Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast

Race Forward

Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast features movement voices, stories, and strategies for racial justice. Hear the Race Forward team give their unique takes on race and pop culture, and uplift narratives of hope, struggle, and joy, as we continue to build the momentum needed to advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture. Deepen your racial justice lens and get inspired to drive action. Subscribe today!

  1. Episode 07: From Minneapolis to LA - History, Flashpoints, and the Fight for Community Safety

    OCT 24

    Episode 07: From Minneapolis to LA - History, Flashpoints, and the Fight for Community Safety

    Resources: MILPA Collective: A movement organization rooted in Salinas, California, led by formerly incarcerated and system-impacted individuals.  Learn more about MILPA Collective at:  https://www.milpacollective.org/ Just Narratives for Multiracial Solidarity: Nov 13-15 St. Louis, MO REGISTER NOW at  https://www.raceforward.org/training-and-events/just-narratives  Executive Producers: Hendel Leiva, Cheryl Blakemore, Priscilla Sam

    42 min
  2. (Bonus) The Solidarity is This Podcast - Solidarity as Strategy: Building Power Across Movements

    OCT 7 · BONUS

    (Bonus) The Solidarity is This Podcast - Solidarity as Strategy: Building Power Across Movements

    Resources: Solidarity is This, an Initiative of the Building Movement Project: https://www.solidarityis.org/   Just Narratives for Multiracial Solidarity: November 13-15, 2025 St. Louis, MO REGISTER NOW at https://www.raceforward.org/training-and-events/just-narratives

    1h 1m
  3. Episode 06: More Than a Moment: Minneapolis, Our Movement, and the Ongoing Struggle for Freedom with Minister JaNaé Bates, Co-Executive Director of ISAIAH

    JUN 10

    Episode 06: More Than a Moment: Minneapolis, Our Movement, and the Ongoing Struggle for Freedom with Minister JaNaé Bates, Co-Executive Director of ISAIAH

    In this episode of Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast, Minister JaNaé Bates Co- Executive Director of ISAIAH, a multi-racial, state-wide, nonpartisan coalition of faith communities fighting for racial and economic justice in Minnesota joins host jaboa lake, Race Forward Senior Director of Impact Evaluation, Learning, and Research for a compelling conversation on the legacy of resistance that shaped—and continues to shape—the movement sparked by the murder of George Floyd. As we mark five years since the 2020 uprising in Minneapolis, this episode explores the long arc of organizing, solidarity, and struggle that has challenged state violence and demanded racial justice across generations. Together, jaboa and Minister Bates unpack how Minneapolis became both a flashpoint and a beacon—revealing the deep roots of structural oppression and the enduring strength of community-led action. Listen in for this timely dialogue that will: Illuminate the historical throughlines connecting George Floyd to past uprisings and present-day resistance  Uplift lessons from grassroots organizing, faith-based strategy, and narrative power  Explore the difference between symbolic allyship and real, sustained solidarity  Five years since the spark that ignited a global movement, this episode offers grounded perspective and bold possibility for all who continue to fight for racial justice, from the local to the national level. Through movement memory and strategic vision, jaboa and Minister Bates remind us that resistance is not reaction—it’s a practiced, purposeful path toward liberation.   Resources   Statement: Race Forward Remembers George Floyd and Continues to Call for a Transformed Public Safety System https://bit.ly/4kuJjtD ISAIAH https://isaiahmn.org/   Executive Producers: Hendel Leiva, Cheryl Blakemore, Priscilla Sam

    1h 4m
  4. (Bonus) Dismantling Public Schools: A Racial Justice and Democracy Crisis

    MAR 26 · BONUS

    (Bonus) Dismantling Public Schools: A Racial Justice and Democracy Crisis

    In this bonus episode of Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast, H.E.A.L Together Director of Strategic Communications at Race Forward Anastasia Ordoñez unpacks the sweeping implications of President Trump’s latest executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education—a move that could fundamentally reshape public education and deepen racial inequities across the country. As communities of color have historically relied on public schools as pathways to opportunity, this decision threatens to widen existing disparities, placing millions of students at risk. We examine the stakes of this unprecedented shift, featuring a statement from Race Forward condemning the administration’s actions and calling for urgent resistance. This episode spotlights HEAL (Honest Education Action & Leadership) and Public School Strong—two national campaigns fighting to ensure that every student, regardless of race or background, has access to a high-quality, well-funded public school. Anastasia helps us contextualize what’s at stake when public education is under full attack—and why defending it isn’t just about schools, but about safeguarding democracy itself, ensuring future generations have the knowledge, power, and agency to create a more just and equitable society. Resources: Trump signs executive order to begin dismantling Education Department, raising questions for students and parents (via CNN) https://bit.ly/4iU0cNL Race Forward Denounces Trump Administration’s Firing of Department of Education Staff and Irresponsible Plan to Dismantle the Department of Education https://bit.ly/4c2HQr2 HEAL Together  https://www.healtogether.org/ Public School Strong Campaign  https://www.healtogether.org/publicschoolstrong/   Executive Producer(s): Hendel Leiva & Priscilla Sam

    7 min
  5. Episode 05: Democracy Under Pressure: Analysis of the First Seven Days Under Trump

    JAN 29

    Episode 05: Democracy Under Pressure: Analysis of the First Seven Days Under Trump

    In this episode of Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast, Glenn Harris and Eric Ward deliver a powerful analysis of the new administration's first seven days and their implications for racial justice in America. As executive orders reshape federal policy and threaten hard-won progress, Glenn Harris, President of Race Forward, and Eric Ward, Executive Vice President, offer both stark warnings and hope-filled strategies for defending a multiracial democracy. Join us for an urgent conversation that will: Break down the immediate impacts of new policies on vulnerable communitiesShare battle-tested strategies for protecting racial justice gainsProvide concrete tools for building collective power and resilienceWhether you're a seasoned activist or new to racial justice work, this timely discussion offers crucial insights for understanding and responding to today's unprecedented challenges. Glenn and Eric draw from decades of experience in organizing and coalition building to guide us through these turbulent times with purpose and determination. Resources:  Race Forward’s Strategic Plan  https://bit.ly/42xa3U8 From Project 2025 to Project 2029: How We Resist an Authoritarian Takeover and Turn Public Administration into a Force for Equity and Justice https://bit.ly/4gkNHZt HEAL (Honest Education Action & Leadership) https://bit.ly/4aFqrnr Executive Producers: Hendel Leiva, Cheryl Blakemore, Priscilla Sam

    31 min
  6. (Bonus) Facing Race: Navigating the Post-Election Landscape

    12/27/2024 · BONUS

    (Bonus) Facing Race: Navigating the Post-Election Landscape

    In this special bonus episode of Momentum, we are sharing one of Facing Race: A National Conference standout plenaries: Navigating the Post-Election Landscape: Insights and Strategies for a Just Democracy. With the 2024 presidential election behind us, the question on everyone’s mind was: what’s next? This inspiring discussion featured leading voices in political organizing and movement building. Together, they explored opportunities for progress arising from the election results, strategies to tackle the challenges ahead, and ways to foster resilience, safety, and hope as we continue the movement to build a multiracial democracy over the next four years. This conversation was moderated by: Judith Brown Dianis, Executive Director of the Advancement ProjectAnd included the following panelists: Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families PartyKim Desmond, Chief Equity Officer at the International City/County Management Association (ICMA)Kim Anderson, Executive Director of the National Education Association (NEA)Tsione Wolde-Michael, Executive Director of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH)

    21 min
  7. Episode 04: Advancing Health Equity with Dr. Aletha Maybank, Chief Health Equity Officer, American Medical Association

    11/19/2024

    Episode 04: Advancing Health Equity with Dr. Aletha Maybank, Chief Health Equity Officer, American Medical Association

    On this episode of Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast, Race Forward President Glenn Harris speaks with Dr. Aletha Maybank, Chief Health Equity Officer and Senior Vice President at the American Medical Association (AMA), to explore the transformative work underway to advance health equity in the United States. The discussion underscores the AMA's pivotal role as the trailblazer sponsor of the Facing Race 2024 conference in St. Louis, Missouri. The upcoming conference will spotlight the AMA's efforts by hosting a session in the National Health Equity Grand Rounds, designed to foster a deeper national dialogue on health disparities and equity-driven healthcare solutions. Dr. Maybank recounts her journey since assuming her role in 2019, focusing on the comprehensive strategies she has implemented to embed health equity into every facet of the American Medical Association’s policies and daily operations. Her leadership reflects a mission to reshape organizational culture, shifting the American Medical Association’s focus toward health equity as a core priority and collective responsibility. This effort, intensified by the dual crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and the public outrage following George Floyd’s murder, addresses the need for structural and systemic reforms in healthcare to combat longstanding inequities. A key initiative discussed is the Rise to Health Coalition—a wide-reaching collaborative effort uniting healthcare systems, professional societies, and advocacy groups with the goal of dismantling entrenched inequities within the medical field. Dr. Maybank provides detailed insights into the coalition’s initial accomplishments, such as identifying and eliminating discriminatory algorithms in healthcare that have historically resulted in biased patient care and outcomes. She outlines ongoing reforms that aim to address inequitable healthcare structures and reshape how care is delivered across the nation. The conversation also critiques dominant societal narratives that frame health as primarily a matter of individual responsibility. Dr. Maybank challenges these narratives, emphasizing the need to recognize and address social determinants of health, such as poverty, housing, and systemic discrimination, which disproportionately impact marginalized populations. This paradigm shift is crucial to developing equitable healthcare systems that prioritize collective well-being and access. Dr. Maybank also shares the challenges and resistance she faces in her leadership role, including navigating personal threats and opposition to her equity-driven agenda. She reflects on the need for resilience, solidarity, and finding moments of joy in the struggle for systemic change. Her reflections on leadership, partnership, and the American Medical Association’s  ongoing National Health Equity Grand Rounds reveal how cross-sector collaboration and community-building are essential in driving sustainable change in healthcare. Resources:  Dr. Aletha Maybank (American Medical Association)  https://bit.ly/4etnuGZ National Health Equity Grand Rounds (Registration Link)  https://www.healthequitygrandrounds.org/ “Q&A: AMA’s chief health equity officer on ridding medicine of racial essentialism” (via Stat News) https://bit.ly/3YHzKxO “From process to outcome: working toward health equity” (via Nature Journal)  https://bit.ly/3US8vPP

    45 min
  8. Episode 03: Chosen For Change: Remembering Michael Brown Jr. with Michael Brown Sr. and Cal Brown

    08/29/2024

    Episode 03: Chosen For Change: Remembering Michael Brown Jr. with Michael Brown Sr. and Cal Brown

    In a deeply moving episode of Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast, Jane Mantey, Director of Narrative and Cultural Strategies for Race Forward, connected with Michael Brown Sr. and Cal Brown, parents of Michael Brown Jr. Their heartfelt story and unwavering advocacy illuminate the enduring impact of their son's tragic death in a police encounter a decade ago–an event that ignited a powerful national movement and continues to shape the racial justice landscape today. Michael Sr. and Cal share their journey since the heartbreaking loss of their son on August 9, 2014. Their story reveals not only their profound pain and grief but also their relentless pursuit of justice and healing through their organization, Chosen for Change. This initiative empowers families through holistic grief counseling and outreach programs, aiming to build leadership and self-determination. Michael Sr. emphasized the critical need to support grieving families, drawing from his own experiences of inadequate support during his time of grief. He noted, "Grieving families are different. The first thing to go away is trust." Building trust and treating these families with respect and dignity is central to their approach. Cal elaborated on the significance of their various programs, such as Cookies and Convo, Chosen Fathers, and Mothers of an Angel. These initiatives offer inclusive grief support, helping families adjust to a’'new normal’ and providing the tools needed to heal and reinvent themselves. One notable program, 1st 48 Responders, ensures immediate support for families following a loss. "Despite what we are going through, we stand ten toes down in the work that we do," Cal stated, underscoring their community-driven efforts as a form of justice for their son and others. As they mark the 10-year commemoration of Michael Brown Jr., Michael Sr. reflected on the importance of remembering and humanizing his son. Their ongoing fight against police violence and systemic racism is highlighted by the recent loss of another young person to police brutality in their community. "We have served more than 1,700 families," Cal pointed out, emphasizing the continuing need for their essential work. Chosen for Change will participate in Race Forward’s Cultural Week of Action on Race and Democracy from September 27th to October 5th. This new initiative harnesses art, culture, and creativity to advance dialogues and spark collective action for a multiracial democracy. During the event, *Chosen for Change* will unveil "As I See You," an art exhibit created through Michael Sr. and Cal’s eyes in collaboration with Artivist STL, offering an intimate portrayal of Michael Brown Jr.’s life. In closing, Cal and Michael Sr. call for unity and urged listeners to support grieving families authentically. "If you do not have a voice, do not let anybody speak for you or your loved one until you find your voice," Cal advised. Their powerful testament to resilience and community strength continues to inspire and drive the ongoing fight for justice and equity.   Resources    Chosen For Change Organization https://www.chosenforchange.org/   The Michael Brown Foundation https://www.michaelbrownfoundation.org/ ‘I will never stop fighting’: Michael Brown Jr.’s family turns pain into purpose” (via St. Louis Public Radio)  https://bit.ly/3YYEHnw   Race Forward and Americans for the Arts unveil the Anchor Projects for the Inaugural Cultural Week of Action https://bit.ly/474DqgH Photos: Family of Michael Brown Jr. marches on Ferguson 10 years later (via The Picture Show, NPR) https://bit.ly/3Mq9WjO   About Race Forward:    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.   Follow Race Forward on social media   Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/raceforward   Follow us on Twitter:  www.twitter.com/raceforward   Follow us on Instagram:  www.instagram.com/raceforward   Building Racial Equity (BRE) Trainings   www.raceforward.org/trainings   Subscribe to our newsletter: www.raceforward.org/subscribe   Executive Producers:  Hendel Leiva, Cheryl Cato Blakemore, Priscilla Sam    Associate Producer & Editor: Freddie Beckley

    38 min
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4.8
out of 5
106 Ratings

About

Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast features movement voices, stories, and strategies for racial justice. Hear the Race Forward team give their unique takes on race and pop culture, and uplift narratives of hope, struggle, and joy, as we continue to build the momentum needed to advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture. Deepen your racial justice lens and get inspired to drive action. Subscribe today!

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