Eric Ward

Eric Ward is executive vice president of Race Forward, a nonprofit racial-justice organization. He is an expert on the relationship between authoritarian movements, hate violence, and preserving inclusive democracy. In Ward’s over 30-year civil rights career, he has worked with community groups, government and business leaders, human rights advocates, and philanthropies as an organizer, director, program officer, consultant, and board member. His writings and speeches are credited with key narrative shifts. Ward is a member of the President's Leadership Council for the Search for Common Good, chair of Proteus Fund, and an advisor to Bridge Entertainment Labs. His recognition includes the 2021 Civil Courage Prize–the first American recipient in the award’s 21-year history.