also the first

change for generations. His advocacy work and desires have

HBCU student to be a part of Teen Vogue’s 21 under 21 list.

allowed him to serve as the founding executive director of

When she is not on the front lines, you can catch her reading

UrbEd Inc., national policy director for Student Voice, School

Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, beautifying her friends with

District of Philadelphia K–12 Counseling Advisory Group, and a

makeup, and cooking cassava leaves. Nupol is a graduate of

commissioner on the City of Philadelphia Youth Commission.

Hampton University.

Tamir’s dedication to community activism has been featured in “Good Morning America,” Times magazine, The Washington Post, “PBS NewsHour,” and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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Task Force 2022–23 Members

Dr. Judy Lubin President, Center for Urban and Racial Equity (CURE)

Dr. Judy Lubin is a nationally recognized thought leader,

the Black Women’s Health Imperative and WomenHeart: The

researcher, and change catalyst with more than 20 years

National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease. Committed

of experience working at the intersections of racial equity,

to promoting women’s heart health and wellness, Dr. Lubin

social policy, and public health. Since 2003, Dr. Lubin has

is also the author of The Heart of Living Well: Six Principles

served as founder and president of the Center for Urban and

for a Life of Health, Beauty, and Balance and recipient of

Racial Equity (CURE), whose mission is to partner with people

the General Mills Foundation’s Cheerios Sisters Saving

and organizations to advance equity through policy, systems,

Hearts award for her Heart and Style initiative to prevent

and institutional and community change. She has advised

heart disease among Black women. She is also a former

and led equity-centered programs, assessments, trainings,

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation public health fellow.

and transformation processes with organizations and many

Dr. Lubin completed her Ph.D. in sociology from Howard

government agencies. Dr. Lubin previously served as health

University with specializations in medical sociology and

equity strategist for the New Orleans Health Department,

social inequality. She also earned a Master of Public Health

director for Allies for Reaching Community Health Equity, and

from Emory University and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology

communications director for national organizations including

(cum laude) from Florida State University.

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Dr. Maurice A. Stinnett Global Head of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Warner Music Group

Dr. Maurice A. Stinnett is an experienced leader and expert in

He held positions as vice president of engagement and chief

the areas of diversity, inclusion, and equity across corporate,

diversity officer at Cleveland State University and as dean of

nonprofit, and education sectors. He serves as global head

students at Central State University. In the nonprofit sector,

of equity, diversity, and inclusion at Warner Music Group, a

he acted as senior director of community engagement and

leader in global music entertainment. In his role at WMG, he

education at CentroNia, a multicultural, bilingual education

spearheads the company’s equity initiatives and implements

nonprofit located in Washington, D.C., and chairman for the

tailored strategies and programs designed to cultivate a

World Leadership Program, a White House initiative under

diverse and inclusive company culture. Dr. Stinnett previously

the Obama administration that sought to spark learning

made history as the inaugural vice president of diversity

and dialogue between graduate students and universities

and inclusion for BSE Global—owner of Barclays Center,

in the Middle East and the United States. He received the

the WNBA’s New York Liberty, and the NBA’s Brooklyn

Jackie Robinson Trailblazer Award from Rev. Jesse Jackson’s

Nets—where he provided leadership and support across

Rainbow PUSH Coalition and was named to “The Responsible

BSE’s brands. He was the first Black man to be appointed

100” corporate leaders list by City & State New York. He holds

vice president of diversity and inclusion for an NBA team.

a Bachelor of Arts in business from Central State University,

After leaving his role as VP, he was appointed the second-

a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and

ever diversity, inclusion, and community engagement (DICE)

a Master of Education and Doctor of Education and Organiza-

ambassador for the team. His earlier career experience

tional Leadership from Columbia University.

includes roles in higher education and nonprofit leadership.

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Presentations & Programs

Annual Faith and Politics Institute Pilgrimage The NREI team participated in the Faith and Politics Institute Pilgrimage to Alabama, which took place March 3–6, 2022. During this annual pilgrimage to Montgomery, Birmingham, and Selma, the NREI team retraced the footsteps of the leaders and foot soldiers of the Civil Rights Movement that changed the course of American history.

NREI Detroit Community Conversation On Saturday, April 23, 2022, NREI held its inaugural Community Conversation in Detroit, Michigan about the pillars of public safety, highlighting the current work and activism in Detroit and inspiring solutions to lead to concrete, actionable steps. The free, in-person event consisted of a Social Justice Art & Activism Fair, a Fireside Chat with Rep. Brenda Lawrence, and two panel discussions on “Understanding the Detroit Public Safety Historical Landscape” and “Where Do We Go From Here? Action Steps Towards Public Safety.” During lunch, attendees engaged in dialogue to share experiences and strategies to address public safety, legislative needs, and community collaboration. The NREI team also created a Post-Detroit Community Conversation Take Action Guide for more ways to get involved in the Detroit community and the overall fight toward racial equity.

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Road to Essence On June 11, 2022, NREI Senior Director Olajumoke Obayanju sat down with Karl Binns Jr. and Will Jawando in a Road to Essence Festival panel discussion titled “What Matters Most to You in 2022.” The three discussed current hot-button social and political issues impacting Black and Brown communities, ranging from the economy to midterm elections to student loans.

NREI Annual Report Sponsors Meeting On Sept. 8, 2022, NREI held a sponsors meeting reviewing the 2021 Annual Report. This meeting was led by Olajumoke Obayanju and supported by Solomon Ayalew.

General feedback was positive, and sponsors showed interest in continuing to support the NREI’s work.

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NREI D.C. Community Conversation On Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, NREI held its second Community Conversation in Washington, D.C., discussing the historical landscape of the D.C. statehood movement, its intersectional implications on the Black community, and the pursuit of power to amplify Black voices. The free, in-person event consisted of a Fireside Chat with Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton and P/ CEO Nicole Austin-Hillery and a panel discussion titled “Deferred Democracy: Amplifying the Voices of Black Washingtonians.” There was a reception after the event where panelists and participants engaged in dialogue to share experiences and strategies to address public safety, legislative needs, and community collaboration.

NREI Task Force Annual Legislative Conference Panel On Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, the NREI Task Force of Social Justice Ambassadors held a session during the Annual Legislative Conference titled “From the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter, Where Do We Go From Here?”

This in-person event consisted of a panel session with four of the seven active Task Force Ambassadors, moderated

by Senior Director Olajumoke Obayanju, and a live interactive polling session titled “What Do You Think?” moderated

by Senior Program Manager Solomon Ayalew.

Jack and Jill Speaking Engagement On Dec. 10, 2022, NREI Senior Program Manager Solomon Ayalew was a guest speaker at the Jack and Jill Foundation’s monthly parents and children’s meeting. He introduced the group to the CBCF and the NREI’s work; presented findings on his sleep research paper; and detailed the connection among personal wellness, community wellness, and leadership. The group consisted of 15 Jack and Jill seventh and eighth graders and their parents.

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SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS

WEAKNESS

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Continued commitment and investment from sponsors

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Relevance of social justice work

Fragmentation of Efforts: wide range of focus areas leads to a lack of depth or impact in specific areas of racial equity

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Dedicated fellows

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Support from members of Congress dedicated to advancing racial equity

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Top leadership prioritizes the work of the NREI, given racial justice background

Measuring Impact: assessing the Initiative’s effectiveness and impact on addressing racial equity can be challenging, especially given the complexity of the issues and the long-term nature of the solutions

OPPORTUNITIES

THREATS

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Can propel the work of CPAR to become a strong think-tank

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Unique position at the crossroads of social justice, academic research, and access to legislators.

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An opportunity to balance policy initiatives with grassroots organizing, community empowerment, and other approaches to foster systemic change

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Can capitalize on increasing community engagement and activism about racial equity

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Can leverage technology and digital platforms to expand the initiative’s outreach

Slow turnaround time of materials produced for external audiences

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Review of NREI 2022 Goals How Did We Do? GOALS

ACHIEVED

Expand and Enhance Research, Policy, and Community Initiatives •

Develop one- to two-year strategic plan for research agenda re-launch and implementation.

•

Produce six to eight issue briefs and fact sheets per issue area.

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Host three community conversation townhalls that provide opportunities to seek community-level dialogue and pursue policy solutions that meet people where they are and serve them as they need to be informed and educated.

Yes

Expand and Enhance the Reach of the CBCF NREI Brand •

Disseminate publications (fact sheets, issue briefs, reports) and research agenda.

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Strengthen the NREI’s collaboration and partnerships with likeminded organizations and thought partners.

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Increase the NREI’s presence and participation in policy forums, conference panels, media, and so on in local and national policy discussions.

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Raise the level of social justice leaders committed to advancing racial equity policy across the country.

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Expand HBCU scholarship award recipients by increasing recruitment and scholarship announcements.

•

Utilize the inaugural Task Force of Social Justice Ambassadors to disseminate and amplify the NREI’s work.

NOTES The goal was largely satisfactory, but there were a few misses. We successfully developed a one- to two-year strategic plan for the research agenda relaunch and implementation. However, we only produced on average three research deliverables for each issue area, falling slightly short of the target. We met our goal of hosting three community conversation town halls. Overall, progress was made, but there’s room for improvement in meeting all aspects of the goal.

We achieved success in several areas of our goal, but there are areas where improvement is needed. We effectively disseminated publications such as fact sheets, issue briefs, and reports while also strengthening collaboration and partnerships with likeminded organizations and thought partners.

Partially

We have slightly increased the NREI’s presence and participation at both local and national levels.

There are still greater efforts that need to be made to expand the HBCU scholarship applicants through increased recruitment and scholarship announcements.

Although we successfully utilized the inaugural Task Force of Social Justice Ambassadors to disseminate and amplify the NREI’s work, there is potential for broader impact with more strategic engagement.

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24 / Annual Report 2022 / National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice

GOALS

ACHIEVED

Enhance Internal Operations •

Establish and implement a robust operating and reporting procedure for the NREI team within department and with other departments.

•

Standardize the NREI’s inter- and intra-departmental communication and collaboration.

Yes

NOTES We have successfully achieved both goals related to establishing and enhancing operational procedures and communication within the NREI team and with other departments. We have implemented a comprehensive operating and reporting procedure for the NREI team, ensuring clarity and efficiency in our workflow. These efforts have improved overall efficiency and effectiveness within our organization, enhancing our ability to achieve our mission and goals.

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26 / Annual Report 2022 / National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice

NREI 2023 Goals Leverage technology and digital platforms to expand the initiative’s outreach. a. Develop a comprehensive digital strategy outlining specific goals and objectives for using technology and digital platforms. b. Work with the Marketing and Communications department to use our social media channels, such as Instagram and LinkedIn, to share updates and resources and engage with the community. c. Explore opportunities for content partnerships with the NREI Task Force and online media outlets to amplify the initiative’s message. d. Implement an NREI newsletter to regularly communicate with stakeholders, share updates, and promote events or initiatives.

Expand and enhance the reach of the CBCF NREI brand. a. Disseminate publications (fact sheets, issue briefs, reports) and research agenda. b. Strengthen the NREI’s collaboration and partnerships with likeminded organizations and thought partners. c. Increase the NREI’s presence and participation in policy forums, conference panels, media, and so on in local and national policy discussions. d. Expand HBCU scholarship award recipients by increasing recruitment and scholarship announcements. e. Utilize the inaugural Task Force of Social Justice Ambassadors to disseminate and amplify the NREI’s work.

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