On March 24, 2023, staff from the Equity and Engagement Department joined “Race Talks” that were being held at the Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center. As part of their afterschool program, these middle school students engaged in important conversation about race in American society today. This open and honest space allowed them to share their personal experience with race and explore ways to continue building up a positive sense of self. This series of talks, facilitated by Donna Tanner-Harold, include a variety of youth across many different schools and facilities.