01 May 2025 Black Activists Counter Congressional Progressives’ Plan with Their Own “Blueprint for a Better Deal for Black America”
Washington, D.C. – House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is not the first to propose a “blueprint for a better America.” Black conservatives have had one for years, and they hope congressional progressives will take it into account as they attempt to develop their own.
On Wednesday, in the wake of President Trump’s historic first 100 days, Jeffries delivered remarks intended to revitalize his progressive colleagues’ faltering agenda. He announced that, over the next 100 days, “House Democrats are going to lay out a blueprint for a better America. And you will see a vision for this country’s future that isn’t about Donald Trump.”
Jeffries’ agenda not only appears to ignore the will of the American people, but also fails to acknowledge the truths laid out in Project 21’s groundbreaking “Blueprint for a Better Deal for Black America,” a comprehensive policy manual by black conservatives that was largely ignored by progressives when it was published in 2022.
Project 21’s Blueprint offers 56 actionable policy recommendations across eight primary issue areas, addressing topics ranging from criminal justice to education to election integrity to burdensome regulations to health care.
David Ridenour
“The ‘Blueprint for a Better Deal for Black America’ offers concrete recommendations – all of which rely on the strengths of America and values like faith, personal responsibility and free market solutions,” said David Ridenour, president of the National Center for Public Policy Research, which sponsors the Project 21 black leadership network. “The National Center is proud to stand up for black Americans who are increasingly disillusioned with the politics of division and are looking for a better way and solutions to solvable problems. If Congress were to embrace the recommendations in Project 21’s Blueprint, it would ensure that black Americans are able to reach their full potential and achieve the American Dream.”
Horace Cooper
“The Blueprint’s goal is solutions – not merely criticisms,” said Project 21 Chairman Horace Cooper. “Offering innovative policies to lower the costs for college, encourage greater educational attainment for inner city youth and end the crime epidemic, the plan is far-reaching in scope. This document lays out a roadmap for true black empowerment – one of growth and hope and one that doesn’t rely on the old zero-sum game of forcing other groups to sacrifice. It is a must-read for Washington policymakers.”
Terris Todd
“We challenge Congress to consider Project 21’s Blueprint before going off like rookies,” said Project 21 Director Terris Todd. “We’ve already given you the tools – now just do your job.”
Emery McClendon
“The ‘Blueprint for a Better Deal for Black America’ paves the way toward a meaningful path to recovery,” said Project 21 Ambassador Emery McClendon. “It’s past time that we allow commonsense and a solid plan to guide us toward prosperity for all Americans.”
The “Blueprint for a Better Deal for Black America” can be downloaded from the Project 21 website.
About
Project 21, a leading voice of black conservatives for over 25 years, is sponsored by the National Center for Public Policy Research. Its members have been quoted, interviewed or published over 50,000 times since the program was created in 1992. Contributions to the National Center are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated and may be earmarked exclusively for the use of Project 21.
Founded in 1982, the National Center for Public Policy Research is a non-partisan, free-market, independent conservative think-tank. Ninety-four percent of its support comes from some 60,000 individuals, less than four percent from foundations and less than two percent from corporations. Sign up for email updates here. Follow Project 21 on X at @Project21News for general announcements. To be alerted to upcoming media appearances by Project 21 members, follow our media appearances X account at @NCPPRMedia.