Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies is also referred to more familiarly as the “Joint Center.” Its headquarters are in Washington, DC, and it is labeled as a think tank and a nonprofit national organization for research and the development of public policy. It was founded in 1970, when persons of color were beginning to gain political ground and there was an evident need for a group that would provide support to these officials as they transitioned into positions of power and influence.

Its mission was plain: to improve the status of African Americans and other minorities both socially and economically. In so doing, the outcome should be an expanded participation of minorities in the areas of public policy making and politics in general. ...