Washington, D.C. — Patrick Gaspard, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress (CAP), released a statement on the passing of Rasheed Malik, senior director of Early Childhood Policy at CAP.
"The loss of Rasheed Malik is a loss for all Americans. A pioneering researcher; tireless advocate for children; and caring colleague, mentor, and friend, he embodied the best of the Center for American Progress," Gaspard stated. "His groundbreaking research exposed the dire state of America’s early childhood landscape—finding that a majority of Americans live in child care deserts—and continues to be widely cited by academics, policymakers, early childhood advocates, and the media."
Gaspard highlighted Malik's contributions to progressive legislation aimed at building an equitable and affordable early learning ecosystem in the United States. He also noted Malik's role in helping early educators and the public navigate challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"On behalf of the entire Center for American Progress community, our hearts break for Rasheed and his family, friends, and colleagues, whom he loved so dearly," Gaspard continued. "May his memory be a blessing to all those who had the fortune to know Rasheed, and may his legacy inspire our country to recommit itself to creating an early learning system that our youngest, and those who care for them, deserve."
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