Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast

Latest Episodes:

(Bonus) The Solidarity is This Podcast - Solidarity as Strategy: Building Power Across Movements Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

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

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, 2025

Show notes

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

(Bonus) Dismantling Public Schools: A Racial Justice and Democracy Crisis Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

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

Episode 05: Democracy Under Pressure: Analysis of the First Seven Days Under Trump Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

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 communities
Share battle-tested strategies for protecting racial justice gains
Provide concrete tools for building collective power and resilience

Whether 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

(Bonus) Facing Race: Navigating the Post-Election Landscape Dec 27, 2024

Show notes

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 Project

And included the following panelists:

Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families Party
Kim 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)

Episode 04: Advancing Health Equity with Dr. Aletha Maybank, Chief Health Equity Officer, American Medical Association Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

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

Episode 03: Chosen For Change: Remembering Michael Brown Jr. with Michael Brown Sr. and Cal Brown Aug 29, 2024

Show notes

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

www.facebook.com/raceforward

www.twitter.com/raceforward

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

Episode 02: Defending Public Education & Strengthening Public Schools with Becky Pringle, President, National Education Association Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

On the latest episode of Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast, Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association (NEA), is interviewed by Anastasia Ordonez, Director of HEAL Together at Race Forward. This episode explores Becky’s journey from being a science teacher to becoming a prominent leader in education advocacy and the head of the largest labor union in the United States.

Becky shares her lifelong commitment to social justice, influenced by her experiences during the Civil Rights Movement and her family’s involvement in labor movements. She discusses the significant challenges she faced when she began her presidency in 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic and a national reckoning on racial injustice. Becky reflects on how these events shaped her work and reinforced her commitment to equity and access in education. She states, “As I visit teachers and support professionals and students and communities around this country, I have never been prouder to call myself a teacher than I am in this moment, as I watch them working miracles every day with our students ... as I see them building community schools, meeting the needs not just of our students, but of our families, of each other, and then taking so seriously their role in our democracy.”

Throughout the episode, Becky addresses crucial issues facing public education today. She emphasizes the importance of defending public education against attacks from right-leaning groups and highlights the role of strong, community-based partnerships in supporting and strengthening public schools. Becky talks about the NEA’s efforts to provide continuous professional development and create inclusive, restorative, and culturally responsive educational environments.

She explains, “Public education was never designed for people who look like me. It wasn't designed for students with disabilities. It wasn't designed to make a safe place for LGBTQ+ students. It wasn't designed for those students and families who were living in generational poverty. It just wasn't designed for that. So we couldn't just promote public education as a common good and as a foundation of this democracy, we had to transform it into something it was never designed to be—a racially and socially just and equitable system that prepares every student, everyone to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world.”

Becky concludes with a heartfelt tribute to the dedication of educators who continue to work tirelessly despite the challenges they face. Her call to action is clear: “We must ensure that public education delivers on its promise of providing equitable opportunities for every student.”

To listen to more of Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and remember that you can support our work by texting “RFPOD" to 44-321 –– and help us keep the momentum going.

Resources:

Becky Pringle, Head of the NEA Wants To Protect Public Education (via The Philadelphia Inquirer)

https://bit.ly/3LJTvPn

NEA president vows to transform nation’s largest union, putting ‘social justice’ first (via WGN TV)

https://bit.ly/3SajNh7

Remarks as prepared for delivery by Becky Pringle, President, National Education Association, to the 103rd Representative Assembly (via National Education Association)

https://bit.ly/3S9qj7I

Incoming head of nation’s largest teachers union says it’s time ‘to turn up that heat’ (via Chalkbeat, 2020)

https://bit.ly/4eVHB1Y

New teachers union boss fighting Trump, school reopening battles (via Politico, 2020)

https://bit.ly/463LCxq

About Race Forward:

Follow Race Forward on social media

www.facebook.com/raceforward

www.twitter.com/raceforward

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

Associate Producer & Editor: Freddie Beckley

Episode 01: Impacting The Multiracial Electorate & Standing Strong For Racial Justice with Secretary Julián Castro Jun 26, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to Season Five of Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast!

On the season premiere of Momentum, we had the privilege of being joined by Secretary Julián Castro, the newly appointed CEO of the Latino Community Foundation. In this conversation hosted by Cathy Albisa, Race Forward’s Vice President of Institutional and Sectoral Change, Cathy and Secretary Castro engage in a wide-ranging conversation about his vision for enhancing civic and economic power within Latino/a communities that will in turn, positively impact the broader multiracial electorate and the push to fight back against authoritarianism.

Secretary Castro talks about his new role at the Latino Community Foundation, and the foundation’s mission to build a movement of civically engaged and philanthropic leaders, and the significance of investing in Latino-led organizations to unlock the full potential of Latino/a communities. He states powerfully, “America’s destiny and the destiny of Latinos are intertwined like never before.” He also emphasizes how investing in these organizations at the forefront of changing policies will have the added benefit of addressing economic disparities and decreasing the wealth gap for Latino/a communities.

Having had a storied career in politics, as well as a memorable run as a presidential candidate, Secretary Castro provided us with his raw insights on topics related to our racial justice work from the federal level. As the former US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in former President Obama’s administration, he notes the current lack of federal resources committed to creating housing opportunities and a need for a comprehensive approach to be able to tackle the nationwide crisis effectively. He also talks passionately about the longtime need for humane and compassionate immigration policies –– a debate he notes is continuously fueled by both political parties being influenced by “darker” narratives, and the importance of uplifting

Last year, Secretary Castro and Stacey Abrams co-authored an article titled, “It’s Open Season on Civil Rights. Philanthropy Must Not Retreat”, in response to significant backlash on racial justice and equity organizations. Speaking to the theme of the article, Secretary Castro once again urges philanthropic leaders to remain committed to funding the bold work needed to continue the movement making and democracy building needed in these times where authoritarianism threatens to afflict the progress our movements have won. He advocates for a dual role where foundations are not only financial supporters but also rooted in understanding and addressing community needs through policy advocacy.

With the next election coming up less than six months away, Secretary Castro and the Latino Community Foundation will be hard at work mobilizing Latino/a voters and having representation at the polls as they are once again set to play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the election. Secretary Castro’s call to action to support organizing 24/7, 365 days a year, beyond the current election cycle is a reminder of the long term-investment and planning that goes into the wins working in partnership with our communities.

Thank you for joining us for the season premiere of Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast, and make sure to follow Race Forward on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X, and to support our work, make a donation by texting RFPOD to 44-321.

Additional Resources:

Announcing LCF’s New CEO –– Latino Community Foundation

https://bit.ly/3TYd2At

Closing the Latino wealth gap: Exploring regional differences and lived experiences (via Brookings Institute)

https://bit.ly/3xAoLwA

The Latino Community Foundation Announces Get-Out-the-Vote Investments in California, Arizona, and Nevada Ahead of 2024 General Election (via Business Wire)

https://bwnews.pr/3UgkXrE

Eight Questions For Julian Castro, CEO Of The Latino Community Foundation (via Inside Philanthropy)

https://bit.ly/4blSnwx

Podcast –– The Democrat Saying What Others Won’t (via The New York Times)

https://bit.ly/3TUPjRo

It’s Open Season on Civil Rights. Philanthropy Must Not Retreat (co-authored with Stacey Abrams) (via Chronicle of Philanthropy)

https://bit.ly/3PHlWzP

Addressing the prevalence of racism was always at the core of Julián Castro’s campaign (via The Washington Post)

https://bit.ly/3xc2DId

Trump’s Support Among Latinos Grows, New Poll Shows (via The New York Times)

https://bit.ly/3L7c8fr

About Race Forward:

Follow Race Forward on social media

www.facebook.com/raceforward

www.twitter.com/raceforward

www.instagram.com/raceforward

Subscribe to our newsletter:

www.raceforward.org/subscribe

Executive Producers:

Hendel Leiva, Cheryl Cato Blakemore

Associate Producer:

Freddie Beckley

Season Finale: An Organizing Revival For 2024 with Sulma Arias, Executive Director, People's Action May 23, 2024

Show notes

On the season finale of Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast, Everette Thompson-Francois, Race Forward’s Vice President of Movement and Capacity Building is joined by Sulma Arias, Executive Director of People’s Action for an illuminating and invigorating conversation inspired by the Organizing Revival project launched one year ago.

As Executive Director of a national organization that houses more than 40 organizations in 30 states, Sulma grounds her leadership in her two decades of rich community organizing experience with grassroots movements, as well as her own journey as a Salvadoran immigrant to Wichita, Kansas. Sulma’s narrative is one that reflects the collective resilience and determination of the thousands of constituents she helps lead in building “the power of the poor and working people in rural, suburban, and urban areas to win change through issue campaigns and elections.”

Sulma and Everette’s conversation centers around the foundational values and forward looking vision of People’s Action, discussing strategic campaigns that empower local communities to create a national movement, the approach deeply rooted in direct action and relational power building. The “Organizing Revival” as it was envisioned, is a testament to the historically enduring spirit of activism for social change. Sulma talks about how this is more than just a strategic reset –– it represents a reaffirmation of community organizing as the bedrock for the large-scale impacts intended to be won, built through the historic wins being created by a new generation of dissenters and organizers. Her insights into the challenges and triumphs of mobilizing communities against the backdrop of at times hostile political and social landscapes offers an important look into the mobilization needed to inspire and sustain movement power.

Sulma and Everette also discuss People’s Action white paper “The Antidote To Authoritarianism”: a report that addresses the question of building a multiracial and pluralistic democracy with an inclusive economy to defeat the rise in authoritarianism. She talks about how the report, written with insights from experienced organizers dedicated to building power contextualize how the various political, social, economic, and environmental crisis compounding each other are a strategy that is eroding democracy –– and how regrounding the movement for social justice is the most effective practices of community organizing to address this escalating crisis at scale is the strategy that is urgently needed.

With the 2024 U.S Presidential Elections approaching, Sulma’s words are a reminder of the power vested in collective action. She invites our listeners and wider audiences to not shy away from, but to engage with the challenges of our times –– from the expansion of the climate crisis to the erosion of democratic norms –– through the venerable tradition of organizing.

As we wrap up this season of Momentum, we want to – thank our listeners for joining us for four incredible seasons of Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast. It is our privilege to bring you important conversations from our movement, to be able to create incredible work together.

The next season of Momentum will kick off next month –– and we’re looking forward to having you continuing to join us as a valued listener. In the interim, make sure to follow Race Forward on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/ X, and please support our work by making your donation by texting RFPOD to 44-321.

Resources:

People’s Action [About]

https://bit.ly/44WgDTx

Organizing Revival (via Colorlines)

https://bit.ly/4ayjmDL

Report: The Antidote To Authorianism: How an Organizing Revival Can Build a Multiracial Pluralistic Democracy and an Inclusive Economy

https://bit.ly/3USj9Fy

Sulma’s Writings

Why We Hope

https://bit.ly/3yxiOk7

Training Is How We Transform Society

https://bit.ly/4bPfoHJ