Terrence Keleher

Lessons from Informal Equity Officers at the Federal Level

Advancing racial equity is the unfinished business of public administration. In 2021, President Biden ushered in a historic shift by signing an Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. The milestone is part of our nation’s long journey to becoming a more equitable society.

Some federal civil servants started the journey of advancing equity prior to the start of the Biden Administration. As trailblazers, they did not wait until the time was right. Instead, they boldly pushed until the time was right while understanding the importance of remaining persistent.

This session features leaders who were ‘spark-plugs’ for equity as federal civil servants. Because equity is a choice before it becomes an act, discussants will clarify what drives their priorities and values. Experts will explain equity requires breaking out of the siloes that stifle individuals and organizations from advancing creative solutions.

The session is an opportunity for learning among peers that transcends level of government. Attendees will learn stewardship of the common good requires encouraging equity as well. Attendees will learn what discussants gained by changing how they managed projects that were under their purview. Attendees will be reminded significant racial equity progress in government can be achieved even in the absence of a federal mandate.

Speakers: Carlton Eley, Cynthia Peurifoy, Terrence Keleher

Racial Justice Innovations: State-of-the-Art Strategies and Solutions

Though white supremacy continues to permeate our culture in long-standing and ever-changing ways, efforts to resist and create equitable alternatives are also growing and evolving. What are some of the innovations in the movement for racial justice? What are the opportunities to advance proactive and preventative strategies while still resisting and reacting to blatant and latent racism? How do we dismantle systemic racism and create structural and systematic equity? How so do we bring narrative shifts and systems change to scale? We’ll invite participants to discuss these questions and share examples of what’s new, what’s changing, and what’s promising.

Race Forward has worked in partnership with many organizations at the leading edge of racial justice innovation. For example, the New York City Arts Innovation Lab has brought together 60 arts organizations that have incubated and tested new strategies for addressing racial equity and changing their organizational cultures and programs. The Governmental Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) is engaging a network of 75 government jurisdictions around the country in systematizing race-conscious decision-making with a focus on equitable impacts. Participants will share some of their own examples and experience with racial justice innovations in different sectors, issues and regions.

Speakers: Terrence Keleher, Nayantara Sen

Shifting the Focus for Racial Justice

Over the last few decades, the mainstream idea of racism has centered on intentional overt actions by bad guys and bigots. In order for us to move our organizations and communities toward racial justice, we have to shift the focus from individuals and see that racism is woven into the fabric of our society. In this workshop, Race Forward will emphasize how to recognize, challenge and disrupt institutional racial inequities. Race Forward's experienced trainers will share a framework for understanding systemic racism, and tools to counteract racial bias and help you shift your focus towards equitable solutions.

Speakers: Terrence Keleher, ramesh kathanadhi

Institutionalizing Racial Equity and Advancing Positive Racial Impacts

Can we prevent institutional racism by institutionalizing racial equity? Can we change the way we do business in our organizations, institutions and government so that racial equity and inclusion are an operating framework? Can we be proactive instead of reactive when combating inequity? The answer is: yes! This session will highlight how government entities and community organizations are using racial equity tools and strategies to achieve fair and favorable outcomes.

Speakers: Terrence Keleher, Dominique Apollon, Jermaine Toney, Julie Nelson

Racial Justice Leadership Institute- A Pre-Conference Training

(Requires separate registration. To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/racial-justice-leadership-institute-at-faci...

The Racial Justice Leadership Institute, developed by Race Forward: The Center for Racial Justice Innovation, is an interactive training for those who wish to sharpen their skills and strategies to address structural racism and advance racial equity.  Unlike “diversity trainings” which primarily focus on interpersonal relations and understanding, the Institute emphasizes how to challenge and change institutional racial inequities. 

Training Components: 

• Racial Justice Values & Vision
• Key Concepts: Different Dimensions of Racism / Structural Racism
• Implicit Bias and Systems Analysis
• Opportunities to Advance Racial Justice 

Participants will:

-build a clear understanding of key concepts such as racial equity and structural racism;

-learn to talk about race constructively within their organizations and with their constituents; 

-gain tools and practices for counteracting racial bias in their work and practices;

-identify opportunities and next steps for applying concepts and strategies to advance racial equity.

Speakers: Nayantara Sen, Terrence Keleher