Since 1988, March has been observed by the U.S. Congress as Women’s History Month. Though the last four decades have brought programmatic resolutions and proclamations to the forefront, the struggle for rights owed to women of color began far before then. During a time when women (of all races) were denied rights to vote or solely own property, legions of concerned female citizens raised their voice to demand equal treatment of women. These women have also supported and (in many cases) led the charge for Black women’s representation. Their leadership charge was not always fueled by choice; many of these trailblazers took the reins of change when no one else would. They saw a need – for themselves, their families, and their communities – to take steps toward advance all people. And they met it…time and time again. We’re appreciative of their work and committed to moving their hard-earned efforts forward for years to come.

Our Latest

Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy — Funding Available for Local Projects — Apply by March 29

Race Forward and Americans for the Arts (AFTA) are accepting applications from local organizations—local government institutions, local arts agencies, community-based arts organizations, and/or racial justice organizations—that want to participate in the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy this fall!

The week of action will take place from September 27 – October 5, 2024* in communities across the country, leveraging arts, culture, and creativity to elevate the need for a just, multiracial democracy. As attacks on racial equity and democracy continue to grow locally and globally, now is the time for bold action that inspires new ways of thinking.

Submit your application now to be part of this exciting initiative. Through a competitive process, 12-15 local communities that represent the diversity of our country will receive $25,000-$40,000 for cultural organizers and community partners to design and implement projects. Proposals are due Friday, March 29. 

Organizations not requesting funding  are also encouraged to participate in the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy. This is an opportunity to deepen commitments to racial justice and inclusive democracy through cultural activities. Visit culturalweekofaction.org to learn why we’re launching this initiative at this political moment and how you can participate.

Celebrating the Resiliency of Women During Women’s History Month

Women Transcend is a multi-platform media and storytelling initiative that rejects and challenges harmful narratives around crime, and incarceration, to powerfully expose a striking truth - those who experience the worst of our country can become our guiding light, showing us all how to not give up on each other and on the society we dream of becoming.

Produced in collaboration with formerly incarcerated women, Women Transcend consists of:

• A feature documentary that will be screened at festivals and community watch parties across the country;
• A series of companion pieces - articles, visual art, spoken word, and music that will create multiple access points into a global conversation and meaning-making around crime and justice;
• A grassroots distribution and engagement campaign anchored by a network of partner organizations advancing aligned policy work, research and analysis, and organizing campaigns.

Now is your chance to be a part of something that’s truly transcendent. 

What's next?

We’re gearing up for the nation’s largest multi-racial, intergenerational, and exciting (we’re sure) racial justice this November 20-22, in St. Louis, MO. We invite you to join us in any of the following ways:

Bring a Group

Attend with 5 or more of your colleagues, friends, or family and save 15%!  Group Sales are available now through September 15. Click here to learn more about group rate discounts.

Request a Scholarship

Because of our generous donors, we are able to provide a number of scholarships each year. Opportunities are still available. Check out the details on how to apply.

Convince Your Employer

Facing Race is an excellent opportunity for professional development. Let us help you get you there. Our toolkit provides supportive language you can use to convince your employer to sponsor your registration fee.

Volunteer

Lend a helping hand at the conference by volunteering. See here for more details.

Showcase your Product or Service

Interested in vending at Facing Race? Vendor/Exhibition opportunities are opening up soon.

Stay tuned for more details!

Racial Equity Training Series

Take a powerful step towards dismantling systemic racism. Our Racial Equity Training Series is a collection of interactive sessions to help you deepen your understanding of key racial equity concepts and tools.

Here’s a look at what’s coming up:

Governing for Racial Equity — March 26 and April 24

Designed for those working within government, this interactive training, which includes facilitated discussion, exercises, and video, provides an introduction to the role, responsibilities and opportunities for government to advance racial equity by focusing on normalizing racial equity as a core value; operationalizing racial equity through new policies and institutional practice; and organizing for racial equity, both internally and in partnership with other institutions and the community.

Building Racial Equity — April 9 and April 16

This foundational course explains racial justice values and vision, defines key concepts of racial justice and racism, and emphasizes opportunities to challenge and change institutional racial inequities.

Decision-Making for Racial Equity — April 18

This engaging training uses Race Forward's Racial Equity Decision-making Tool (RED Tool) to guide participants through building an organization-wide racial equity decision-making practice and culture that centers communities and community members who will be most impacted by the decisions.

Prerequisite: Building Racial Equity

Facilitating Racial Equity — April 22-23

Facilitating Racial Equity gives a behind-the-scenes view of how racial equity workshops are structured, built, and delivered. From this training, participants will be more familiar with the practice of equity-focused facilitation, naming social dynamics, and guiding group learning and designing a learning experience.

Services for Organizations

Race Forward is committed to transformational, sustainable change for racial justice. We provide services to help organizations develop and advance racially equitable policies and practices.

Our services are developed and delivered by a multiracial and multigenerational team of experts with extensive knowledge and experience in various areas, including policy and program development, leadership development and strategic coaching, community organizing, and racial equity.

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 March has been one of celebration and progress. Visit raceforward.org to learn more about our work. 

In solidarity,
Team Race Forward