National Day of Racial Healing 2024
Contributor: Inclusion. Diversity. Equity. Advocacy (I.D.E.A) Committee
The National Day of Racial Healing originated in 2017 under W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation efforts, which serves as a community and national-based- process to determine and bring about transformational and sustainable change; in addition to talking about the historical and contemporary effects of racism in U.S. society.
Those observing the day are encouraged to acknowledge the historical and contemporary effects of racism in American society and foster greater awareness and understanding through truth-telling, affirming our common humanity, and inspiring collective, nonviolent action toward a more just and equitable world. Speakers, influencers and participants reflect on the power of what’s possible when we come together in solidarity to dismantle racism, heal and work for racial equity. NATIONAL DAY OF RACIAL HEALING is observed each year following the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday to allow us all to further draw upon the life lessons of the venerable civil rights leader. Racial healing is at the heart of racial equity – the people work that leads to community, organizational and systems transformation.
WHAT: Racial healing is a process that restores individuals and communities to wholeness, repairs the damage caused by racism and transforms societal structures into ones that affirm the inherent value of all people. It makes it possible to acknowledge and speak the truth about past wrongs created by individual and systemic racism and to address present-day consequences for people, communities and institutions.
WHEN: January 16, 2024, the day after Martin Luther King Jr.s birthday
WHY: Racial healing can facilitate trust and build authentic relationships that bridge divides created by real and perceived differences. It is essential to pursue racial healing prior to making change. Because, before you can transform systems and structures, you must start with the people first.
Resources:
- National Day of Racial Healing 2024 | NBC News NOW Special (55 minutes) This special examines what individuals can do to address racial inequities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spTxaVBCTA0&ab_channel=NBCNews.
- To learn more about the National Day of Racial Healing, visit https://dayofracialhealing.org/
- Racial Healing Activities for school Settings
Sources:
https://www.thereisadayforthat.com/holidays/usa/national-day-of-racial-healing
https://healourcommunities.org/day-of-racial-healing/