Race Forward

Founded in 1981, Race Forward brings systemic analysis and an innovative approach to complex race issues to help people take effective action toward racial equity. Founded in 2002, CSI catalyzes community, government, and other institutions to dismantle structural racial inequity and create equitable outcomes for all. In 2017, Race Forward united with the Center for Social Inclusion to become the new Race Forward.

Race Forward is home to the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), a national network of local government working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all. Race Forward publishes the daily news site Colorlines and presents Facing Race, the country’s largest multiracial conference on racial justice.

Race Forward catalyzes movement building for racial justice. In partnership with communities, organizations, and sectors, we build strategies to advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture.

Race Forward imagines a just, multiracial, democratic society, free from oppression and exploitation, in which people of color thrive with power and purpose.

Fundamentally, Race Forward’s work to advance racial justice is embedded in the following core values:

• People of Color: We value the voices, experiences, cultures, intellect and multi-dimensionality of people of color.
• Justice: We value fairness, the best foundation for unity among all people.
• Transformation: We value the ability of individuals and systems to change in ways that make racial justice possible. We recognize the importance of struggle in fueling transformation.
• Bridging: We value the insights, relationships and holistic understandings that are deepened when divergent paths come together.
• Expression: We value voicing and sharing our viewpoints with integrity even when difficult, unpopular or risky.
• Adaptability: We value relevance and resourcefulness in the face of changing social, economic, political and ideological environments.
• Delight: We value making space for laughter, beauty, and joy in the work of social change.