Conference will be Held Nov. 17-19 in Phoenix, Arizona

(Black PR Wire) The national racial justice organization Race Forward today announced Ibram X. Kendi as the keynote speaker for their bi-annual Facing Race conference, Nov. 17-19 in Phoenix, AZ. Accomplished professor, author and National Book Award winner Dr. Ibram X. Kendi is a historian and five-time #1 New York Times-bestselling author, including for his widely-acclaimed book, “How to Be an Antiracist.” A powerful voice on the topic of racism in America, Dr. Kendi won the National Book Award for Nonfiction for his book “Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America—making him the youngest winner ever of that award.

“Dr. Kendi’s research, teaching, writings, and books have served as guideposts during this crucial period within the racial justice movement. We are honored to have him share his insights and solutions for how to move the needle on racial equity in the U.S.,” said Glenn Harris, president of Race Forward and publisher of Colorlines. “Coming just two weeks after the midterm elections, Facing Race will be an intentional conference designed to strengthen and deepen the racial justice movement. Attendees will leave with their cups filled, their determination sharpened, and their resolve unwavering.”

A relentless and passionate researcher, Dr. Kendi calls into question the notion of a post-racial society while opening readers’ and audiences’ eyes to the reality of racism in America today. The Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Boston University and the founding director of the BU Center for Antiracist Research, Dr. Kendi is also a contributing writer at The Atlantic and a CBS News racial justice contributor.

Facing Race is the largest convening of racial justice advocates in the nation and the only such gathering post the Nov. 2022 midterm elections. Thousands of advocates, organizers, educators, funders, creatives, and journalists will attend or participate online.

The 2-½ day conference will feature breakouts and special sessions aimed at fueling the work of racial equity. It is a touch point within the racial justice movement to expose advocates, storytellers, creatives, journalists, small business owners and concerned citizens to best practices so they can advance just and racially equitable policies and practices in their respective communities.

“The people who come to Facing Race come from all parts of the nation,” said Leslie Grant Spann, director of conferences and convenings, Race Forward. “Some live in areas where they feel isolated and like they are doing racial justice work in a vacuum. In this space, they will appreciate being part of a national movement that is committed to progress. Our goal is to inspire advocates to stay in the fight.”

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About Race Forward: 

Founded in 1981, Race Forward, which celebrated its 40th Anniversary last year, 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.

Please note that we have limited space for journalists to attend and cover the Facing Race conference. To receive information on the press credentialing process, please email press@spotlightpr.org by November 5.