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Tag: Race Forward

Amid a Profound Backsliding on Racial Equity; Advocates for Racial Justice Must Never Relent

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For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON – Race Forward today celebrated Juneteenth by urging advocates for racial justice to continue organizing for a nation where all belong and all can thrive. Citing that such work strengthens democracy, the national racial equity organization released the following statement, which can be attributed to its president Glenn Harris:

“It is not lost on us that this Juneteenth, the nation is experiencing a profound backsliding on racial equity. We are witnessing an acceleration of regressionists efforts to rollback multi-racial progress. These anti-democratic efforts will not only harm Black and Brown people, they will erode the very fabric of the nation.

“However distressing the current political climate may be, we should be clear that those who favor freedom and justice have never relented. Whether we know their names or benefit from their work, in every community, there are people who are pushing back on white supremacy, and policies that harm Black and Brown communities.

“For instance, this week a coalition of federal legislators and advocates rallied for the reintroduction of key reparations measures. Rep. Summer Lee reintroduced the Reparations Now resolution, which was first introduced in 2023 by former Rep. Cori Bush . The resolution urges the federal government to allocate trillions of dollars in reparations to Black Americans to compensate for chattel slavery, and federally-sanctioned policies that harmed, and continues to harm, Black Americans.

“Earlier this month, Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Sen. Cory Booker reintroduced H.R. 40, which was originally championed by the late Rep John Conyers. The measure would create a federal commission to examine the lasting impact of slavery, systemic racism and racial discrimination. It would also explore recompense such reparations.

“Our collective goal as a movement and a people should be to reclaim what has been lost or damaged; and remain resilient in the face of current attacks. We should also create the conditions for a resurgence of movements, policies and practices that ensure equal opportunity, and the strengthening of democracy.”

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Race Forward Condemns President Trump’s Executive Orders

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For Immediate Release

Jan. 21, 2025

WASHINGTON, DC – The national racial justice organization Race Forward today issued a statement in response to President Trump’s executive orders. Race Forward President and Chief Executive Officer Glenn Harris said: 

“The Executive Orders signed by Donald Trump directly threaten the ideals of democracy and justice we strive to uphold. To create a more perfect union requires people of conscience and the racial justice movement must continue to play a central role in ensuring their voices are heard above the swirl of executive orders.

“Public support for racial justice has left Trump with one option, executive orders. His decision to ignore the process of democracy is a direct reaction to the success of racial justice efforts over the last decades. The fierce attack on racial justice is driven by the reality of its eventual success given most Americans support addressing historic inequities and creating a fair society. According to a poll by The Washington Post and Ipsos, roughly 6 in 10 Americans believe diversity, equity and inclusion programs are ‘a good thing.’

“Attacks on racial equity do not happen in isolation. These executive orders, while targeting different populations, have the cumulative effect of erasing past gains toward advancing racial justice and a multicultural democracy in service of creating systems that ensure the levers of power and wealth are controlled and maintained by only a few. 

“The attack on government employees is particularly egregious.  Harassment of federal workers and the American public they serve, particularly communities of color, harm all communities. Efforts to eliminate federal employees from protections by unions are contradictory to civil servants performing their duties for all communities  without fear of retribution. 

“President Trump’s executive order on gender identity seeks to further endanger trans communities and non-binary people. Likewise, the administration’s attacks on immigration will continue to separate children from their families while weakening the foundations of our economy. The denial of fundamental rights and civil liberties is antithetical to the racial justice movement.

“One need not be a part of these communities to understand that justice and equity are dependent on the most vulnerable in society. Our fates are interconnected; the struggle is for all. We must remember the words of Ella Baker  “… freedom for all of us rests on ensuring it for the most marginalized among us.”
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Race Forward: Our Work is Not Over: We Must Continue to Organize

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For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON – Following a hotly contested presidential election, Donald J. Trump won a second term as president of the United States. The national racial equity organization, Race Forward, released the following statement:

“The electoral results are a strong indicator our fight for racial justice must continue. It is imperative that we view these results as one chapter in a long struggle to advance a multi-racial democracy. This is not the end; it is a continuation of our work.

“In light of this moment, it is clear there are those in this country who have not embraced the idea that a racially just democracy carries with it the promise of opportunity where all can thrive. Rather, they desire to hold power, influence, and wealth among only a few. This is not the promise of America and we vow to continue our fight for a society where all can prosper, no matter their race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual identity, or political party. 

“We know there is power in our collective work and we must not relinquish or cede that power. Race Forward is issuing the call to protect and defend the rights of all Americans and to uphold the constitution of these United States. We must all commit to embracing civil discourse, the process of democracy, and to centering the needs of the most vulnerable amongst us. We condemn those who seek to usurp the democratic process through retaliation, intimidation, and violence. 

“At Race Forward, we will continue to work to advance a multiracial democratic society that serves all of us.”

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Facing Race Conference to Host Groundbreaking National Health Equity Grand Rounds Series

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For Immediate Release

November 20, 2024

NEW YORK – Race Forward announced today that it will host the American Medical Association’s (AMA) National Health Equity Grand Rounds panel conversation during the Facing Race conference on November 21 in St. Louis. The National Health Equity Grand Rounds aims to deepen understanding of health inequities, shape national discourse, and outline strategies to improve the nation’s health.

The AMA, along with other organizations including the Missouri Foundation for Health, serves as a Trailblazer Sponsor for this year’s Facing Race conference—which is the nation’s largest multiracial, multi-disciplinary and intergenerational racial justice convening with more than 4,000 expected attendees.

“We are pleased to have the AMA bring this focus on health equity to Facing Race. Their systemic approach to addressing inequities across the health care ecosystem aligns with our theory of change to transform and equip systems to advance racial equity,” said Race Forward President Glenn Harris. “We are also pleased to have the AMA as a Trailblazer Sponsor for our event. Their participation at this level is yet another testimony to the organization’s commitment to advancing health equity.”

The National Health Equity Grand Rounds will be accessible in-person and virtually during Facing Race on Nov. 21 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT. Under the theme “Rewrite the Script: Narrative Transformation for Equity in Health,” the session will showcase national thought leaders from diverse backgrounds—including physicians, writers, artists, and digital media experts—sharing insights on how we can challenge harmful narratives and reshape our approach to health.

The panel will open with a keynote from Rinku Sen, MS, Executive Director for the Narrative Initiative, and continue with a conversation including Emmy-nominated producer, writer and physician Mehret Mandefro, MD, PhD; Google Health’s Global Lead for Healthcare and Public Health Garth Graham MD, MPH; Bay Love, MBA, a principal at the Groundwater Institute and lifelong civil rights organizer whose career began in healthcare at a federally qualified health center, and Michelle Browder, the multi-hyphenate innovator, entrepreneur and artist who created the “Mothers of Gynecology” monument and park in Montgomery, Alabama. The AMA will also host arts-based experiences for conference attendees in the exhibit hall and atrium, with artworks and engagements created by Michelle Browder and Laolu Senbanjo, a Nigerian bred, Brooklyn based multidisciplinary artist, around the theme ‘Health Justice is our Co-Creation’.”

“We are excited to curate this unique space for cross-cultural collaboration,” Harris said.

In addition to the Grand Rounds, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with leaders within the racial justice movement during breakout sessions, plenaries, and a keynote address from MSNBC Host and author Joy Reid.

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About Facing Race:

Throughout its 17-year history, Facing Race has been a one-of-a-kind space that allows community organizers, activists, and movement makers from across the country to meet up, build strategies for advancing racial justice, and receive inspiration for the work ahead. To learn more about Facing Race, visit facingrace.raceforward.org

 

 

 

Race Forward Welcomes Karla Bruce as Chief of Staff

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Race Forward, one of the nation’s largest racial equity organizations, announced today that Karla Bruce, former Chief Equity Officer for Fairfax County, Virginia, has joined the organization as its chief of staff. In this role, Bruce will maximize alignment across the organization to support racial equity, provide strategic counsel and guidance to the president and executive leadership team, and serve as a liaison with internal and external stakeholders. 

“We are excited to have Karla join the Race Forward team,” said Glenn Harris, President of Race Forward. “She is a proven leader with over 25 years of government management experience. She built the infrastructure to support Fairfax County’s equity planning and decision making. As an organization committed to partnering with both communities and government to advance racial equity, we are excited to have a chief of staff who understands in theory and practice how to drive change.”

Bruce’s appointment as the Chief Equity Officer for Fairfax County, Virginia in June 2018 was historic. She became the first local government, equity- focused senior leader in the jurisdiction, the first in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the first in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. 

An accomplished innovator in public service delivery, Bruce successfully bridged the efforts of local government with the collective action of residents and broad networks of partners. During her tenure with Fairfax County, she led the process to adopt the One Fairfax Racial and Social Equity Resolution and Policy. Bruce’s career has earned her numerous accolades across the many sectors with which she has worked, including government, nonprofit, philanthropy, faith, and corporate, and she is a nationally recognized thought leader on the role of government in advancing equity. 

“I am thrilled to join Race Forward after years of working alongside the organization as a partner,” Bruce said. “At this critical moment in our nation, I am particularly excited to be leading the  implementation of our new Strategic Plan which focuses on community and government collaboration to create pathways for equity and inclusion as we continue to work toward building a multiracial democracy.”

“With ongoing attacks on racial equity and democracy, our movement needs leaders who are skilled in and passionate about advancing racial equity,” Harris said. “Karla is such a leader and we are delighted to have her onboard.”
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MSNBC Host Joy-Ann Reid to Headline Race Forward’s Facing Race Conference in St. Louis: Nov. 20-22

Posted on

For Immediate Release

October 2, 2024

NEW YORK – MSNBC Host Joy-Ann Reid will headline Race Forward’s highly anticipated Facing Race conference. Reid is an MSNBC political analyst and host of “The ReidOut.” She has authored numerous books, including her most recent, “Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America.”

Facing Race will be held in St. Louis, Nov. 20-22 at the America’s Center Convention Complex. It is the nation’s largest multiracial, intergenerational racial justice conference. More than 4,000 people are expected to attend this year’s conference.

“Throughout its 17-year history, Facing Race has been a one-of-a-kind space that allows community organizers, activists, and movement makers from across the country to meet up, build strategies for advancing racial justice, and receive inspiration for the work ahead,” said Race Forward President Glenn Harris. “We are excited to curate this unique space for cross-cultural collaboration. We are also delighted that attendees will have an opportunity to hear from Joy-Ann Reid who represents the strength of conviction, determination and boldness our movement needs.”

Held biennially, Facing Race provides attendees unprecedented access to resources, information, and collaborative opportunities to help them advance racial justice in their practice. In addition to Reid, audience members will also learn from the American Medical Association (AMA), who is joining the convening as a Trailblazer Sponsor. The AMA’s participation is rooted in their commitment to advancing health equity through the Rise to Health: A National Coalition for Equity in Health Care.

This is the first time since the pandemic the Facing Race conference will be held completely in-person. The organization notes they are committed to facilitating a safe and accessible event for all attendees. “There is something truly special about personal interaction in doing this work,” said Leslie Grant Spann, Race Forward’s director of Conferences and Convenings and the lead organizer of Facing Race. “No one who is fighting for justice should have to figure everything out on their own, but can join us in St. Louis and connect with other movement leaders, and receive support and encouragement.

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Race Forward and Americans for the Arts to Launch ‘Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy’ in St. Louis on Sept. 27

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For Immediate Release

NEW YORK – Race Forward and Americans for the Arts (AFTA) today announced the kick-off event for the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy, running from Sept. 27 through Oct. 5, 2024. The week-long series of activities across the country will kick-off in St. Louis, MO, on Sept. 27 at 6:00 p.m. at The Hawthorne in St. Louis. The event will begin with a panel discussion on how arts and culture shape democracy, live performances, and viewing of the recently unveiled art installation honoring Michael Brown Jr., who was fatally shot by police in Ferguson, MO, ten years ago. The keynote speaker for the St. Louis event is Dr. Philip Woodmore. Woodmore developed the original score for Antigone in Ferguson. 

The panel discussion, moderated by Rinku Sen, Executive Director of Narrative Initiative, will include Joseph Orzal, Favianna Rodriguez, and R-SON. Performances by Gangstagrass, a nationally renowned bluegrass and hip-hop group, and local St. Louis artists will provide additional cultural inspiration to drive action toward a multi-racial democracy.

“As attacks on racial equity and democracy continue to grow both locally and globally, now is the time for bold action that inspires new ways of thinking,” said Glenn Harris, president of Race Forward. “Events such as this deepen commitments to racial justice and inclusive democracy, demonstrating that we all have a role to play in creating a beloved community.”

The Cultural Week of Action is a new annual initiative emphasizing the ways in which arts, culture, and creativity can be utilized to secure a just, multiracial democracy. This year’s week of activities will comprise:

  • Activities across the country that bring together local arts and cultural institutions and community-based organizations to explore our history, how it shapes our present, and how everyday people are organizing to build an equitable and racially just future. A list of projects and events happening during the week can be found here.
  • A national event in St. Louis with performers, leaders, and artists exploring ways to use arts and culture to advance a multiracial democracy. The event will also amplify the local work happening in communities across the country throughout the week of action.
  • Seeding and popularizing national narratives that tie together the local activities into one comprehensive story about who we want to be as a country and how we get there.
  • Opportunities for local and national organizing and actions.

“The Cultural Week of Action is a powerful reminder of the role arts and culture play in shaping our collective future, said Suzy Delvalle and Jamie Bennett Interim Co-CEOs of Americans for the Arts, “Our goal is for individuals to view the arts as a source of meaningful response to the challenges that affect our national welfare. It is only possible to create a shared, national identity for our country by celebrating the stories, symbols, sounds, and sensations that represent our cultural heritage.”

Participation in the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy remains open to organizations who would still like to be part of this national week of action. Those organizations can add their projects to our activities map by submitting this form.

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Race Forward and Americans for the Arts Announce ‘Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy’

Posted on

For Immediate Release

Feb. 20, 2024

NEW YORK – Race Forward and Americans for the Arts (AFTA) today announced a Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy which will be held Sept. 27 – Oct. 5, 2024 in communities across the country. The new initiative leverages arts, culture, and creativity to emphasize the need for a just, multiracial democracy.

“As attacks on racial equity and democracy continue to grow locally and globally, now is the time for bold action that inspires new ways of thinking,” said Glenn Harris, president, Race Forward. “This is an opportunity to deepen commitments to racial justice and inclusive democracy through cultural activities.”

The Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy will comprise:

  • A week of events and activities that bring together local arts and culture institutions and community-based organizations to explore our history, how it shapes our present, and how everyday people are organizing to build an equitable and racially just future.
  • A national event in St. Louis with performers, leaders, and artists to explore ways to use arts and culture to advance the multiracial democracy we’re trying to build. The event will also amplify the local work happening in communities across the country throughout the week of action.
  • Seeding and popularizing national narratives that tie together the local activities into one comprehensive story about who we want to be as a country and how we get there.
  • Opportunities for local and national organizing and actions.

Race Forward and AFTA will accept proposals from local organizations—local government, local arts agencies, community-based arts organizations, and/or racial justice nonprofits—that want to participate in this exciting initiative. Through a competitive process, 12-15 local communities that represent the diversity of our country will receive $25,000-$40,000 for cultural organizers and community partners to design and implement projects. Participation in the Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy will also be encouraged and open to organizations not requesting funding. 

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Candace Moore Joins Race Forward as Senior Strategic Advisor

Posted on

For Immediate Release

December 15, 2023

Race Forward today announced Candace Moore, Esq., a policy and systems strategist with demonstrated experience addressing issues of equity and racial justice, will join the organization on January 8, 2024, as Senior Strategic Advisor. Moore brings executive government, legal practice and community-based advocacy experience to this role, in which she will focus on bridging and aligning the placed-based work of Race Forward’s programs and deepening collaborations. She will also lead the expansion into new sites of our place-based strategies, training curriculum  and tools for government and community.

“Race Forward is thrilled to have Candace Moore join our team  during this time when attacks on communities of color continue unabated,” said Race Forward President Glenn Harris. “From efforts to dismantle the Voting Rights Act of 1965, to attacks on reproductive rights, and attacks on public education, we know the importance of local and regional governments working to advance racial justice and democracy. The experience Candace brings with a rich background and expertise in government and community-based work will allow her to develop innovative strategies and initiatives to advance racial equity and democracy in communities across this country.”

Race Forward’s Place-Based Strategy works locally and trans-locally to implement organizational goals in and across places. Collective power building goals include transforming the public sector to govern for racial equity, building governing power of communities of color, and building narratives that advance a just multiracial democracy. Candace’s leadership will help Race Forward to achieve scale and impact in local communities across the country.

“We are in a moment in our fight for racial justice that demands we build new ways of collaborating and demonstrate to our communities that a system rooted in racial inclusion is worthy and can deliver a more fair and just democracy,” Moore said. “This is why I am excited to step into my next chapter at Race Forward. Throughout my career, the work of Race Forward has been an anchor grounding me in ideas, strategies, and tools to drive equity and racial justice in the communities I’ve served. Whether serving in Chicago as a civil rights attorney or the city’s first Chief Equity Officer, my goal has always been to demonstrate that we can make real change toward racial justice. Joining the team as Senior Strategic Advisor is a dynamic opportunity to connect and partner with fellow racial justice colleagues to support their impact in communities across the country. My intention is to learn, connect resources and people, and spotlight the power of our movement.”

Prior to joining Race Forward, Moore served as the first chief equity officer for the City of Chicago; a senior staff attorney for education equity at the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights; and a campaign coordinator for the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.

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About Race Forward

Race Forward catalyzes movement building for racial justice. Working in partnership with communities, community-based and grassroots organizations, and government entities across sectors, we advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture by building strategies to bridge community organizations and government, training individuals and organizations on racial equitable practices, and convening activists, organizers, and leaders in racial justice for shared learning, understanding, strategizing and action.

Affirmative Action Ruling an Attack on Equal Protection, Further Undermines Democracy

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 29, 2023

In the Same Way Our Ancestors Persisted and Prevailed, We Too Will Persist and Prevail

NEW YORK – Following the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina, Race Forward, a leading racial equity organization,  issued the following statement: 

“Today’s Supreme Court decision on affirmative action makes clear the current U.S. Supreme Court is intent on undermining the Constitutional framework of civil rights by refusing to recognize and address the systemic nature of racism,” stated Glenn Harris, President of Race Forward.  “By taking the position that only in the most extreme of circumstances can an institution directly address racial differences in a targeted fashion, the decision ultimately undermines the basic tenets of equal protection and ignores the reality that race shapes every life outcome, including access to higher education.”  

Specifically, this decision reduces the question of racism to mere individual experiences, a direct attempt to subvert the historic promise of the 14th Amendment Equal Protection Clause transforming the court from a protector of equality to an enemy of progress. The Court exploits the profound need to address discrimination of Asian students in order to reverse decades of civil rights and further create obstacles for redressing inequalities faced by Black and Latino students.  

It should not go without notice that today’s decision leaves intact the advantages afforded to legacy candidates and children of donors –  a stark system of racial inequality that advantages white applicants. “The only precedent the Supreme Court seems committed to upholding today,” noted Harris, “is its slide towards a cynical use of the law to maintain racial hierarchies.” 

This decision will be utilized by the forces of exclusion to pit communities of color against one another. Leaders of an inclusive America however, understand that at its core this ruling seeks to negate the fundamental responsibility to address racism in all its forms. We remain committed to advancing a society where all benefit from tangible racial equity rather than suffer the consequences of the legalistic contortions of a renegade Court.

We also applaud the dissenting opinions and intellectual leadership of Justice Jackson and Sotomayor that recognize our deep and pervasive racial equity gaps across society. These dissenting opinions today must represent the court of our future with a jurisprudence with integrity that dismantles the systemic racism that affects all communities of color.

 

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