As we honor Black August—a month dedicated to remembering Black resistance, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for liberation—there's never been a more critical time to engage in deeper conversations about racial equity and justice.

This year also marks the 10-year anniversary of the Ferguson uprisings following the murder of Michael Brown Jr. Over the past decade, St. Louis and other communities across the U.S. have faced profound challenges, highlighting the urgent need for understanding systemic racism and collective action towards equity. 

At Race Forward, we recognize that achieving racial equity isn't merely a destination but a journey that demands continual education, dialogue, and work. St. Louis exemplifies this journey, from its beginnings on the ancestral lands of the Illini Confederacy to its pivotal role in the Movement for Black Lives. This city is emblematic of America's path toward racial justice. 

We’re partnering with local organizers in St. Louis to host our Facing Race conference in November. In the lead-up to that, we are thrilled to announce the in-person return of our Building Racial Equity Foundations training in St. Louis on October 17.

The Gateway to Racial Equity Starts Here

Our training will explore the history of systemic racism in St. Louis, unpack its impact on the community, and offer a platform for participants to discuss local issues. We’ll introduce essential concepts and tools for racial equity work, connecting historical contexts with current realities to empower participants as agents of change in their communities and organizations.

This training is more than an event; it's a call to action. It's a chance to honor our past, confront our present, and build a future where justice and equity are not just aspirations but realities.

Join us in St. Louis and use this special code for 20% off to celebrate our return to in-person training.

BRESTL

Can't be there in person? Join us online.

Our Racial Equity Training Series is thoughtfully crafted to empower individuals and organizations with the tools, knowledge, and skills necessary to foster inclusive environments and drive meaningful change for racial justice: 

Building Racial Equity (BRE)* — Virtual: September 4 and 10, and October 15

Building Racial Equity is the first and “foundational” training of Race Forward’s Racial Equity Training Series. In this session, participants will build on and strengthen racial equity practices for themselves, their organizations, and their networks. This training will introduce participants to concepts, frames, and tools essential to a productive racial equity practice.

*Completing the Building Racial Equity (BRE) training or the GRE training is a prerequisite for attending this training.

Governing for Racial Equity (GRE)* — Virtual: September 24, and December 18

Governing for Racial Equity is a foundational training that provides an introduction to the role, responsibilities, and opportunities for government to advance racial equity. Tailored specifically for government employees, the training focuses on normalizing racial equity as a core value. Participants will briefly explore the history of race, racism, implicit and explicit bias, and how all of these factors impact the public sector.

*Completing the Building Racial Equity (BRE) training or the GRE training is a prerequisite for attending this training.

Decision-Making for Racial Equity (DRE) — Virtual: September 12, and October 17

The Decision-Making for Racial Equity training provides a framework for disrupting dominant forms of decision-making that can perpetuate racial bias. Using Race Forward’s Racial Equity Decision-Making Tool (DRE Tool), participants will learn how to build an organization-wide racial equity decision-making practice and culture that centers on racially equitable impact.

Facilitating Racial Equity (FRE) — Virtual: September 16-17, and December 16-17

The Facilitating Racial Equity training gives a behind-the-scenes view of how racial equity workshops are structured, built, and delivered. Through this training, participants will become more familiar with equity-focused facilitation, naming social dynamics, and guiding group learning in multiracial spaces.

Registration Savings

*Prior attendees of our Building Racial Equity trainings can use code NEWBRE to receive a 15% registration discount for any other sessions. Groups and individuals who would like to attend the entire series can access a 20% discount for all trainings. Please email [email protected] for the discount code.

Interested in customized training for your organization? Let us tailor our sessions to meet your specific needs!

Whether you're an individual dedicated to personal growth or an organization committed to driving positive societal change, our training sessions provide invaluable insights and practical steps toward building a more equitable world. 

For inquiries or further information, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

Thank you for your dedication to advancing racial equity. Together, we can create a brighter future.

In solidarity,

Ashley Johnson
Training Innovation Manager