Spotlight PR brings quality public relations assistance into reach for mission-driven causes as well as socially conscious entrepreneurs, celebrities and executives.

Tag: Racial Equity

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

Posted on

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.”

###

 

RACE FORWARD COMMENDS BIDEN ADMINISTRATION ON RELEASE OF SECOND HISTORIC RACIAL EQUITY EXECUTIVE ORDER

Posted on

For Immediate Release

February 16, 2023

Race Forward, a national racial justice organization,  congratulates the Biden Administration on the issue of its second historic Executive Order mandating racial equity across policy and practice within the federal government, Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. The significance of this Executive Order cannot be overstated as it is the first time in our nation’s history we have a formal, sustained commitment to institutionalize racial equity at the national level.  The order recognizes that this work is a multi-generational commitment to the American people. 

“As an organization that has been working  to advance racial equity in our policies and institutions for more than 40 years, we commend the Biden Administration on this second commitment to embed racial equity within the federal government,” said Glenn Harris, President of Race Forward. “This Executive Order will operationalize racial equity in federal policies and practices, resulting in significantly improved outcomes for all communities, and particularly communities of color,  in this nation.

We applaud the steadfast commitment of the Biden Administration as demonstrated by this Executive Order. For two years, the Administration has taken these steps in the face of backlash against progress for racial justice, white nationalists violence, and political assaults. It is fitting that this order was issued during Black History month at the very moment extremist Governors are seeking to prevent even the teaching of Black History.  The attacks on Black History are a bellwether for ongoing assaults on our collective history across communities. 

 The Executive Order calls for a sustained commitment—human and economic resources—to racial equity work, accurate data for government decisions, increased investment in small, disadvantaged businesses in under-served communities, and consulting impacted communities in developing solutions to inequity.  It also recognizes that racial inequity is interlinked with inequity based on gender, disability, environmental injustice and more. 

“By issuing this second Executive Order, the Biden Administration is doubling-down and sending a clear signal that racial equity is a priority.” said Carlton Eley, Senior Director of Federal Strategies at Race Forward. “Equally important, the Administration is demonstrating that racial equity is imperative for our country to move forward as a strong nation.”

As the home of the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), we are keenly aware that this historic order emerges from almost 20 years of work by local governments in cities and counties across the country.  

“When we started GARE we realized the potential for government to lead on racial equity and ensure all residents have opportunities to achieve successful outcomes,” said Julie Nelson, Senior Vice President of Programs at Race Forward and Co-founder of GARE. “As we have been gathering momentum at the local level, we have also begun to experience push back from extremists. It is reassuring to see the federal government take on this charge to sustain and further the gains that have been made in many local jurisdictions across this country.”

Racial equity work improves outcomes not only for communities of color, but for all communities, and it strengthens our systems for all by transforming how government operates. This, in turn, creates the foundation for the multiracial democracy we need for all neighborhoods and communities to thrive. 

 

# # #

 

ABOUT RACE FORWARD

Race Forward was founded in 1981 and brings systemic analysis and an innovative approach to complex race issues to help people take effective action toward racial equity. Working to build community  and narrative power, Race Forward strives to advance racial equity across all sections. Race Forward is home to the Government Alliance on Race and Equity and Colorlines.

 

Ahead of the 2023 State of the Union, Race Forward Urged President Biden to Continue Leaning into Commitment to Advance Racial Equity

Posted on

For Immediate Release

Feb. 7, 2023

NEW YORK – After decades of organizing by grassroots groups and leaders of color, President Biden and his administration took meaningful steps to address structural racism by issuing an executive order on the matter in 2021. The executive order directed federal agencies to do more to advance racial equity within the federal government and develop corresponding Equity Action Plans (EAPs) detailing how they would do so. Over 90 federal agencies and departments, including all cabinet-level agencies and over 50 independent agencies, prepared EAPs. Now, as President Biden enters the third year of his presidency and prepares to deliver his 2023 State of the Union address, Race Forward urged him to continue championing racial equity. It released the following statement:

“It is imperative President Biden continue focusing on racial equity,” said Glenn Harris, president of Race Forward. “For centuries government has created and sustained policies and systems that produce inequitable outcomes for people of color. President Biden’s historic executive order now presents the federal government with an incredible opportunity to set the tone for the nation. Federal agencies can help lead our country toward an equitable future where all can prosper, however the federal government must work in new, innovative and targeted ways.”

 

“Since racial equity is central to a healthy democracy, each of us has a responsibility to address systemic racism,” Harris added. “No one is exempt from this work; not individuals or corporations, not grassroots groups nor the federal government.”

 

###

Race Forward was founded in 1981 and brings systemic analysis and an innovative approach to complex race issues to help people take effective action toward racial equity.

 

Download Our Crisis Communications Checklist

In an era of instant information, accusations can spread like wildfire. Even if claims are unfounded, your brand can take a hit; especially if one is a public figure. Download our crisis communications checklist to begin thinking about crisis management.

Crisis Management Checklist Popup

Name