California African American Political and Economic Institute (CAAPEI)

About CAAPEI

Mission and Purpose

The mission of the California African American Political and Economic Institute (CAAPEI) is to influence public policy debates through an on-going academic and community research dealing with African American economic and political development issues in California; to document and analyze the professional lives and achievements of African American public-elected official, business leaders, and policy makers as well as the impact of their efforts on the political, social, and economic development of the Black community and other disadvantaged communities; and to design and implement training programs for current and future Black leaders and business people.

History of CAAPEI

The California African American Political and Economic Institute, the brainchild of Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally, was created by California State legislation, SB 1721, one of former State Senator Tom Hayden's last bills in 2002, and signed by former Governor Gray Davis. At the time, the "Economic" part was not there, the first center was to be established as CSU Northridge, and the only funding to begin operations for the Institute was not to come from public monies. The initial implementation of CAAPI at CSUN was problematic, and in 2003, Assemblymen Mervyn Dymally authored AB1760. It was signed again by Governor Gray Davis which transferred the Institute to CSU, Dominguez Hills and “Economic" was added to the name. The recent AB 165 amendment expanded the range and scope necessary for the fundraising opportunities for the CAAPEI. Since its establishment at California State University Dominguez Hills, CAAPEI has published a newsletter highlighting major community and political events and issues, held regular meetings with elected officials and business leaders to discuss key issues in the African American communities and conducted youth leadership training workshops. We are currently enhancing our programs and building partnerships in order to effectively service our communities.

Institute Structure

The day-to-day operations of the Institute is managed by an Executive Director who reports to the Provost of CSU Dominguez Hills. It is supported by an Advisory Board comprised of Faculty and Staff of California State University Dominguez Hills, elected officials, policy makers, and academic and community leaders will be established to support the activities of the Institute and provide advice and guidance on the endeavors of the Institute. The Executive Director will recommend the Advisory Board to the Provost for approval.

Central Programs

  1. Collection, analysis, and preservation of papers of past and present African American elected officials, business leaders, and policy makers.
  2. Production of community research on African American political and economic Issues.
  3. Establishment of "non credit" certificate programs in Public Leadership Development, Economic Development, International Trade and Logistics through Extended Education
  4. Compilation of an e-Encyclopedia of facts about African American political and economic leaders, including biographies of these leaders, key legislation initiated by them, major political/economic issues, and critical analysis of public policy.
  5. Development of Youth Leadership Training Programs in Public Policy and Entrepreneurship
  6. Newsletter featuring major issues in African American political and economic issues in California.
  7. Workshops, Political-Economic Symposia and Bi-Annual National Conference at CSUDH
  8. Establishment of an African American Round Table
  9. Student Internship and Research Assistantship Programs
  10. Establishment and maintenance of Student Exchange Program - CAAPEI scholarships for student exchange programs with Africa and communities in the African Diaspora.
  11. CAAPEI Lecture Series