Washington, DC (April 13, 2023) – The NEA Foundation announced today that it will honor Race Forward with The NEA Foundation Equity Partner Award at its 2023 Salute to Excellence in Education occuring Friday, May 5 in Washington, DC. The award recognizes Race Forward’s work to increase racial justice and equity in various situations and with many different types of organizations.
For more than two decades, Race Forward has combined research, convenings, work with media, and the capacity to interrogate its own practice, to partnerships with multiple communities and organizations addressing complex issues associated with race and racism. Its multi-dimensional approach to assessing and acting upon the need to increase justice and equity in policies, institutional practices, and cultures, along with its formidable organizing and alliance-building capacities have helped many in their work.
“To achieve true equity in public education and in our society, we must increase our focus on racial justice,” said Sara A. Sneed, president and CEO of The NEA Foundation. “Through the years, Race Forward has made deep and lasting contributions to those who embrace this conviction with a commitment also to act accordingly. The NEA Foundation shares in Race Forward’s vision of a just and democratic society where race is not a determinant of students’ and others’ opportunities and where all people can thrive and find both joy and success in life.
The NEA Foundation Equity Partner Award honors those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to addressing equity gaps in public education and American society. Race Forward has expressed its commitment through many diverse contributions to organizations of all types, through equity training sessions, partnership-building, and more. The organization has strengthened collaborations between communities, governments, and other institutions to dismantle structural racial inequity and create more equitable outcomes for all. As an example, RaceForward recently launched H.E.A.L. (Honest Education Action & Leadership) Together, an initiative to build a movement of students, educators, and parents in school districts across the United States who believe that an honest, accurate, and fully funded public education is the foundation for a just, multiracial democracy.
In addition to recognizing Race Forward and friends of public education from around the country, the NEA Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education will honor 46 public school educators nominated by their peers for attaining the highest teaching standards, as illustrated by their exemplary instruction, advocacy for the profession, and staunch support of public education. The annual event attracts more than 800 of the nation’s leaders and supporters of public education.
The 2023 Salute to Excellence in Education will take place at The Anthem in Washington, DC and be livestreamed on Friday, May 5, with the program beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET. Register online to attend in-person. Learn more about the event and how you can join virtually here.
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About The NEA Foundation
The NEA Foundation is a national philanthropic organization that invests in educators’ leadership, shared learning, and collaboration; supports partnerships and initiatives that strengthen public education; and promotes improvements in public education policy and practice. Find us at www.neafoundation.org, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
About Race Forward
Race Forward was founded in 1981 and brings systemic analysis and an innovative approach to complex race issues to help people take effective action toward racial equity. Working to build community and narrative power, Race Forward strives to advance racial equity across all sections. Race Forward is home to the Government Alliance on Race and Equity and Colorlines.
