Black Economic Research Center

The Black Economic Research Center (BERC) was founded and directed by economist Robert S. Browne in 1969 as a black controlled non-profit organization to compile data which would provide a better understanding of the economic dynamics of black America, originate alternate strategies which might be effective in improving economic conditions of African-Americans, and provide technical assistance to community, private and governmental agencies interested in black economic development.

Browne had sought to create such an organization because of the lack of sufficient data and analysis on economic issues relating to the black community.

To conduct the needed research on the black community, BERC employed a team of economists who studied the economic status of African Americans, and developed alternative strategies to improve economic conditions in the jobs, business and industrial sectors. Findings were published in BERC's Occasional Papers series and "The Review of Black Political Economy," a journal also published by BERC.

One of BERC's major programs was its work on black land ownership in the south. Land ownership was considered one of the linchpins of black economic self-sufficiency, by providing technical and other assistance, Browne believed BERC could help landowners retain their land. Other major areas of research interest among BERC staff included employment, minority business, banking, education, politics, government, housing, technology, media and churches. BERC also provided technical assistance to community, private, and governmental agencies interested in black economic development.

BERC's principal funder was the Ford Foundation; the final grant allowed BERC to function until 1977-1978. Operations ceased totally in 1980.

From the description of Black Economic Research Center records, 1969-1982. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122485313

The Black Economic Research Center (BERC) was founded and directed by economist Robert S. Browne in 1969 as a black controlled non-profit organization to compile data which would provide a better understanding of the economic dynamics of black America, originate alternate strategies which might be effective in improving economic conditions of African-Americans, and provide technical assistance to community, private and governmental agencies interested in black economic development. Browne had sought to create such an organization because of the lack of sufficient data and analysis on economic issues relating to the black community.

To conduct the needed research on the black community, BERC employed a team of economists who studied the economic status of African Americans, and developed alternative strategies to improve economic conditions in the jobs, business and industrial sectors. Findings were published in BERC's Occasional Papers series and "The Review of Black Political Economy," a journal also published by BERC.

One of BERC's major programs was its work on black land ownership in the south. Land ownership was considered one of the linchpins of black economic self-sufficiency, by providing technical and other assistance, Browne believed BERC could help landowners retain their land. Other major areas of research interest among BERC staff included employment, minority business, banking, education, politics, government, housing, technology, media and churches. BERC also provided technical assistance to community, private, and governmental agencies interested in black economic development.

BERC's principal funder was the Ford Foundation; the final grant allowed BERC to function until 1977-1978. Operations ceased totally in 1980.

From the guide to the Black Economic Research Center records, 1969-1982, (The New York Public Library. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division.)