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Dear John,
In this pivotal moment, we’re reflecting on how we can move forward together, grounded by the belief that a just, multiracial democracy is not only possible, but more necessary than ever. At Race Forward, we know that every step we take is possible because of the community we build with you.
We’re excited to share some of the milestones we’ve reached in 2025. These accomplishments belong to all of us, and we hope you will share them in your networks.
Holding the Line with Race Forward: Half a Year of Building Power
Preserving Federal Records on Equity: The Federal Initiative to Govern for Racial Equity (FIRE) gathered over 480 public records from 123 federal agencies and created a searchable, digital archive for documenting racial equity efforts during the Biden Administration.
Legislative Victories in Key States: Public School Strong, an initiative of our HEAL (Honest Education Action and Leadership) Together team helped defeat major anti-equity bills in Tennessee (HB 793), Kentucky (voucher amendment), and Georgia (SB 120), demonstrating strong legislative impact through local organizing.
Equity Action Guides: In addition to the Democracy Resilience Toolkit, we launched a practical States Agencies Guide to protect and advance racial equity, offering adaptable, sector-specific actions to navigate federal policy shifts and funding threats.
"State government has the power and responsibility to lead in this moment. States must simultaneously wrestle with the existential threats to the promise of public institutions as engines of equity, and also fiercely imagine what the following opportunities for racial justice will yield." - Dr. Rashaad Abdur-Rahman, GARE Director of State Strategies
Southern Strategies Playbook: In May, we released these new resources, co-created with our Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) network. The in-network playbook has already been downloaded 289 times, and the public version has reached over 450 views.
"The playbook underscores that when we practice the GARE approach: visualize, normalize, organize, and operationalize - we can win." - Cecilia Olusola Tribble, GARE Director of Innovative Practice
State of the Field Report: A Snapshot of Racial Equity in Government: A report that presents a comprehensive view of the current landscape of racial equity work in government, grounded in the experiences of practitioners across the country.
Co-Governance Tool for a Multiracial Democracy: This new tool guides practitioners through a design process that results in a stronger civic infrastructure to drive change that improves conditions and outcomes for all of our communities.
GARE Presents: Racial Equity Action Plans
Our first programmatic series of the year offered members timely tools and insights for navigating the shifting landscape around racial equity, environmental justice, and health equity—especially as these values face new challenges. Want access to more resources? Join the GARE network!
Coming soon:
Each of these achievements is a testament to what’s possible when we move in solidarity. Democracy reminds us that freedom is a collective act, and every resource, connection, and conversation brings us closer to justice.
Thank you for being part of this journey. If you’re able, please consider making a gift to keep this momentum going. Your support powers our staff, our programs, and our shared vision.
With gratitude and hope,
The Race Forward Team
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