Inspired by the new book Uncommon Common Ground: Race and America’s Future (written by PolicyLink Founder & CEO Angela Glover Blackwell, USC Professor Manuel Pastor, and Asian-American civil rights leader Stewart Kwoh), the virtual book club will engage people from all ethnic, cultural, social and political backgrounds in an open, honest, and meaningful discussion on race.

“By 2050 people of color will be the majority in our country – and yet there remains so much work ahead to fix the deep-seated, inequities that persist in our economy, our institutions, our schools, and our communities,” said Angela Glover Blackwell. “America needs a national dialogue on race and, although this virtual book club won’t carry that weight by itself, we do hope it will spark real discussion across the nation and in our communities.”

Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 29^th  (and every Wednesday through Election Day),  this online conversation will explore crucial issues facing the country today, as America pushes towards 2050, when people of color will comprise a majority in America. The weekly topical discussions will include:

Sept. 29:              Are We Post-Racial Yet?

Oct. 6:                  Color Lines: Growing and Accepting Diversity

Oct. 13:                Race and the Economy

Oct. 20:                Urgent Challenges: Immigration, Incarceration, and Climate Change

Oct. 27:                New Leadership for now and 2050

Nov. 3:                 Equity is the Superior Growth Model

Each topic will be accompanied by key questions from the authors, helping guide the conversation – but not limiting it.

Hosted through EquityBlog, these discussions will be critical as the November elections approach, and America’s leaders work towards a more equitable and inclusive recovery for all people.  

“A successful recovery requires that we all engage and work towards pragmatic solutions that make it possible for all people to participate in America’s resurgence. I encourage you to join us and be a part of this critical dialogue on race our nation so greatly needs,” said Glover Blackwell.

"Race can be an incredibly difficult subject to talk about – which is exactly why we must do so as openly and frankly as possible,” said Manuel Pastor. “Having these conversations in a way that is personal and candid -- but with a focus on the policy agenda that follows -- will help lay the groundwork for a national agenda that leads with equity. We hope that the ‘Race and America’s Future Virtual Book Club’ will be a useful step towards pushing this conversation in the right direction, and helping us all reach common ground on today’s most divisive issues.”

"Before we can develop policy frameworks that address the many struggles disparately impacting people of color --- high unemployment, impoverished communities, poor health and schools --- we must deeply understand why race is a common denominator, and a key to finding real and lasting solutions to these growing disparities," said Stewart Kwoh.