The State of the Black Child District of Columbia initiative is dedicated to assessing, understanding, and advancing the overall well-being of Black children living in the nation’s capital. Grounded in data, lived experience, and community wisdom, the initiative examines the conditions shaping Black children’s lives and elevates the systemic challenges that continue to limit access to opportunity.

Our work focuses on 10 critical areas of impact that influence outcomes across the life course: Health, Education, Economic Wellness, Digital Safety, Community Safety, Representation and Identity, Resilience and Recovery, Fairness and Equity, Environment, and Housing. Together, these interconnected areas provide a comprehensive framework for understanding how policies, institutions, and social systems affect Black children and their families across Washington, D.C.

Through data analysis, meaningful community engagement, and strategic partnerships with families, educators, advocates, and policymakers, we identify disparities, track progress, and amplify solutions rooted in equity and justice. The initiative serves as both a resource and a call to action—informing decision-making, shaping policy conversations, and advocating for systemic change.