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Dear John,

As we celebrate Black History Month, we are witnessing moments that
mirror the struggles and triumphs of our past. The wave of executive
orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across
federal agencies poses a significant threat to decades of civil rights
progress. Yet, as you'll read in this month's newsletter, communities
across the nation are responding with renewed determination and creative
strategies to protect and advance equity.

From grassroots organizing to institutional resistance, we highlight how
individuals and organizations are working to preserve the gains of the
Civil Rights Movement while forging ahead toward a more equitable
future. We showcase stories of resilience and community solidarity that
demonstrate the power of collective action. We provide analysis,
resources, learning opportunities, strategic actions, and inspiring
examples of how communities are navigating these challenging times while
upholding the principles of democracy.

As Race Forward's Chief of Staff Karla Bruce reminds us, "We've been
here before. There's been doom and gloom in this country's history and
what always moved us forward is that our ancestors fought back and they
organized. It's important that we take the lesson of our ancestors and,
frankly, not take this sitting down."

This Black History Month, we honor that legacy of resistance and
resilience by continuing to stand firm in our commitment to creating an
equitable future for all communities.

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Race Forward in the News

What the president's order on DEI could mean for public health

Listen to the latest episode of The Nation's Health Podcast featuring
Race Forward President Glenn Harris and Executive Vice President Eric
Ward. They discuss the real impact of executive orders on civil rights,
how communities can resist and organize effectively, concrete strategies
for defending diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and the role
of local leadership in advancing racial justice despite national
headwinds. As Harris notes, "robust, equity-centered systems can outlast
even the most dangerous agendas."

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Listen Here
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"Bully and intimidate": Trump's opening assault on diversity is from the
Project 2025 playbook

Race Forward Chief of Staff Karla Bruce recently discussed the
administration's sweeping attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion
initiatives. Drawing inspiration from the Civil Rights Movement, Bruce
called for organized resistance and collective action. She concluded
with a powerful reminder of our role in history: "One day we will be
ancestors, and we will want people to look back and see that we fought
for our democracy and won."

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Source: Kent Nishimura/Getty

Read it Here
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Some local officials vow to continue DEI as Trump removes programs at
federal level

In a NPR news segment highlighting local resistance to federal
anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion measures, local officials across
the country are standing firm in their commitment to diversity, equity,
and inclusion programs. Marsha Guthrie, director of Race Forward's
Government Alliance on Race and Equity, emphasizes that local officials
shouldn't abandon equity initiatives just because of federal pressure.
She advises leaders to "not obey in advance" since the full impact of
these executive orders remains unclear. "Local government is where
people experience their everyday lives," she reminds us.

Listen Here
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Civil Servants Protect America's Promise: We Shouldn't Tolerate The
Attack On Them

The nation's federal civil service - one of America's most diverse
workforces - manages over $4 trillion in annual budgets while serving as
a cornerstone of our democracy. These dedicated public servants work
tirelessly to meet the needs of our 340-million-strong population.
However, as Race Forward's Carlton Eley and Sloane Kali Faye explain in
their recent op-ed, current attacks on the civil service are causing
widespread disruptions - from delayed disaster relief to compromised
public health programs and infrastructure setbacks - that affect
communities nationwide.

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Source: Kent Nishimura/Getty

Read it Here
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Kendrick Lamar, Uncle Sam, And America's Next Captain

Race Forward's Executive Vice President Eric Ward explores how Kendrick
Lamar's Super Bowl performance, featuring Samuel L. Jackson as Uncle
Sam, transcends simple narratives about Black identity and American
patriotism. Ward challenges the reductive interpretation of Jackson's
role as a "house slave," instead revealing how the performance embodied
Legba, the guardian of crossroads in African diasporic traditions.

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Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty

The article examines how this moment reflects America's current
crossroads, where we must decide between embracing the full complexity
of Black identity or remaining trapped in outdated binaries.

Read it Here
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What's next?

Education For All: Defending Targeted Students — Wednesday, February 26

This workshop focuses on building a culture of solidarity within local
communities to counter Project 2025 agenda and defend the rights of all
students. Participants will gain practical tools for organizing "Know
Your Rights" sessions, hosting public events, and planning rapid
response actions. Together, we'll explore how school districts can
protect Black students, immigrant students, LGBTQ+ students, students
with disabilities, and even educators. Prepare your community for the
challenges ahead with actionable strategies to safeguard equity and
inclusion in education.

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Register Here
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#RaceAnd Navigating the Legal Landscape: Advancing Racial Equity in the
Federal Government — Thursday, March 6

Join us for a crucial conversation on advancing racial equity in today's
complex legal landscape. This session will explore the impact of
executive orders and policies on equity initiatives, legal parameters
for advancing equity across different sectors, and practical strategies
for navigating challenges while advancing racial justice.Whether you're
a federal civil servant, state or local government worker, nonprofit
leader, or racial equity practitioner, this event will provide insights
for continuing equity work within legal boundaries.

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RSVP for March 6!
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Learning Lab: Narrative Change for Racial Equity — Wednesday, March 6

To make our vision of a just, multiracial democracy a reality, we must
seed and spread new narratives that show what is possible when we join
together to end systemic racism and create a better future for all. Race
Forward is thrilled to offer this training to help build our capacity
for narrative change for racial equity. Perfect for narrative
practitioners, communications strategists, equity officers, culture
workers, and creatives.

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Register Today
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Take action

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We Make History Everyday

Black History Month doesn't end in February; Black history is being made
every day. Now, you can wear that history—every day.

Shop online at our new store and choose from an array of products like
shirts, water canteens, hats, and sweaters. No matter the weather, we
make Black history together!

Shop Our Store Today!
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Get Early Access to Just Narratives!

Calling all narrative practitioners, campaign strategists, organizers,
storytellers, policy advocates, media makers, activists, civil servants,
researchers: Join us at Just Narratives for Multiracial Solidarity, a
multi-day convening to harness our collective narrative power to advance
racial justice and collaborative governance. Mark your calendar for
November 13-15, 2025, in St. Louis, MO. Early bird tickets are limited.

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Get On The List!
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Subscribe to The Fire We Face Newsletter

The Fire We Face is a newsletter for those committed to protecting
democracy, racial equity, and public service in the face of systemic
threats. As we monitor the Trump Administration's embrace of Project
2025 and other anti-democratic, racist initiatives, The Fire We Face
will document actions targeting federal agencies and civil servants
striving to serve the public equitably. Through in-depth analysis,
reflections, and tangible examples, this newsletter aims to empower
readers with the knowledge to understand and navigate these challenges.

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Sign up here for updates!
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Sign the Solidarity Pledge

It takes people power to bring on the necessary change our communities
need. Our partners Make the Road and CASA in partnership with other
immigrant rights groups, have filed a FOIA demanding info on the Trump
Administration's new guidance authorizing arrests in sensitive
locations.

Over 5K people across the country have signed the #SolidarityPledge.
Join the movement by signing the pledge at solidaritypledge.org!

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Take the Pledge!
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Follow us on Bluesky!

Given the current political climate and our declining engagement on
Twitter, we have made the decision to remain inactive on Twitter until
further notice.

To keep the conversation going, we encourage you to join us on Bluesky.
Be a part of an ever-growing network of racial justice advocates as we
continue to share engaging content that moves the needle to a just,
multiracial democracy.

Follow @raceforward.org [[link removed]]

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John, as we navigate these challenging times, our
strength lies in our solidarity and shared commitment to justice. We
invite you to join us in this critical work—whether through attending
our upcoming events, participating in trainings, joining local advocacy
efforts, or spreading awareness. We honor the legacy of those who came
before us by continuing their work, and we build the future by taking
action today. The path forward requires both courage and
conviction—qualities that our communities continue to demonstrate in
abundance.

In solidarity,

Race Forward

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.

Learn More

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