By 
On Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, people across the country will join together to mark the 10th annual National Day of Racial Healing. Community voices inspired the first observance and scores of individuals and groups have continued that tradition by reflecting, connecting and imagining a brighter future for all of us.
If you need ideas for organizing or hosting a community event, this guide will help you design an experience in which everyone feels a sense of belonging, from children and youth to parents and caregivers, educators and elders.
“As history affirms, when we choose to ignore our interconnection and interdependence with one another, we fail to grow stronger together. But when we embrace what we share — our humanity, our values, our aspirations — we can build a better future for our children, families and communities.”
-Excerpt from “How We Heal’ by La June Montgomery Tabron’s, W.K. Kellogg Foundation President & CEO
Start with purpose and people
Every impactful National Day of Racial Healing event starts with a clear purpose. Identify what you want participants to take away from the experience. Do you want to spark conversation, celebrate local culture or strengthen trust across communities? Having a clear goal helps everyone stay on track, sets expectations and keeps the event meaningful.
One community in New York convened around a shared purpose to deepen understanding and set intentions for the year ahead.
Choose an approach that builds belonging
There is no single way to experience racial healing. Some communities use art to spark reflection, others share the history of their community, while others focus on big ideas that help ensure every child and family has a fair shot at opportunity, no matter their background. What unites them is the belief that healing can happen anywhere people come together to listen, learn and lead with care.
Organizations in Chicago hosted an event that invited community members to collaborate through art, music and conversation that involved storytelling across generations.
Lift voices of all ages
Healing happens when generations learn from one another. Invite youth to organize the event, share stories or help lead discussions, and encourage elders to pass on life lessons.
A community coalition in Dallas, Texas marked National Day of Racial Healing 2025 with an Rx Racial Healing Circle. The gathering included intergenerational dialogue and invited young people to share their experiences and visions for a future in which everyone feels connected to one another.
Follow a simple planning timeline
Once you have a concept, you can build from this checklist. Begin by confirming your venue and budget, inviting speakers and sending early announcements.
Now that you’ve drawn inspiration from these examples and tips, it’s time to take the next step. Develop your own event and submit it to DayofRacialHealing.org so we can keep track of how the 10th annual celebration is growing. Step by step, together, we can build trust and shape a future where everyone matters and everyone belongs
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