2021 Overcoming Racism Virtual Conference: "The Fierce Urgency For Transformation Now!"

This years’ conference theme, The Fierce Urgency for Transformation Now! inspired the following exciting workshops. The Facilitating Racial Equity Collaborative (FREC) Program Committee curated these to engage thoughtful dialogue and action among those who value scholarship, truth-seeking, democracy, and equity. It is our time to create something new together—all of us.

On Saturday, November 13, Cara Valentino of RTI and Dr. Deborah Stroman of the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health will present Why and How to Focus Racial Equity Work on Black Employees. "This workshop will provide insight into the importance of focusing racial equity efforts on Black employees in your organization, provide actionable strategies on getting started, and how to plan for implementation challenges. The extrajudicial murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery garnered worldwide attention to anti-Black racism and racial inequity. At that time, many organizations made commitments to address systemic racism and promote the well-being of the Black community. A common theme was a willingness to have conversations about race in the workplace and to increase their commitment to diversity. Many organizations sincerely want to address the inequities Black people experience in the workplace, but don’t know what to do beyond expanding diversity and inclusion efforts. This workshop will explore the historical context on how a focus on Black people benefits everyone of all races, as well as uplifts intersectionality. Audience participation in the form of questions and storytelling will be welcomed."