Inspiring ideas for National Day of Racial Healing events

The eighth annual National Day of Racial Healing is quickly approaching (Tuesday, Jan. 16). More than two hundred communities and organizations across the country are hosting inspiring events, and there’s still time for more.

Observing the day can be as intimate as meeting a few friends for coffee and meaningful conversation or as broad as organizing a community-wide event featuring speakers and activities. 

Below are examples of events taking place so far around the country. If you or your community are planning an event, register it on our site today.

• In Albuquerque, Two Worlds and High Desert Playback join forces for Healing Together, an intergenerational convening aimed at promoting understanding, empathy, reconciliation and coalition between Native Americans and African Americans in New Mexico.
• On January 14, La Source Ancienne Ounfo will host a multi-faith spiritual procession commissioning artistic monuments and markers at sites relevant to the transatlantic slave trade in New Orleans.
• The Courageous Conversation Global Foundation team and the creators of the Driving While Black in America Campaign will host an intergenerational conversation aimed at healing and transforming the relationship between police and Black people in America. Check it out in person or virtually. 
• Chef Bryant Currie of Austin, Texas, will join the Austin Community College District Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Campus Center for a cooking, learning and tasting demonstration, allowing a space for community members to share food and stories for healing. 
• Washington State University has a full day of National Day of Racial Healing events, including panel discussions; arts, writing and movement workshops; recreation; a Zen Den; mental health support; racial healing circles and a somatic healing performance.
• In Omaha, Nebraska, the Union for Contemporary Art will host a stage reading and community discussion of “Confederates” written by Dominique Morisseau, free and open to the public.
• The Virginia Racial Healing Institute will gather to honor local organizations working to bridge racial divides with an event including food, music, storytelling and a candlelight service. Each participant will also receive a complimentary copy of “The Little Book of Strategic Peacebuilding” by Lisa Schirch.
• Participants of all ages are invited to Tucson, Arizona’s event on January 13, which will include an afternoon of discussions, recognition of high school essay contest participants, cultural performances and more. Hosted by The League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson & the YWCA of Southern Arizona.
• Join Georgia College and State University’s “Open Mic Read Out” event, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ‘s memory and facilitating discussions around racial healing.
• In Boston, Massachusetts, a workshop led by experienced VISIONS consultants, who have been supporting individuals, organizations, and groups to work effectively across differences for nearly 40 years, aims to help attendees navigate differences with grace and foster a more inclusive world.  
• On January 11 in Washington, D.C., a conversation between Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and best-selling MLK biographer Jonathan Eig, hosted by Anne Mosle of the Aspen Institute, will explore connections between values, leadership and social impact. What lessons of the past can guide us to ensure prosperity and well-being pass from generation to generation? How can we create a world like the one Dr. King envisioned where all children and families are respected, valued and encouraged to achieve their dreams? 
• In Columbus, Ohio, the Environmental Professionals Network will host a keynote and dialogue with nationally recognized cultural anthropologist Dr. Gail Myers, as well as presentations with associate professor Dr. Alia Dietch and instructor Kip Holley, about the role of the environment in racial healing. You can attend the talks in person or via Zoom. 

Need more inspiration or help planning your event? Check out the Take Action page for events in your community. You can also download our Action Kit for suggestions on creating engaging racial healing experiences for children, in professional settings and among policymakers on Jan. 16 and beyond.