The Black Institute seeks to expand educational opportunities to all communities. A quality education–consisting of great teachers, active parents, outstanding principals, out of the box thinkers, stellar curriculum, safe learning environments and the expectation and treatment of all students as scholars–is critical to closing the gap between a segregated and unequal education. Educational opportunities also include increasing and expanding the arts and culture in all communities, primarily low-income communities of color.

Economic fairness for people of color consists of the capacity of all people to earn a decent living and the health of discussing money, business, entrepreneurship, developing capital, running successful innovative businesses and attaining leadership positions in various and numerous business industries. The health and wealth of Black communities depends on the attainment of education and understanding and leveraging economic resources.

Scholars believe that a combination of a lack of awareness and a relative lack of political and economic influence makes minority communities frequent targets for environmentally hazardous activities. The Black Institute supports and embraces the fair treatment of Black people and all people in all facets of life, therefore we embrace the concept of Environmental Justice. Environmental Justice stands for the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws.

The national debate currently ongoing and fueled by the policies of the Trump Administration primarily frames immigration as a border issue. According to a Population Reference Bureau report, “Immigration and America’s Black Population,” the number of foreign-born U.S. Blacks increased from 125,000 in 1960 to 2,815,000 in 2005. Additionally about two-thirds of foreign-born Black people are from the Caribbean and Latin America. As a country and a city which is steadily transforming to “majority minority,” immigration issues must be discussed holistically in all levels of society, as it primarily affects the future of the country. The Black Institute aims to address issues faced by black immigrants through research, legal services, and on-the-ground support.