St. Louis, Missouri, a city rich in history, culture, and resilience, is set to host the biennial Facing Race conference in 2024. St. Louis stands as a testament to the ongoing battle for racial equity, having served as a critical juncture for both historical and contemporary racial justice movements. From its beginnings on the ancestral lands of the Illini Confederacy to its pivotal role in the Movement for Black Lives, this city is emblematic of America's broader racial justice journey.
In St. Louis, issues like racial segregation, the pressing need for police reform, unequal access to quality education, and grassroots movements challenging deep-seated systems of discrimination provide tangible contexts for our discussions on racial justice.
We believe the narratives and lived experiences of St. Louis residents offer invaluable insights that can guide and inspire our national efforts to address racial disparities. By convening in St. Louis, Facing Race 2024 aims to amplify the voices of those who’ve spearheaded transformative changes, forging a path towards a more inclusive future. Just as St. Louis's Mayor Tishaura Jones and other local leaders are initiating change within the city, Facing Race stands as a beacon of hope, a clarion call to action, and a testament to the power of community-driven transformation.