ERIC K. WARD is one of America’s leading voices on the intersection of authoritarianism, hate-fueled violence, and the fight to sustain a multiracial, inclusive democracy. He serves as Executive Vice President of Race Forward and is a senior fellow at the Southern Poverty Law Center. In a career spanning nearly 40 years, Eric made history in 2021, as the first American awarded the prestigious Civil Courage Prize. His bold, widely cited essay, “Skin in the Game: How Antisemitism Animates White Nationalism,” helped reshape the national conversation on antisemitism and is considered a cornerstone in understanding the recent rise of authoritarianism in the United States. Eric serves on the boards of the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy and Auburn Theological Seminary.

Funding for the 2026 Robert & Jennie Chortek Annual Seminar was provided by the Irving L. Chortek Charitable Fund in Memory of Robert and Jennie Chortek. This new annual speaker seminar was created through the extraordinary generosity of Irving L Chortek and his over $ 1 million 10-year commitment to the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.

The seminar’s purpose is to bring together diverse members of our community – representing many faith traditions, cultures, and backgrounds – around a topic of shared interest. Each year’s program aims to inspire and educate on bridge-building, mutual support, and strengthened collective efforts to ensure all people are treated with dignity and respect.