Launched in 2019, Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast aimed to translate the energy of Race Forward’s movement-making work while establishing the organization’s footprint in a rapidly expanding audio landscape. The podcast would feature movement voices, stories, and strategies for racial justice to build the momentum needed to advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture. It was a natural evolution of Race Forward’s digital (Colorlines) and convening (Facing Race: A National Conference) work.

“When I had the idea for Momentum, I wanted to create a disruptive audio medium for Race Forward. I wanted it to be engaging, thought-provoking, while still maintaining the essence of the work we do on a daily basis to advance the vision of a multiracial democracy,” said Hendel Leiva, Manager of Podcasts and Audio Initiatives. “Four years later, Momentum continues to be that, and all of our hosts, guests, and listeners fuel the innovation of our podcast work.”

The 200K milestone of Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast creates an opportunity to reflect on Momentum’s reach: 

• Featured on Apple Podcasts Top 100 Chart and #1 on Apple Podcasts Society and Culture Chart 
• Overall listeners for monthly shows
• Third for overall listeners, compared to similar monthly podcasts (Rephonic) 
• Number of ratings
• More ratings than 95% of all podcasts (Pacific Content) 
• Overall followers across all social media for monthly shows
• In the top 13% for followers across all social media platforms compared to similar monthly podcasts (Rephonic) 

Guests of Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast have shared uplifting narratives of hope, struggle, and joy in their racial equity journey.   

• Ayana Parsons, co-founder, the Fearless Fund
• Chiraag Bains, Former Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the Domestic Policy Council for Racial Justice and Equity 
• adrienne maree brown, Author, Emergent Strategy
• Baratunde Thurston, Comedian, Emmy Award Nominated Host
• john a. powell, Director of the Othering & Belonging Institute 
• John Paul Higgins, Media Critic, Educator 
• Julissa Arce, author of My Underground American Dream, You Sound Like A White Girl: The Case For Rejecting Assimilation

Over the last few years, Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast has sparked timely conversations through a continuously shifting racial justice landscape. To support our ongoing work, consider donating $24 for 2024, as this year marks another pivotal moment with important implications for our communities. 

Deepen your racial justice lens and get inspired to drive action!

In solidarity,
Race Forward Team