Publications and Reports
Internal Reports and Policy Briefs
Starting in 2025, the Black Researchers Collective has been the target of attacks from the political right, specifically from MAGA-aligned actors who see our work as a threat to the narratives, systems, and power structures they are invested in preserving. Until now, we have chosen not to respond publicly. That choice was intentional. We believed our energy was better spent doing the work: building, protecting our communities, and preparing for what we knew was coming. But as these attacks have grown more coordinated, more aggressive, and closer to the people we serve, we believe silence is no longer a responsible option.
The following letter is not a reaction. It is a clarification. It is an affirmation. And it is an invitation to understand who we are, what we do, and why this work matters now more than ever.
The federal government’s occupation of Minneapolis, MN in 2026 is shining light on an issue that’s been festering since the beginning of Trump’s current administration: there is a War on Data. As evidenced in Minneapolis, this War on Data is now contributing to the death of American citizens. Take some time to read this movement essay addressing the ongoing crisis, penned by the BRC’s Co-Founder & Executive Director, Dr. Glenance Green (affectionately known as Dr. G).
Throughout 2025, Black Researchers Collective worked to address the federal data crisis. In 2025, thousands of federal data have been wiped; data often used to highlight disparities and alllocate resources to communities in need. In response to this crisis, the BRC hosted community data forums with Black CBO’s and organizers across the state of Illinois, drafting a list of policy recommendations to protect. data. Read our policy brief and watch our Executive Directors forward to learn more.
As we closed out 2025, we reflected on the impact Black Researchers Collective had on our communities throughout the year. Read our 2025 Impact Report Card to learn more about our reach, investment in the Black economy, programming outcomes and participant demographics, client feedback, and progress of our podcast and networking app.
In 2024, Black Researchers Collective celebrated five years of operation. In honor of this accomplishment, we reflected on the incredible impact we’ve made in our communities. Read our 2024 Impact Report Card to learn more about our investment in the economy of Black communities in Chicago and beyond, the demographics of our participants and lessons learned from our programming, insights on projects we’ve worked on, the reach of our podcast, and our ongoing app rollout.
Our Collaborative Contributions
In 2025, Black Researchers Collective conducted a needs assessment on behalf of ReproTLC to explore the needs of reproductive healthcare workers in the state of Illinois. In the wake of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, Illinois has become a vital access point for abortion care in the Midwest. While the state has strong legal protections in place, the workforce supporting abortion care- especially community health workers including doulas as well as early-career providers and healthcare providers- faces persistent gaps in training, institutional support, and legal clarity.
To better understand these needs, Repro TLC, in partnership with Black Researchers Collective (BRC), Chicago South Side Birth Center, Chicago Volunteer Doulas and Nurses for Sexual and Reproductive Health conducted a comprehensive training needs assessment.
Black Researchers Collective worked with the Chicago Racial Justice Pooled Fund in 2025 to evaluate the impact of their Fund to support organizations who are building and sustaining movements for justice that center Black lives and address anti-Blackness. The Chicago Racial Justice Pooled Fund was created by a small group of local foundation leaders in 2020 to bridge the gap between foundations and Black- and ally-led frontline organizations.
Black Researchers Collective partnered with Blackroots Alliance for this report that comprehensively analyzes the experiences and perspectives of Black Chicagoans, exploring the call for reparations in Chicago. Understanding the implications and implementation of reparations is essential for stakeholders to center as they respond to the demand for reparations. This report, published in 2025, aims to provide valuable insights that inform decision-making and strategic planning for Chicago’s reparations movement.
The Identity Theft Resource Center conducted a multi-year, multi-phase study to learn about the unique elements of identity crimes in predominantly Black communities. This report, published in 2023, is the result of quantitative and qualitative research conducted by the Black Researchers Collective. This report illustrates that every identity crime is unique and every person requires a unique resolution.
BRC in the News
Click the images below to read about the BRC’s work in the press!
