|
|
|
Issues and Challenges |
|
The
New Jersey African-American community mirrors the African-American community
nationwide. Significant progress has been made over the last fifty years
in overcoming racial disparities and discrimination. Although it is
important to acknowledge progress, there are enduring problems. Members
of the African-American community, regardless of their level of education
or income, are likely to be underserved by poor schools and poor public
services. African Americans are more likely to reside in communities
that contain toxic waste sites and are characterized by high crime rates.
Moreover, redlining and predatory lending remain significant barriers
to stable homeownership, and further limit the accumulation of personal
assets. Health care remains a significant issue as African Americans
die at an earlier age because of AIDS, hypertension and heart disease,
all of which could be prevented or reduced with better education and
access to health care.
Addressing old and new problems requires constant
rethinking of our strategies. This is especially true in a globalizing
world. Partnership is a key word in this evolving environment. Our affiliation
with the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, at
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is an example of building
key partnerships. NJPPRI's office is now located at the Bloustein School.
This enhances our ability to examine important policy issues and build
a foundation for positive community outcomes. NJPPRI is in the process
of establishing Policy Forums on subjects such as wealth-building and
community development; health care; children, youth and families; education;
and the criminal justice system.
The Policy Forums examine the problems and challenges in each area.
NJPPRI will publish conference summaries in an effort to advance creative
solutions for consideration by the public and policymakers. The challenge
for NJPPRI is to reach a broad section of the public, community-based
organizations and policy makers and present information in a compelling
and usable form.
|
|
|
|
