Facing Race is back! This time in Raleigh, NC — November 12-14, 2026.

Keynote Speaker: W. Kamau Bell

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W. Kamau Bell in orang shirt with a hand on his chin.

W. Kamau Bell
Four-time Emmy winner, political-commentator, author, host, and comedian

W. Kamau Bell is a Peabody Award-winner, four-time Emmy Award-winner, documentary filmmaker, stand-up comedian, podcaster, part-time activist, and full-time family man. As a racial justice advocate, Bell is a two-time New York Times Bestseller with Do The Work! — An Antiracist Activity Book and Who is Government? — The Untold Story of Public Service, which stands as a collection of essays. Bell is best known for his CNN docuseries United Shades of America, his four-part Showtime docuseries We Need To Talk About Cosby, and his HBO documentary 1000% Me — Growing Up Mixed. This year Kamau launched his new podcast Who’s With Me?, which is based on his bestselling Substack newsletter by the same name. Bell is also the ACLU Artist Ambassador for Racial Justice and on the Board of Directors for several nonprofit organizations, including DonorsChoose and LiveFree. Kamau’s next book is a children’s book co-written with bestselling author Adam Mansbach, titled Rock, Paper, Scissors, Cheese set to be released in October 2026. Bell cares too much and sleeps too little.

How does Bell embody Facing Race’s theme: “Rooted in Resistance, Powered by Solidarity”?

  • His work is rooted in anti-Racism and shared understanding: Bell’s work reminds us that truth-telling does not have to be disconnected from joy, and that we can face hard realities without losing sight of our shared humanity.
  • Humor is his pathway to having hard conversations: Bell’s comedic approach and cultural criticism has made him one the most distinct cultural voices of our time. His wit and warmth are exactly what is needed in this moment and on the Facing Race stage.
  • He uses storytelling as a catalyst for bridging across divides: Facing Race is about building community and solidarity. Bell has reached across political ideologies, religions and beliefs to have complex conversations that push us to examine our unique challenges and commonalities.

We cannot wait to have W. Kamau Bell join us in November!