As November approaches, two major events are at the forefront of our minds: Election Day and the Facing Race conference. We face a pivotal election—one that offers us the opportunity to shape our nation’s future through our collective voice at the ballot box. While voting alone isn't the be-all and end-all solution, there's undeniable power when our communities unite to vote on issues directly impacting our lives—from housing and education to healthcare and public safety. 

Take time now to plan your vote—decide when and where you'll cast your ballot, and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Together, we can take a significant step towards building the just and equitable society we envision.

Yet, our work extends beyond Election Day. We must commit to sharing spaces, learning and unlearning together, exchanging strategies, and building cross-sectoral connections that will energize our movements for racial justice and equity.

That's why we're excited to invite you to the Facing Race conference, taking place in St. Louis, Missouri, from November 20-22. This year's theme, "Our Power, Our Solutions," truly embodies the spirit of the conference and highlights our shared strength and wisdom.

Haven't secured your spot yet? Don't miss out.

Already registered? We can't wait to see you there!

At the core of our vision lies the belief in community-driven, people-powered solutions. That’s why we’ve chosen St. Louis as our gathering place–a city steeped in the rich history of racial justice activism. By convening here, we aim to honor the profound legacy of Black activists, past and present, who have tirelessly worked towards building a more equitable future for all of us.

We're not just acknowledging the city's pivotal role in the movement for racial justice; we're actively engaging with and learning from the community that has been at the forefront of this struggle.

John 4,000+ advocates at the nation’s largest multiracial, intergenerational racial justice conference.

Announcing our Keynote Speaker

We’re thrilled to welcome Joy-Ann Reid, MSNBC host, political analyst, and New York Times bestselling author, as our keynote speaker for Facing Race! Reid doesn't just report the news; she challenges us to think critically about race, politics, and justice in America. Her insights are invaluable for anyone working to build a more inclusive and equitable future.

SOURCE: Harry Walker

Join our Vendor Market

For entrepreneurs, creators, and organizations, our vendor market offers an incredible opportunity to elevate your brand and engage with a national audience. This carefully curated space allows you to showcase your unique offerings, gaining greater visibility and exposure. This year’s conference is shaping up to be one of our largest yet, with attendance numbers projected to break previous records.

Secure your spot by October 18.

What's new?

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Race Forward proudly celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15)! This year’s theme “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together” embodies the innovation and progress that has long been a hallmark of the Hispanic and Latino(a)(x) community. The theme also looks to the future, recognizing that our shared destiny is shaped by collective voices and action.

Today and every day, we honor the diverse heritage of Hispanic and Latino(a)(x) people and their profound impact on American society, culture, and history. Their dedication and creativity are instrumental in building a just, multiracial democracy where we can all thrive.

Harmful rhetoric and political violence go hand in hand

“Political violence doesn’t begin with a gun or a mob – it begins with a word.” Eric Ward, executive vice president of Race Forward, addresses the rise of political violence in the US and explores how local governments and cultural institutions can play crucial roles in mitigating the issue. Read his powerful take on the link between harmful rhetoric and political violence: 

Chosen For Change: Remembering Micheal Brown Jr. with Michael Brown Sr. and Cal Brown

In a deeply moving episode of Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast, Jane Mantey, Director of Narrative and Cultural Strategies for Race Forward, connected with Michael Brown Sr. and Cal Brown, parents of Michael Brown Jr. Their heartfelt story and unwavering advocacy illuminate the enduring impact of their son's tragic death in a police encounter a decade ago–an event that ignited a powerful national movement and continues to shape the racial justice landscape today.

A Friday Night in St. Louis

On Friday, September 27, we kicked off our inaugural Cultural Week of Action on Race & Democracy, in partnership with Americans for the Arts, in St. Louis. The evening featured captivating performances from local artists and creatives, an engaging panel discussion, an art installation unveiling, and lively dancing. Experience the magic for yourself by watching the video recording of the event: 

What's next?

Training for Racial Equity

Narrative Change for Racial Equity — Virtual: Tuesday, October 22

To make our vision of a just, multiracial democracy a reality, we must build and spread narratives that show what is possible when we join together to end systemic racism and create a better future for everyone. We do this, together, by reaching millions of different people, over time, across many voices, and across a variety of platforms.

Join us on October 22 for our interactive training on narrative change strategies. 

#RaceAnd: Why Evaluation Matters in Advancing Racial Equity — Virtual: Wednesday, October 30

As attacks on racial justice work increase, it's become even more important for organizations, practitioners, and evaluators to engage in practices and methodologies to measure and evaluate racial equity work. Only through rigorous evaluation can we ensure that our work actually improves the lives of people and communities most impacted by systemic racism. 

Join us on October 30 to deepen your understanding of measurement, evaluation, and learning in racial equity work.

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.