We invite submissions for the in-person pre-conference titled, “Rethinking Global Discourses of Racial Inequality,” at ICA 2026, jointly organized by the Language & Social Interaction (LSI), Intercultural Communication (ICC), and Ethnicity & Race in Communication (ERIC) divisions. This pre-conference responds to the current global moment, marked by intersecting discourses of racism, resistance, justice, and empowerment. Across societies, renewed attention to racial inequalities has sparked calls to reimagine the conceptual and methodological tools we use to study how race is constituted, normalized, and contested in communication practices. Our aim is to create an interdisciplinary and supportive space where all participants (particularly students and early-career scholars) can share their work, receive constructive feedback, and build networks for collaboration across divisions and disciplines. By bringing together scholars from LSI, ICC, and ERIC, we seek to advance cross-divisional dialogue and develop innovative approaches to understanding and transforming global discourses of race and inequality. Topics of Interest We welcome submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following areas: * Interactional and discursive constructions of race, racism, and racial difference * Cross-cultural and intercultural dimensions of racism, privilege, and power * Global and transnational perspectives on racial inequality and justice * Communication practices of resistance, solidarity, and empowerment * Methodological innovations for studying race, discourse, and inequality * Racialization in digital, mediated, and algorithmic spaces * Intersectional analyses of race, ethnicity, language, and culture Submission Guidelines Abstract length: 300–500 words (excluding references) Format: Include title, author(s), affiliation(s), and contact information. Eligibility: We particularly encourage submissions from graduate students and early-career scholars. Submit abstracts to: https://forms.gle/5gBryK9Vp6nC7BHJ7 <https://forms.gle/5gBryK9Vp6nC7BHJ7>. Timeline: Deadline for abstract submission: February 15, 2026 Acceptance notifications: March 15, 2026 Deadline for registration (Registration fee: 85 USD): 15 April 2026 (includes snacks + lunch) Preconference: 4 June 2026 For any inquiries, please email: Natasha.Shrikant@colorado.edu <mailto:Natasha.Shrikant@colorado.edu> Pre-Conference Format The pre-conference will feature interactive paper sessions, mentored feedback, and roundtable discussions to facilitate meaningful engagement among participants and mentors. Our goal is to provide a collegial environment that encourages intellectual exchange, collaboration, and mentorship. Location: Conference Hotel, Cape Town Organizing Committee Natasha Shrikant Natasha.Shrikant@colorado.edu (Chair, Language & Social Interaction) Godfried Asante gasante@sdsu.edu (Chair, Intercultural Communication Division) Yossi David davidyossi4@gmail.com (Chair, Ethnicity & Race in Communication) -- *Yossi David, Ph.D.* Senior Lecturer The Lab for Media and Social BIAS Research The Department of Communication Studies The Data Science Research Center (DSRC) Chair, Ethnicity and Race in Communication (ERIC), International Communication Association (ICA) davidyossi4@gmail.com Pronouns: he/him/his Homepage <https://www.davidyossi.com>- academia.edu <https://uni-mainz.academia.edu/YossiDavid> - researchgate <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yossi_David2> - ORCiD <https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8020-0317> “Failures must be faced and almost welcomed; failures are experiments that can be invaluable steps toward success” (Bernd Heinrich)