The State of the People Black Papers—authored by us for us, free of exaggerated jargon, written plainly in a language our people have always understood—Speak Truth to Power. These papers are a labor of love from Black Experts, challenging us to collectively leverage our power right now as we witness America rolling back much of the progress attained by our ancestors.

Black people have always been on the frontlines of defending democracy. We are organizing and mobilizing to harness our power, and awaken the memory of who we have always been and still are.

To dismantle a system that is working as designed against us, we must first study it to understand it so we can change it. The Black Papers are an entry point to learning more about some of the policy pillars that directly impact our lives—from housing to education, economics, healthcare and social justice. Clear and concise calls to action are woven throughout the Black Papers, providing our communities with strategies to combat anti-Blackness and achieve tangible progress.

Our collective civic engagement has always pushed America forward, even against its will. The State of the People Black Papers is a guide to reforming and rebuilding policy, speaking directly to Black communities about the critical policies that impact what we care about.

“Together, these papers constitute a critique and a roadmap—an assessment of where we are and a blueprint for where we can go.”

~Dr. David J. Johns ,
State of the People Black Papers Chief Editor and People Curator

In love and continued struggle,

The State of the People Black Papers Project Team