Media contact: Rebekah Spicuglia, Communications Manager at [email protected] or (415) 290-2970 

August 24, 2010 (New York, NY) – Applied Research Center, the nation’s leading think tank on race, is thrilled to present Facing Race 2010, the largest multi-racial gathering of leaders, educators, journalists, advocates and activists on racial justice in the country. With a comprehensive lineup of presentations and workshops covering a breadth of racial justice issues, prestigious speakers,and expected numbers of more than 1,000 participants, Facing Race is the nation’s premier conference on racial justice, to be held September 23-25 at the McCormick Hyatt Regency in Chicago, IL.

"Facing Race has become a pivotal event for galvanizing communities on racial justice issues," said Applied Research Centerpresident and executive director Rinku Sen. “Facing Race 2008 was held ten days after the historic election of President Obama, with meaningful discussions on hot-button race issues. With this year’s conference, we will acknowledge strides that have been made, while offering criticism and innovative strategies for real change.”

Key issues to be covered at Facing Race include debunking“post-racial America;” economy and green jobs, reproductive justice; lesbian,gay, bisexual, and transgender communities; millenials and the 2010 elections;disparities in health care reform; SB1070 and immigrant rights; educational equity; welfare; and criminal justice.

Melissa Harris-Lacewell, Associate Professor of Politics and African American Studies at Princeton University, will serve as keynote speaker for the conference. “America's failings to substantively address the continuing challenges of race emerges from a lack of shared vocabulary and experiences, collective understanding of the difference between personal attitudes and systematic discrimination, common data about racial inequity, and historical knowledge about how power and privilege operate,” said Harris-Lacewell. “Most importantly, however, we lack a collective vision of a racially just future. These are the aspects of race that we must face, working in communities across America among people of good faith. That is why I am so pleased to be a part of this conference.”

Facing Race 2010 presenters include Van Jones, Center forAmerica Progress; Tim Wise, anti-racist writer and educator; Maria Teresa Kumar, Votolatino; FCC Commissioner Clyburn; Dr. Manuel Pastor, Professor of Geography and American Studies & Ethnicity at the University of Southern California; Ai-jen Poo, Domestic Workers United; John Jackson, The Schott Foundation for Public Education; LeeAnn Hall, Northwest Federation of Community Organizations; Malkia Cyril, Center for Media Justice; and Kamau Bell, comedian and social commentator.

Founded in 1981, Applied Research Center is America's leading think tank on racial justice. ARC investigates the racial consequences of public policy initiatives and develops new frameworks and solutions to address racial inequality. With offices in New York and Oakland, and staff in Chicago and Los Angeles, ARC engages in media and journalism, strategic research and policy analysis, and leadership development. ARC publishes ColorLines magazine.

Facing Race 2010 sponsors include Arcus Foundation, The Schott Foundation, Center for Social Inclusion, Center for Community Change, The Opportunity Agenda, Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy (IRRPP),Campus Progress, Everyday Democracy, Free Press, Green for All, KirwanInstitute, Philanthropic Initiative for Racial Equity, and Policy Link.

Press passes are available. For more information or to interview ARC president and executive director Rinku Sen, contact Rebekah Spicuglia at [email protected] or (415) 290-2970.