US UK Summit on Race
Press Release
HONOURING EXCELLENCE, DEFENDING DEMOCRACY A TRANSATLANTIC CONVERSATION ON
RACE, POWER, AND JUSTICE
Friday, October 2, 2026
Massachusetts-Based Cross Cultural, Equity & Inclusion Organization Hosts 18th Virtual Global Summit: “Honouring Excellence, Defending Democracy”
For Immediate Release
Carole Copeland Thomas
www.mssconnect.com and usukrace.com
+1 508 947-5755
[email protected]
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS — Sept 2026 — The US-UK Summit on Race will present its
next global virtual forum, "Honouring Excellence, Defending Democracy: A Transatlantic Conversation on Race, Power and Justice," on Friday,
October 2, 2026, bringing together distinguished thought leaders from the United States and United Kingdom for an engaging discussion on race, equity, democracy, and social change in an increasingly polarized world.
The event is free and open to the public worldwide and will be conducted via Zoom.
Registration: www.usukrace.com
Event Time
4:00 p.m. British Summer Time
11:00 a.m. Eastern Time
10:00 a.m. Central Time
9:00 a.m. Mountain Time
8:00 a.m. Pacific Time
The program will run for approximately two hours.
Keynote Speaker
Lee Jasper United Kingdom
Lee Jasper is a British civil rights leader, strategist, and speaker with more than four decades of experience in community organizing, public policy, and government. Co-founder and founding Chair of Operation Black Vote, he served as Director of Policing and Equalities to the Mayor of London from 2000 to 2008 and, as Director of the 1990 Trust, gave evidence to the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry.
Today, Lee chairs the Alliance for Police Accountability and co-chairs the Humanity Project, which he co-founded. Through LAJ.Com, he advises organizations and leaders on equality, institutional change, and political strategy, remaining a prominent voice on racial justice and democratic accountability.
Distinguished International Panel Speakers
Dr. Georgianna Meléndez (United States)
Dr. Georgianna Meléndez is an Assistant Professor of Management at Western New England University and former Assistant Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UMass Boston. Her research and teaching focus on structural bias, organizational behavior, leadership, and entrepreneurship. She earned her PhD in Business Administration and MS in Public Affairs from UMass Boston and her BA from Bentley University.
Her leadership experience spans government, higher education, and nonprofit organizations, including executive roles at Commonwealth Compact, Casa Myrna Vazquez, and RESPOND. A frequent conference presenter and experienced board member, she has been recognized by El Planeta, GetKonnected, and Amplify LatinX for her leadership and community impact.
Dr. Garth Dallas(United Kingdom )
Dr. Garth Dallas is a Jamaican-born, Liverpool-based UK lawyer, business consultant, and DEI specialist whose work advances ethical leadership, social responsibility, and inclusive organizations. He successfully defended his doctoral thesis in September 2025.
He serves on the boards of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where he is the DEI Champion, and the Belong Cohesion Network. A founding member of the Liverpool Commonwealth Association and co-founder of the Good Small Business Awards, he has served on the organizing committee of the US UK Summit on Race since its formation in May 2021.
Why Attend?
Participants will engage in a thought-provoking dialogue that connects historical realities to
today's challenges and tomorrow's opportunities. The Summit provides a unique opportunity to hear diverse perspectives from internationally recognized leaders who are actively addressing issues of race, equity, democracy, education, faith, public policy, and community empowerment. Whether you are a student, educator, business leader, nonprofit professional, activist, policymaker, or lifelong learner, this event will offer valuable insights and practical perspectives for understanding the complexities of race in today's global society.
About the US-UK Summit on Race
The US-UK Summit on Race is an international initiative launched by the Boston-based
Multicultural Symposium Series (MSS) and its Founder, Carole Copeland Thomas, CSP, a
globally recognized diversity strategist, speaker, and consultant. Founded in 2021 following the first anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, the Summit examines the impact of race in both the United States and the United Kingdom as the two nations continue to confront racism, discrimination, inequity, and social division. Since its inception, the Summit has hosted 17 virtual events, attracting participants from more than 16 countries worldwide.
The initiative is supported by U.S.-based corporate sponsors and continues to attract organizations committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging on a global scale.
The Summit's Co-Founders include:
Carole Copeland Thomas, CSP
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Dr. Garth Dallas
Liverpool, England
William Wells, Jr., MBA
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Together, they continue to create meaningful international dialogue that promotes understanding, collaboration, and action across borders.
(Boston, Massachusetts).
Registration
This event is free and open to the public worldwide.
Pre-registration is required.
Register at: www.mssconnect.com
Note to editors: Above is the official logo of the US & UK Summit on Race suitable for use with media stories.