As days grow shorter, autumn leaves fall, and we approach the end of another challenging year for racial justice movements, we remain grateful for the work we have been able to do this year and for our partner organizations, activists, funders, and everyone who continues to help us advance racial equity, despite continuous backlash.

For example, amid constant attacks on public education, including the Supreme’s Court striking down affirmative action, the banning of books about Black History and LGBTQ stories, and the very teaching of Black History, our HEAL (Honest Education Action and Leadership) Together initiative has grown to over 30 partner sites across the US. Additionally, this year, despite a decreased focus on racial equity and DEI programs in both the corporate and public sectors, we continue to build strong networks of public servants at both the local and federal level who are committed to advancing racial equity in their policies and practices. We have also continued to build strong grassroots organizing partnerships to help center the needs and solutions of people most impacted by systemic racism. 

As we reflect on this past year and gear up for an even more contentious year in preparation of what promises to be one of the most important elections in our lifetime, we are committed to stay in this fight, to continue to push to advance racial equity, and to build the multicultural democracy we envision where all people can thrive.

We encourage you to stay in this fight with us! 

Celebrating Indigenous Spirit

Resistance in Phoenix

Facing Race 2022 was held in Phoenix, a city with one of the largest Indigenous populations in the nation. A member of our host committee – Laura Medina, founder of Matriarch Ways – spoke to the community’s resilience and cultural impact on the city, providing an example for Indigenous communities everywhere to follow.

A Navajo Elder Gets a State Issued ID

Our Latest

Source: CHENEY ORR / Getty

How Cop City Undermines Our Democracy

For the past two years, the City of Atlanta has attempted to use $67 million in taxpayer dollars [total project cost is $90 million] to build the largest police and firefighter training facility in the country. Set to be built on 85 acres of Indigenous Muscogee Creek Nation Forest, the training facility — now known as Cop City — ignores the pleas of a national chorus to end the militarization of police.

In this op-ed for News One, Vice President of Movement and Capacity Building Everette Thompson shares his thoughts on the national implications of Cop City and why it must be stopped.

EVP Eric Ward Recognized by Gonzaga University

Earlier this month, Race Forward’s Executive Vice President Eric Ward received Gonzaga University's Take Action Against Hate Award – along with Bonner County Human Rights Task Force – for his work in taking down extremist groups and for his leadership in philanthropy.

Learn more from the University's Center for the Study of Hate.

SOURCE: Christina Morillo on Pexels.com

Fighting Against Black Economic Advancement

Opponents of affirmative action are now targeting venture capital opportunities for women of color. Edward Blum, the conservative lawyer who led the fight to overturn affirmative action, has a new target in his quest to dismantle civil rights advancements: The Fearless Fund, a venture capitalist (VC) fund dedicated to leveling the playing field for Black women and women of color.

Race Forward Vice President of Finance and Operations Dr. Kerry Mitchell Brown explains how these legal challenges threaten to widen the racial wealth gap in this Washington Informer op-ed.

#OrganizingRevival

In June 2023, the Colorlines team traveled with more than a thousand People’s Action members to Washington, D.C. They publicly called for a recommitment to fighting for justice. 

Organizing Revival is a new video series that highlights the refusal to be separated from each other, the fight against authoritarianism, and the multiracial force bringing into being a truly inclusive democracy. It’s a call to refute an “Us v. Them” agenda, and to stand in the legacy of freedom fighters and justice seekers that have embraced a collective WE.

Thanks to our Senior Fellows!

Race Forward’s Senior Fellowship Program is home to some of the most creative, generative, and powerful actors in our movements. As their Senior Fellowship projects wrap up, we are proud to honor the great work of two of our Senior Fellows, Helen Chin and Sanjiv Rao.

Helen Chin. Helen Chin has worked as a Senior Fellow at Race Forward from 2021-2023. She successfully launched the Communities First Fund to transform how federal, state, and local governments invest public dollars in Black, Indigenous, People of Color and low-wealth communities. This was done by implementing a relationships-first approach to community-driven solutions that centers frontline communities’ leadership, innovation, and priorities. Filling this profoundly important need, the Communities First Fund is the home of the Communities First Infrastructure Alliance and the Transformative Justice Infrastructure Fellowship.

Sanjiv Rao. Through his fellowship, Sanjiv served as a Racial Equity Fellow at the United States Office of Management and Budget in the Executive Office of the President. He also worked in close collaboration with the Domestic Policy Council’s racial and economic justice team. His work focused on advancing the implementation of federal agency equity plans, specifically on ways to deepen practice related to public participation and community engagement.

We also congratulate Sanjiv on a new role as managing director of movements and media at the Democracy Fund. In this role, Sanjiv will continue to work to advance the thriving multiracial democracy we all need.

Registration Now Open!

We are thrilled to announce registration for Facing Race 2024 in St. Louis, MO is open! As we embark on this exciting path to embracing "Our Power, Our Solutions" at the largest national, multiracial conference on racial justice, we invite you to participate in our pivotal movements and opportunities as we approach the event.

For St. Louis Natives!

Race Forward is looking for a local coordinator to make things happen and help plan Facing Race. The local coordinator will be responsible for recruiting local host committee members to plan activities showcasing The Gateway City’s rich history and strides towards racial justice.

The person in this role should have 8-10 years of professional experience. This includes five (5) years of experience with grant-writing, as well as five (5) years of supervisory experience.

ICYMI: We’re on Threads!

To meet the changing landscape of social media, Race Forward is now active on Threads, a new social media channel to further the conversation on racial equity in the US. You can start your own Threads profile through your Instagram account.

We hope your November is one of celebration and progress. Visit raceforward.org to learn more about our work. 

In solidarity,
Team Race Forward