The Issues
The U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys is engaged in research, advocacy, and policymaking in a number of key issue areas that affect the health, well-being, and social status of Black males in the United States. Learn about our activities and their impact here.
Criminal Justice & Civil Rights
CSSBMB’s objective is to make national and state policymakers and other community partners aware of socioeconomic disparities and the disproportionate number of Black men and boys adversely impacted by the criminal justice system. Racial inequality, barriers to formerly incarcerated Black men reentering society, loss of civil rights, and ineligibility for employment and housing are a few of the identified challenges facing Black men and boys and their families. CSSBMB scans, evaluates, and promotes effective reforms to address these issues.
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Education
Education is a crucial area of focus for CSSBMB, because access to quality education is vital to achieving successful outcomes for Black men and boys. Unfair disciplinary actions—contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline—racial disparities in higher education, funding gaps for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and lack of diversity among teachers are a few of the significant challenges affecting access to equitable, quality education for Black males. CSSBMB acknowledges the complexities of this subject matter and is working alongside its partners to identify evidence-based solutions that promote educational equity.
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Health & Housing
According to evidence-based research, health and housing are two deeply connected subject areas. The outcomes of one directly impact the other. Research shows that access to affordable housing helps to address health disparities such as mental illness and substance abuse, which are rated as two of the most common health crises for Black males. CSSBMB anticipates ongoing reviews of these topics, highlighting solutions that increase access to affordable housing. CSSBMB is also considering holistic approaches to addressing health disparities that affect Black men and boys.
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Labor & Employment
Research conducted by CSSBMB shows continued economic disparities affecting Black men’s equal participation in the labor market. Employment disparities, inequitable wages, racial inequalities, and increased unemployment rates are a few of the challenges still impacting the ability of Black men to succeed in the workforce. CSSBMB identifies and promotes innovative solutions to address these inequities, expand access and opportunity for Black men and boys, and grow the nation’s economy to better compete in domestic and global markets.
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Annual Report
U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys (CSSBMB) Inaugural Annual Report