CLEVELAND, Miss.— The 2023 Winning the Race event will be held on March 28 in Ewing Hall on the campus of Delta State University. The previous eight Winning the Race conferences have seen national, state, regional, and local experts and speakers discuss topics such as education, civil rights, economic development, and social justice, all in the context of furthering racial understanding. Registration is free and is now open at www.deltastate.edu/winningtherace.
According to conference chair Michelle Johansen, the event will go back to its foundations – facilitating engaged campus and community dialogue regarding current issues, connecting local people with each other, and collaborating to promote equity. She said, “This year’s event will be less a conference and more of a workshop. We want to get people talking to each other rather than simply listening to presentations.”
This year’s gathering will be facilitated by the Alluvial Collective, the former William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation. Johansen said, “We will focus on connecting, community building, and equity through a more active and engaged format.”
DSU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Andy Novobilski said, “Basically, we’re taking a deep breath and re-evaluating the impact that the Winning the Race can have in the Delta.”
Attendees will register for “circles” throughout the day, which will consist of no more than 20 participants and two facilitators per circle. The attendees will speak with and to each other through guided dialogue and prompts.
There will be a free networking lunch for attendees to continue connecting and collaborating. “Discourse about the future direction and format of Winning the Race is welcome,” Johansen said. “The ultimate goals are to engage with campus and community constituencies, promote continuing conversations, and rekindle action through sustainable and collective energy.”
For more information about Winning the Race, contact Johansen by email at mjohansen@deltastate.edu or by phone at 662-846-4170. For logistics information, contact Elizabeth Joel at ejoel@deltastate.edu or 662-846-4871.
