Black to the Future Public Policy Institute

Black Futures Policy Institute (the Institute) is a policy advocacy and leadership training fellowship that provides community leaders the tools needed to transform Black communities into constituencies that wield independent, Black political power. 

We are launching the sixth year of the Institute. Over 120 alumni across 21 states and Washington, D.C have completed the program to date and are making significant strides to advance local and state policies that center Black communities. Fellows in our network are fighting for housing reform and voting rights for all incarcerated persons, changing sentencing guidelines for human trafficking and domestic violence survivors, and redefining public safety by uplifting the leadership of the most impacted. Applicants from CA, GA, IL, LA, NC, and WI are highly encouraged to apply. Other states will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Most recently, Institute alumni passed major legislation in New Mexico that exempts hair braiders and locticians from the requirement to obtain a cosmetology license and protects them from disciplinary action related to unlicensed hair braiding. This removes a significant barrier for Black hair practitioners and entrepreneurs. In California, fellows passed legislation to provide access to maternal health education in jails, ensuring critical resources for impregnated individuals, such as bonding time, milk pumps, and milk storage. You can join this incredible network of changemakers by applying to the Institute today.