We’re in a defining moment.

All around us, we see the signs of coordinated backlash: from aggressive immigration raids and the dismantling of key institutions to slash-and-burn funding cuts and the rewriting of historical records. Efforts to discredit racial equity work are occurring at every level. Racial justice work is being undermined through legislative rollbacks, public intimidation, and well-funded campaigns to sow fear and confusion. From classrooms to courtrooms, institutions are being pressured to retreat.

This is not happening by accident; it’s the result of a strategic campaign to stall progress and sow division.

But here’s what we know from generations of movement-building: when those in power try to silence our voices, it means we’re gaining ground. And when our work is attacked, we don’t scale back—we scale up.

This is not the time to turn back. It’s time to organize, strategize, and build with intention.

We know: racial equity is not a threat.

It’s the foundation for a just, multiracial democracy where everyone can thrive.

That’s why we’re inviting you to a unique opportunity to sharpen your skills, strengthen your resolve, and stand firm in your commitment to racial justice. Join us for a powerful opportunity to organize, fortify, and scale up your racial equity strategies in the face of coordinated opposition.

Learning Lab: Scaling Up Racial Equity in a Time of Backlash — Wednesday, July 9

This 4-hour virtual session is designed for organizational leaders, equity officers, public sector champions, and community practitioners who are determined to keep advancing equity, no matter the climate.

Led by Race Forward President Glenn Harris and Senior Vice President Julie Nelson, this session will help you:

• Build organizational resilience against political and cultural backlash
• Develop narratives that counter disinformation and foster unity
• Sharpen your strategy to deliver real, measurable racial equity outcomes

You’ll learn directly from national movement leaders navigating these pressures in real time, and leave with tactics, courage, and connection. In this moment, we must not only defend racial justice work, we must scale it up.

Join us on July 9 and rise with a stronger, sharper strategy.

More Upcoming Trainings

Our interactive sessions deepen understanding of key racial equity concepts and provide practical tools for advancing equity in your workplace, across fields of practice, and in everyday life.

Building Racial Equity (BRE)
Next sessions — July 15, and September 9

Our essential intro training, Building Racial Equity introduces key concepts and tools to strengthen racial equity practices in your organization and networks.

NOTE: This is one of two course options required to begin our Racial Equity Training Series.

Governing for Racial Equity (GRE)
Next session — June 25, and September 30

For public sector practitioners: Explore how government can advance racial equity through policy, practice, and community partnerships.

NOTE: This is one of two course options required to begin our Racial Equity Training Series.

Power Building for Racial Equity (PRE)
Next session — June 26, and October 16

A strategic, movement-grounded training that digs into the role of power in racial justice work.

Decision-Making for Racial Equity (DRE)
Next sessions — June 24, and October 8

Learn to use Race Forward’s Racial Equity Decision-Making Tool to make values-aligned, race-conscious decisions in your workplace or program.

Facilitating for Racial Equity (FRE)
Next session — July 1-2, and October 22-23

Build the skills and confidence to lead conversations about race in multiracial spaces, and design powerful learning experiences.

Learning Lab: Narrative Change for Racial Equity
Next session — September 10

Learn how narrative shapes public perception and policy—and how to shift the story toward justice.

The work of equity continues regardless of political winds shifting.

We build power together through strategy, reflection, and practice. These trainings are your invitation to stay in the work, deepen your skillset, and join a community of people transforming how racial justice work is done.

In solidarity,

Ashley Johnson
Training Innovation Manager

Interested in customized training for your organization? Let us tailor our sessions to meet your specific needs!