Race Forward

What does democracy in action look like? Here are SOME examples of Cultural Week of Action events happening across the country!

As @tressiemcphd.bsky.social shares, being surrounded by like-minded people ready to act is exactly what this moment needs! We are so excited to head to her home state of North Carolina for #FacingRace26. Join us November 12–14 in Raleigh, NC, as we move from philosophizing to doing.

Collective liberation happens when we can become our favorite selves and embody radical self-trust. From the Fusion Party’s creation in 1894, to SNCC’s founding in 1960, Courtney Napier reminds that North Carolina has always been “Rooted in Resistance, Powered by Solidarity.”

GOOD NEWS: Registration for #FacingRace26 has been extended to October 23! With our full keynote lineup now announced — Stacey Abrams, Tressie McMillan Cottom, W. Kamau Bell, and Vu Le — we’re giving you more time to make plans to join us in Raleigh.

Registration closes TOMORROW for #FacingRace26! Don't miss out on the nation's largest biennial conference for racial justice. You'll get unprecedented access to resources, take in cultural celebrations, and find collaborative opportunities designed to push racial equity forward.

This year’s Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy, happening Oct. 27-Nov. 3, aims to support civic engagement ahead of the midterm elections. Contribute a cultural event of your own–before or during the week of action–that demonstrates what #DemocracyIs to you.

No matter what happens with the midterm elections, one thing will remain true: the work of building a just, multiracial democracy must continue. Race Forward is proud to announce Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams.com) as our next keynote speaker for #FacingRace26!

A New York Times bestselling author, Abrams has a track record for building the infrastructure communities need to participate, organize, and govern. She formerly served in the Georgia House of Representatives, and she was the Democratic Party nominee for the state's governor race in 2018 and 2022.

Attending a training online is convenient. But nothing beats the experience of learning in the room. Learn how to build, facilitate, and develop narrative strategies for racial equity by attending one of Race Forward's Racial Equity Training Series workshops in person—only at #FacingRace26.

Historically, research has been framed as an objective process to justify racial inequities and uphold oppressive systems. Our next Learning Lab will show you how to use research to build deeper relationships with communities at the forefront of racial justice.

Why are multigenerational spaces needed for democracy? Derrik Anderson knows that transforming the juvenile justice system takes more than any one role or title. Being "Rooted in Resistance, Powered by Solidarity" requires intentional and collective action to move racial justice forward.

Democracy is not only something we defend. It is something we practice every day. The Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy is an opportunity to deepen your commitment to racial justice and inclusive democracy through cultural activations.

Now through November 3, you’re invited to host or attend events that show participatory democracy in action and build momentum for a multiracial democracy that works for all of us.

Racial equity moves forward when we bring multiple perspectives to the room. At #FacingRace26, you can have these conversations! Add to your conference experience by attending one of Race Forward's Race Forward's offerings from our Racial Equity Training Series—in-person!

#FacingRace26 is more than just a conference. It's a space for transformation, cultural celebration, care, and joy that bridges communities together for multiracial solidarity. Don't take our word for it. Here's what attendees had to say about 2024!

How can environmental justice in North Carolina shape today’s conversations about race? As Dr. Valerie Ann Johnson's work intertwines health equity with environmental justice, being “Rooted in Resistance, Powered by Solidarity” means that our hidden power lies in drawing strength from each other.

Too often, the way we make decisions excludes the very people who have the most at stake. Race Forward’s Place, Policy, and Power (3P) Department's latest spotlight looks at the collective power of communities and government to lead for health equity and racial justice in Providence.

At Race Forward, we know that a just, multiracial society is one where communities move in active solidarity and cultivate environments of belonging for all. We are proud to partner with Welcoming America to honor this vision for our shared futures. #WelcomingWeek2026

Why is language justice important for a multiracial democracy? For Dania Santana, language empowers people to be their whole selves. Being “Rooted in Resistance, Powered by Solidarity” emphasizes the belief that meaningful change is sustained through relationships and shared leadership.

THIS is how to share your work at Facing Race. Don't believe us? Let this photo gallery be your inspiration. Our exhibitor and vendor opportunities are a space for EVERYONE: 👉🏻 Creators 👉🏼 Creatives 👉🏽 Artists 👉🏾 Community leaders 👉🏿 Organizers 👉🏾 Change makers 👉🏽 and more! #FacingRace26