Racial Equity

Our Story: How We Began

RacialEquity@Focolare, originally called Courageous Conversations, was born from a pivotal question that emerged in the wake of George Floyd’s murder and the stark social inequities exposed during the height of the 2020 pandemic: “What are we going to do about racism?”

In response, we sought to create a space of recognition, support, and dialogue—a safe environment for People of Color and all who feel marginalized, both within the Focolare Movement and in society at large. Through open and honest discussions, we share personal experiences of injustice and inequality, ensuring voices are heard and stories acknowledged. This space is also a forum for self-reflection, fostering awareness and a commitment to building an anti-racist society.

But dialogue alone is not enough. Our mission is to turn conversation into concrete action. Every encounter is a call to action—an opportunity to brainstorm and implement real steps toward change, whether as individuals, within our families, or across our communities.

Our mission goes beyond conversation—we are committed to fostering deep relationships, building trust, and actively working toward a more just and equitable world. This requires us to engage in uncomfortable yet necessary conversations, challenge biases, and take meaningful steps to confront racial injustices—both within ourselves and in society.

Learn more

We are dedicated to developing tangible initiatives that promote an anti-racist and more equitable future

  • People sitting on a low concrete wall in an outdoor urban setting, with their legs visible and casual clothing.

    Safe and Inclusive Space

    We create a safe and inclusive space where those impacted by racial injustice can share their experiences, and where we can all listen, learn, and engage in meaningful change

  • Person wearing a brown sweatshirt resting their hands on a wooden railing, overlooking a foggy, forested body of water.

    Fostering self-awareness

    We work to foster self-awareness through initiatives that challenge biases and dismantle systemic racism

  • Two people high-fiving on a beach at sunset.

    Building a welcoming community

    We want to build a welcoming community within the Focolare Movement, our local regions, and our families

  • A partially open wooden door with a silver handle, leading to a bright outdoor scene with snow and a large snow-covered mountain or hill in the distance.

    Confronting racism

    We want to directly confront racism in all forms—both overt and covert—through education, advocacy, and action

  • Two stacked books on a wooden surface against a plain background, with the top book titled 'A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis' by Sigmund Freud and the bottom book titled 'Mind' by Siegel.

    Resources and educational tools

    We provide resources and educational tools to deepen anti-racist awareness and encourage self-reflection

Events

Through our conversations, we invite people to share their knowledge and experiences of race in society and within the Movement. In smaller groups, we engage in deeper discussions, reflecting on what we've heard and our own experiences, while exploring actionable steps toward building an anti-racist society.

  • Unconscious Bias​ – two main speakers defining unconscious bias and how we all have it. (March 2022)

  • In the skin of the other – a presentation on systemic racism and the effects it has on society and POC. (May 2023)

  • Identity & Culture​ – guest speaker Patrick Briggs showed us how we identify ourselves shape our decision making and how we see and ‘judge’ others. (Aug. 2022)

Events

Newsletters

  • Crowd of people outside the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., during sunset.

    White Privilege

    Racial Equity hosted an engaging webinar on White Privilege led by Lindsay Davis, Angelica Kerr and Julie James

    Newsletter, February 2026

  • Panel discussion at an event titled "Raising Hope" with several people seated on stage and a large green banner in the background.

    Raising Hope Conference

    A conference and celebration of the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Si

    Newsletter, November, 2025

  • A panel of four members on stage speaking to an audience in a conference room. Behind them, a large screen displays information about racial equity.

    90-minute workshop at the Northeast Mariapolis

    Have we been “living unity” concretely? Have we been loving everyone? 

    Newsletter, September 2025

  • Visitors in a museum observing historical exhibits on a wall display, with a large black-and-white photograph of people walking and protesting projected on a screen nearby, in Washington DC.

    Racial Wealth Gap

    “Economic Privilege and Race”. Margaret Karram, Focolare president and Jesus Moran, Focolare Co-president in Washington DC

    Newsletter, June 2025

  • A group of people, including children, riding on a flatbed truck during a historical black and white event.

    Mapping Inequality

    Pertinent contributions that encourage and inspire equity

    Newsletter, April 2025

  • People protesting in a street holding signs advocating for civil rights, equal rights, and better education and housing.

    Women’s History Month

    Highlighting achievements, successes and the great impact on the world around them

    Newsletter, March 2025

  • A man in a denim jacket and beanie browsing books in a library, reaching for a book on a shelf.

    Black History Month

    Schomburg Center For Research in Black Culture

    Newsletter, February 2025

  • Black and white photo of a city street leading toward the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

    Welcome to our first Racial Equity newsletter!

    Black History Month. The essence of dialogue

    Newsletter, February 2025