FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 4, 2022

Contact:
Cheryl Cato Blakemore
[email protected]

New York, NY — Race Forward, one of the nation’s leading racial justice organizations, is pleased to announce Faron McLurkin will join the organization as its new Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. Faron brings more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy, grassroots community organizing, political strategy, organizational leadership, and racial justice advocacy to this role.

“In addition to his long-standing commitment to racial justice, Faron brings an understanding of the critical moment we are in, a deep knowledge of political landscapes, and expertise in building strategic partnerships to advance racial justice,” stated Glenn Harris, President of Race Forward and Publisher of Colorlines. ”Faron’s presence will strengthen and advance our work to build a just multiracial democracy.”

In this role, Faron will join Race Forward’s leadership team in shaping the organization’s direction in addition to his focus on developing and implementing strategies to increase Race Forward’s reach and impact. 

“I’m proud to be joining Race Forward and am excited about working closely with the staff and board to expand partnerships that advance Race Forward’s work of institutionalizing racial justice,” said Faron. “Like many in philanthropy I have been taking stock of what is needed most from me in this moment. Our country is at a crucial crossroads wherein we will

either boldly step into a more inclusive multiracial democracy or regress to an outdated exclusionary system.  Now more than ever, we need to work towards institutionalizing the values we hold dear. By merging what is happening in the streets, in the government, and in boardrooms, Race Forward is positioned to institutionalize power; taking the enthusiasm the country has for racial justice and turning it into real lasting change.”

Prior to joining Race Forward, Faron served as the Vice President of Programs for Neighborhood Funders Group (NFG). During his time at NFG Faron oversaw all of NFG’s programs as well as the development and evaluation of all new NFG programs, including establishment of NFG's newest program, the Midwest Organizing Infrastructure Funders. He also played a catalytic role in the founding of the Integrated Rural Strategies group (IRSG), NFG’s rural power building program. 

Faron’s career includes serving as Program Officer at The Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock, where he managed their New York State and Environmental portfolios; as Executive Director of the Center for Third World Organizing, one of the oldest and most storied racial justice organizations in the country; and as an organizing director for Change to Win and SEIU Workers United at the national and local levels.

Faron’s start date is May 16, 2022.

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About Race Forward:
Race Forward catalyzes movement building for racial justice. In partnership with communities, organizations, and sectors, we bring systemic analysis and innovative approaches to complex race issues to build strategies and help people take effective action to advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture.