US UK Summit on Race
Press Release
Attack on Democracy:
The Weaponization of DEI
Friday, February 7, 2025
Massachusetts-Based Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Organization Hosts Virtual Global Summit:
“Attack on Democracy: The Weaponization of DEI”
For Immediate Release
Carole Copeland Thomas
www.mssconnect.com
+1 508 947-5755
[email protected]
For Immediate Release
Friday, June 6, 2025
Boston, Mass - As battles over race, equity, and inclusion intensify across the globe, the 14th US-UK Summit on Race returns with a timely and provocative virtual event titled “Attack on Democracy: The Weaponization of DEI.” The summit will take place on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Eastern Time (4:00 PM UK time) on the Zoom platform.
This global gathering will feature Keynote Speaker Effenus Henderson, former Chief Diversity Officer and longtime diversity champion from Seattle, Washington. He will explore how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts are being deliberately distorted and politicized by opponents of social progress. Responding to Henderson's keynote will be Garth Dallas, UK-based Co-Founder of the US-UK Summit and a respected voice on equity issues in Liverpool, England.
The event aims to unpack the misinformation and backlash targeting DEI efforts in the U.S., U.K., and beyond, exposing the coordinated attacks against inclusive practices in both public and private institutions. It will also highlight strategic tools for reaffirming democratic values and protecting vulnerable communities amid increasing polarization and oppression.
“This isn’t just a conversation about DEI—it’s a conversation about democracy itself,” says Co-organizer Carole Copeland Thomas, Co-Founder of the Multicultural Symposium Series and a global DEI professional based in Boston. “The world is watching how we respond when equity is vilified. This summit brings people together from both sides of the Atlantic to stand up for justice, inclusion, and truth.”
The event is free and open to the public worldwide, but advance registration is suggested. Attendees will join a growing global network of changemakers dedicated to dismantling racism and amplifying inclusive leadership.
The US-UK SUMMIT on RACE is an initiative launched by the Boston-based Multicultural Symposium Series (MSS) and its Founder, Global Diversity Professional Carole Copeland Thomas. The Summit explores the impact of RACE in the United States and the United Kingdom as both countries struggle with racism, strife, and discriminatory practices that are associated with oppression across the world.
Founded in 2021, following the first anniversary of George Floyd's murder, the US UK Summit On Race has held twelve virtual events attracting hundreds of attendees from ten+ countries worldwide. It is sponsored by several US-based corporations and continues to identify corporate sponsors who value the advancement of global diversity, equity, and inclusion.
US UK Organizers include William Wells, Jr. (Minneapolis, Minnesota), Garth Dallas (Liverpool, England), and Carole Copeland Thomas (Boston, Massachusetts).
Advance registration – which is free – is required to participate.
For additional information and to register, visit www.mssconnect.com
Carole Copeland Thomas
www.mssconnect.com
+1 508 947-5755
[email protected]
For Immediate Release
Friday, June 6, 2025
Boston, Mass - As battles over race, equity, and inclusion intensify across the globe, the 14th US-UK Summit on Race returns with a timely and provocative virtual event titled “Attack on Democracy: The Weaponization of DEI.” The summit will take place on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Eastern Time (4:00 PM UK time) on the Zoom platform.
This global gathering will feature Keynote Speaker Effenus Henderson, former Chief Diversity Officer and longtime diversity champion from Seattle, Washington. He will explore how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts are being deliberately distorted and politicized by opponents of social progress. Responding to Henderson's keynote will be Garth Dallas, UK-based Co-Founder of the US-UK Summit and a respected voice on equity issues in Liverpool, England.
The event aims to unpack the misinformation and backlash targeting DEI efforts in the U.S., U.K., and beyond, exposing the coordinated attacks against inclusive practices in both public and private institutions. It will also highlight strategic tools for reaffirming democratic values and protecting vulnerable communities amid increasing polarization and oppression.
“This isn’t just a conversation about DEI—it’s a conversation about democracy itself,” says Co-organizer Carole Copeland Thomas, Co-Founder of the Multicultural Symposium Series and a global DEI professional based in Boston. “The world is watching how we respond when equity is vilified. This summit brings people together from both sides of the Atlantic to stand up for justice, inclusion, and truth.”
The event is free and open to the public worldwide, but advance registration is suggested. Attendees will join a growing global network of changemakers dedicated to dismantling racism and amplifying inclusive leadership.
The US-UK SUMMIT on RACE is an initiative launched by the Boston-based Multicultural Symposium Series (MSS) and its Founder, Global Diversity Professional Carole Copeland Thomas. The Summit explores the impact of RACE in the United States and the United Kingdom as both countries struggle with racism, strife, and discriminatory practices that are associated with oppression across the world.
Founded in 2021, following the first anniversary of George Floyd's murder, the US UK Summit On Race has held twelve virtual events attracting hundreds of attendees from ten+ countries worldwide. It is sponsored by several US-based corporations and continues to identify corporate sponsors who value the advancement of global diversity, equity, and inclusion.
US UK Organizers include William Wells, Jr. (Minneapolis, Minnesota), Garth Dallas (Liverpool, England), and Carole Copeland Thomas (Boston, Massachusetts).
Advance registration – which is free – is required to participate.
For additional information and to register, visit www.mssconnect.com
Note to editors: Above is the official logo of the US & UK Summit on Race suitable for use with media stories.