La June Montgomery Tabron delivers the Bynum Tudor Lecture

Racial Equity 2030: Reimagining and building a future where every child thrives.

Today, all around the world, too many children’s futures are bound by the colour of their skin, their families’ circumstances or the limits of opportunity because of systemic inequities in their communities. In honour of its 90th anniversary, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) issued the $90 million Racial Equity 2030 global challenge to invite, build and scale actionable ideas for transformative change in the systems and institutions that uphold inequities.

But what is racial equity? What are we trying to achieve and how do we get there, as individuals and as a global society? On Thursday 23rd June, WKKF President and CEO La June Montgomery Tabron spoke to us at Kellogg about a collaborative vision for the year 2030, and beyond, where all children can once again dream and have hope. In this Bynum Tudor Lecture, she shared the racial healing journey and bold leadership skills that are required to reimagine an equitable future where all children, families and communities can truly thrive.

La June told us:

Racial equity is about creating a space where everyone feels they are equally valued and capable. No one should think their physical traits will hinder their opportunities.

La June Montgomery Tabron is President and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) based in Battle Creek, Michigan, and is a Bynum Tudor Fellow at Kellogg.

In 2014, Tabron became the first woman and African American to lead the Foundation in its 90-year history, having served in a variety of positions since she joined the Kellogg Foundation in 1987. Tabron leads the Kellogg Foundation in its work to support thriving children, working families and equitable communities, embedding a commitment to engaging communities, developing leaders and racial equity into every undertaking.

The Bynum Tudor Fellowship is the highest honour the College can bestow. It was established in 2004 as part of the College’s mission to engage with influential thinkers and experienced practitioners in business, policy making, and culture. The Bynum Tudor Fellowship is named in honour of the late North Carolina community leader Bynum E. Tudor Jr. and Mrs JoAnna Tudor, both generous supporters of Kellogg College.

Watch the film