Highlights from the 2026 White Privilege Conference in Seattle, Washington

Jonathan Betz-Zall, Mico Sorrel, and Dinah Bacharach joined FGC staff members Shaina Robinson and Jen Ambrose for the 27th annual White Privilege Conference. Conference attendees gathered in Seattle, Washington from April 22–25, 2026. Organized by The Privilege Institute, it drew participants from education, healthcare, faith communities, nonprofits, and activist spaces together. Attenders examined how white privilege, white supremacy, and oppression shape daily life. This year’s theme, “Strength. Courage. Wisdom.” drew inspiration from India Arie’s song of the same name.

The keynote speakers, Monique Clark, Jordon Johnson, Ali Michael, and Kim Williams, brought personal, somatic, and institutional perspectives to the work. Monique Clark, a Child of Deaf Adults, described access as a radical act of justice. Jordan Johnson, a white transman and researcher, explored how white supremacy operates within our bodies. He encouraged the group to see how interrupting white supremacy can unlock collective power. Ali Michael invited participants to walk an antiracist path with persistence across a lifetime rather than a moment. Kim Williams challenged audiences to confront how white supremacist culture produces selective vision loss. Wiliams invited people to choose empathy and action as a conscious choice. Their words moved participants to broaden their knowledge and deepen their commitment to antiracism work.

Throughout the four days, FGC staff and Friends participated in workshops, caucuses, and film screenings. One Friend shared:

I went to WPC this year looking for sessions that would support my call to engage in civil discourse. Several presenters and workshop leaders mentioned the writing and wisdom of Loretta Ross, who wrote Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You’d Rather Cancel. That’s on my list! I also made notes on the ways different sessions did or didn’t start with community agreements and how that affected participant engagement.

As in past years, a designated Quaker space provided opportunity for Friends to gather, worship, and forge connections we hope will strengthen antiracism work across our communities. To learn more, visit The Privilege Institute.