Can you believe it? We’re just a few weeks away from Facing Race–the largest multiracial, intergenerational racial justice conference in the United States! This year, from November 20-22, all roads lead to St. Louis, Missouri, the birthplace of the Movement for Black Lives.

Haven’t signed up yet? The last day to purchase tickets is October 30, 2024, at 11:59 pm EST. 

This year’s conference comes at a pivotal time for our democracy and for our work. As an attendee, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Engage in post-election debriefing sessions and co-create strategies for advancing racial justice beyond Election Day
• Connect with fellow advocates to build strategic partnerships and alliances
• Immerse yourself in multi-sensory art installations and experiences–including the newly unveiled tribute to Michael Brown Jr.– designed to inspire and reinvigorate your advocacy and activism

Tickets are going fast! Register now before it’s too late.

At Facing Race

Explore The Gateway City 

Make the most of your visit to St. Louis by exploring the city’s rich and diverse cultural history. Discover iconic landmarks such as the Old Courthouse, where the Dred Scott case was first heard–a watershed moment in the struggle against slavery. Delve into the stories of African Americans in the Midwest at the Griot Museum of Black History. Explore Forest Park, home to the St. Louis Zoo and the Missouri History Museum, where you can uncover the city’s role in shaping civil rights history. 

Don’t miss the chance to tour the Gateway Arch, take a stroll down the Graffiti Wall, and explore Delmar Loop, hosting an array of restaurants, shops, and the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

Get a sneak peek of the fascinating sites awaiting you in St. Louis. Watch:

The Virtual Experience 

We are pleased to offer a virtual experience for Facing Race 2024, allowing participants who can’t join us in person to engage with the conference. As a virtual attendee, you’ll have access to:

• Our event app, connecting you with all attendees—both in-person and virtual
• All mainstage plenaries, including Joy-Ann Reid’s keynote speech 
• A curated selection of pre-recorded breakout sessions on demand
• Exhibitor information, resources, and more

Program Highlights 

Keynote Address

Don’t miss the keynote address by Joy-Ann Reid, award-winning political analyst, New York Times bestselling author, and host of MSNBC’s “The ReidOut.” Reid brings a wealth of knowledge and a powerful perspective on today’s most pressing issues. Hear her unique insights as a prominent voice in media and politics at Facing Race!

Mainstage Panels 

Join our mainstage plenaries, featuring sessions such as:

Navigating the Post-Election Landscape: Insights and Strategies for a Just Democracy

This plenary will highlight the opportunities for progress stemming from the election results, and how we can collectively navigate potential challenges. We’ll focus on strategies for fostering community resilience, ensuring safety, and advancing towards a hopeful, just, and multi-racial democracy over the next four years.

10 Years After Ferguson: What the Movement Taught Us, Where We Go From Here

Join an engaging dialogue featuring leaders in the fight for justice as we examine the enduring impact of Ferguson and its influence on today's social and political landscape. We’ll discuss what the next decade might hold for justice reform and social equity, envisioning a future shaped by the lessons learned from Ferguson.

Lights, Camera, Action! 

Race Flicks is more than just a film festival track–it’s an opportunity to engage with powerful stories illuminating critical racial justice issues. After each screening, you’ll have the chance to engage with filmmakers and activists in Q&A sessions. These films have been carefully curated by Race Forward in partnership with Working Films. 

Vendor Hall Reimagined 

The Facing Race exhibition hall, co-curated with Frizzy by Nature, isn’t your average vendor space. As an attendee, you’ll explore a thoughtfully curated environment designed to spark your creativity and leave you feeling energized and inspired. Here, you’ll connect with people from across the nation, discover new products, engage in interactive activities, and recharge at self-care stations. Please note: Vendor applications are now closed.

🎉 We Like to Party

Join us for the St. Louis Groove: Rhythms of Change Party at the end of Day 1 of Facing Race! This vibrant celebration features performances by local community artists, promising an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and camaraderie. It's the perfect way to unwind and connect after a day of impactful discussions. 

Keeping You Safe 

Your health and safety remain our top priority as we prepare to gather at Facing Race. We’ve implemented a COVID policy in line with current CDC guidelines and recommendations. We appreciate your cooperation as we navigate these challenges together. 

Your participation is what makes Facing Race truly special.

Donate To The Scholarship Fund

We strive to keep Facing Race financially accessible to all attendees by offering sliding-scale ticket pricing and a scholarship fund–making the conference 100% free to recipients. Donate to the fund, so we can reach our goal of offering 100+ scholarships for this year’s Facing Race.

Share The Press Kit 

The success of Facing Race relies on team effort, and we’d appreciate your support. Share and post about the upcoming Facing Race conference through your networks. If you’re a presenter, use this helpful press kit, which includes promotional content and graphics!

Don’t miss out! Secure your ticket today, and we’ll see you in November! 

Warmly,

The Facing Race Team

Facing Race is made possible by our sponsors!

Special thanks to our Trailblazer Sponsor, the American Medical Association (AMA). As part of its commitment to advancing health equity through "Rise to Health: A National Coalition for Equity in Health Care," the AMA will bring its National Health Equity Grand Rounds series live and in person to Facing Race.