Up Next: Dambisa Moyo
This season brings timely ideas to the stage and invites you into a shared experience of big questions and meaningful conversation with a community of Richmond’s most curious minds.
EXPLORE THE 2026 – 2027 SEASON
Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative
In 2018 — recognizing the absence of speech & debate programs or inadequate funding in most of the region’s public schools — The Richmond Forum launched an initiative to implement, grow, and support these essential programs.
The goal of the Richmond Forum Speech & Debate Initiative is for every public middle and high school in the region to have competitive speech & debate programs by 2025, the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry’s speech, delivered right here in Richmond.
Who has spoken at The Forum?
More than 240 distinguished speakers have participated in The Forum since its inception in 1987. Our list of alumni includes past U.S. presidents, sitting heads of state, and leaders from the sciences, arts, business, and more.
THANK you to this season’s lead patrons
Join us This season
Memberships are on sale now for the 2026 – 2027 season. Options start at $145.