Five National Day of Racial Healing events to attend in Michigan

The National Day of Racial Healing, an annual tradition held on the Tuesday following Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is a time to contemplate our shared values and create a blueprint for healing from the effects of racism. Launched in 2017, the day encourages individuals and communities to come together and inspire collective action to build common ground for a more just and equitable world.

Racial healing is the experience shared by people when they speak openly and hear the truth about past wrongs and the negative impacts created by individual and systemic racism. This process is impactful across the country and holds particular importance to our CEO and President La June Montgomery Tabron, who has shared her own racial journey began with King’s “I Have A Dream” speech in Detroit. 

Looking for ways to engage in this important movement in Michigan? Here are five impactful events happening across the state:

• Grand Rapids, Mich.: Don’t miss visionary leader Latosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, as she delivers a keynote address on Monday. Jan. 20. Part of Grand Rapids Community College’s Diversity Lecture Series, her talk promises to inspire action toward racial justice and inclusion while reflecting on Dr. King’s enduring legacy.
• Marquette, Mich.: Northern Michigan University’s Student Enrichment Center is holding a week-long series of events that kick off on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and features volunteer opportunities, advocacy workshops and a diversity resource fair. Highlights include assembling winter care kits for those in need and engaging in letter-writing campaigns to legislators advocating for equitable policies. Email [email protected] for more information.
• Battle Creek, Mich.: The Battle Creek Coalition for Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation invites the Battle Creek community to turn vision into action. Planned programming includes the unveiling of the Coalition’s five-year strategic plan, cultural performances and a celebration of diverse voices shaping a more inclusive future. Enjoy local cuisines, inspiring speakers and opportunities to connect with neighbors as you commit to dismantling systemic racism together.
  
• Detroit: Join the Detroit Equity Action Lab at Wayne State University for a half-day program that emphasizes healing from racial, ethnic and religious biases through community dialogue and solidarity. Their theme, Reclaiming Humanity through Co-Liberation and Solidarity, inspires participants to tackle racism together while advocating for justice. Open to all, with free parking and resources provided.
• East Lansing, Mich.: Michigan State University Libraries is hosting a screening of documentary Fannie Lou Hamer’s America, followed by a panel discussion exploring the civil rights activist’s legacy and its relevance today. The event is free, open to the public and includes light refreshments.

The National Day of Racial Healing is first and foremost a day of community action for a more just society. Visit our event map to learn more about these events and discover how you can get involved. Together, we can create a world where every child and community thrives.