Race Forward

Black people across the US are rebuilding power to achieve bold visions for their communities. Together, they are repairing historically Black neighborhoods harmed by generations of public and private disinvestment.

Juneteenth is an opportunity to celebrate their contributions to the national movement for racial and land justice.

Join Race Forward for our first conversation in the DemocracyIs: series. This conversation will highlight the historic connection between the Civil Rights Movement and today's Black-led movements for developing communities, with strategies for translating community power into community wealth.

Panelists include:

— Carolyn Johnson, CEO, Black Cultural Zone
— Winta Yohannes, executive director; and JT Flowers, strategic advisor, Albina Vision Trust
— Ryan Curren, housing, land, and development director, Race Forward

Happening THIS THURSDAY! https://raceand.org/democracyis

Last week, Race Forward was at Netroots Nation 2026, a conference that brings advocates for progressive causes from around the country.

Deputy senior vice president of Program Nikko Viquiera joined other panelists to discuss the ways organizations are reframing America’s 250th anniversary for communities of color. Meanwhile, president Glenn Harris came together with panelists to share strategies for communities of color to reclaim political power in the midst of an increasingly dangerous environment for civic engagement.

Much appreciation to attendees that joined us along with our collaborators.

⭐️ Trevor Smith from BLIS Collective
⭐️ Suman Raghunathan from Asian American Futures
⭐️ Anabel Mendoza from United We Dream
⭐️ Jung Woo Kim
⭐️ Kortni Malone
⭐️ Sandra Castro Solis from AZ AANHPI Advocates
⭐️ Shanda Neal Green and Cesiah Guadarrarma from 9to5, National Association of Working Women

If you attended our session, let us know in the comments!

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, millions are questioning whether democracy can truly deliver on its promises—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all.

Now is the time for us to have an honest conversation on what it means to be American.

" DemocracyIs:" is our new conversation series that will focus on the different pathways to define what a just, multiracial democracy should be for the next 250 years: considering repair, belonging and justice, institutional change, co-governance, and solidarity.

Learn more and register for the full series, starting Thursday, June 18! https://raceand.org/democracyis