President's Message
Welcome. The Council on African American Affairs is a very different kind of think tank. It is a “Next Generation” think tank. Not because we are a young organization founded just five years ago in 2001, but because we uniquely engage the intellect and the energy of young black scholars – the next generation of America’s leaders – in our research efforts. These young black scholars, who are Ron Brown Scholars and Alumni, represent the best and the brightest of the best. They are this nation’s emerging leaders and they represent our future.
We believe that the collective voices of the Ron Brown Scholars and Alumni joined with the voices of black citizens in communities across the nation are our currency. And this currency is what helps the Council identify relevant issues of concern to African Americans, conduct innovative research, and help develop public policies that produce tangible differences in the quality of life for black Americans.
Our research and analyses address critical quality of life issues in four core areas: public health; civil rights and social action; education; and community development. Each year with input from the Ron Brown Scholars and Alumni, the Council selects a policy initiative to research and develop for a three-year period. The final research topic is chosen based on the importance and relevance of the policy initiative; the feasibility of conducting the research; policy implications at the federal, state, and local levels; the potential to fully engage the Ron Brown Scholars; and importantly, the ability to make a measurable difference in African-American communities as a result. The newly selected topic becomes one of three concurrent research initiatives that are part of our ongoing research agenda.
The Council is committed to stellar policy research that leads to positive, measurable change. We welcome your participation and your support, and hope you become part of our growing family. Thank you for your interest in the Council and our exciting work.
To learn more about our sister organization, click here Ron Brown Scholar Program.
