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Dear John,

On Monday, as Donald Trump's second term began on Martin Luther King Jr.
Day, we faced a profound moment that called us to remember who we are
and what we stand for. This convergence is not merely symbolic—it
represents the real choice between Dr. King's vision of a just
multiracial democracy and the forces seeking to undermine it.

This moment demands more than sporadic responses—it requires bold,
unified, and coordinated action that matches the magnitude of the
threats we face.

"The threats we face today are real and deliberate," said Race Forward
President Glenn Harris in a statement on Monday. "Yet we know this:
robust, equity-centered systems can outlast even the most dangerous agendas.
Therefore, we will continue to fight."

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Read "Race Forward Condemns Trump's Dangerous Executive Orders"
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John, our collective response to this moment will
define tomorrow's democracy. We must be clear-eyed about the challenges
ahead while remaining steadfast in our commitment to advancing racial
justice and resisting the erosion of hard-won progress.

Each of us has a role to play in meeting this moment with courage and
purpose, Eric K. Ward, executive vice president at Race Forward, reminds
us in "Two Americas, One Day: The Truth We Must Speak Now."

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In this op-ed, Ward highlights the critical need to build community
resilience, support local leaders, and maintain hope—all while taking
decisive action to protect our democratic values.

Our second installment of "No Matter What Happens," a limited podcast
series, explores these insights and strategies further. Recorded at the
Facing Race conference in St. Louis in November 2024, we examine the
unprecedented aftermath of the presidential election and what it means
for democracy, racial equity, and social movements.

Through thoughtful conversations, we address the stark realities of the
post-2024 political landscape while mapping a path toward resilience and
progress. This series provides listeners with the knowledge, tools, and
inspiration to persevere in the fight for racial justice—no matter what
happens.

Listen to the teaser episode now, with the full installment coming soon.

Revolutionary Generosity: Ramon Ramirez on Building Multiracial
Movements for Justice

In this first episode, Eric Ward, Executive Vice President of Race
Forward, talks with Board Member Ramon Ramirez, Coordinator of the
Elders Network, about the power of multiracial coalitions in tackling
racial and social justice challenges. Ramon highlights Black-Brown unity
and intergenerational collaboration as key to advancing equity, while
discussing the Elders Network's role in mentoring young activists.
Through personal reflections, Eric and Ramon explore how revolutionary
generosity and care can sustain justice movements amidst growing
polarization.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

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Listen on Spotify Podcasts

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We are working closely with partner organizations to analyze the wave of
executive orders concerning immigration, birthright citizenship, gender
identity, federal workforce, racial equity, and more. We will share our
analysis soon. In the meantime, here are some important resources and
next steps:

• Read our full organizational statement on the inauguration
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and our response to Trump's executive orders
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• Read "Two Americas, One Day: The Truth We Must Speak Now"
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• Watch "Trump 47: What's Next," [[link removed]]
a conversation between Race Forward President Glenn Harris and Patrice
Willoughby, NAACP's Chief of Policy for Legislative Affairs

• Listen to this episode from No Matter What Happens on Apple
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or Spotify [[link removed]]

• Connect with local organizers advancing racial justice in your
community

In these challenging times, we remember Dr. King's words: "We must
accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

Hope isn't just a sentiment but a catalyst for the change we seek to
create. In infinite hope and determination, we move forward together to
build the future we envision.

In solidarity,

Race Forward

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