Eric K. Ward

Eric K. Ward is the Executive Vice President, of Race Forward. He is a nationally-recognised expert on the relationship between authoritarian movements, hate violence and preserving inclusive democracy. He has over three decades of leadership in community organising, having worked with leaders from government, law enforcement, business and civil rights groups to advance civil rights work. Eric also serves on the boards of several organisations.

An author, in-demand speaker, and media source, Eric has written multiple works and has been quoted in various widely read media outlets such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, ESPN, Black News Channel, NPR, BBC, and Rolling Stone. Additionally, Eric, who has a special interest in the use of music to advance inclusive democracy, used his singer-songwriter talents to help launch the Western States Center Inclusive Democracy Culture Lab.

In 2021, Eric became the first American recipient of the Civil Courage Price, adding to the awards and distinctions he has received throughout his career, including the Peabody-Facebook Futures Media Award.