2022 National Day of Racial Healing

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Tuesday, January 18, 2022, is the National Day of Racial Healing (NDORH). On this day, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) and over 170 member institutions come together to engage in transformational and sustainable change against all forms of racial, ethnic, and religious bias. 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. NDORH 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.

This year’s observance is vitally important after a period that has challenged our spiritual and emotional well-being, sense of security, and patience. For two years, we have watched as the Covid-19 pandemic has spread around the planet and had a disproportionate impact on Black, Latinx and Indigenous communities that have long endured unjust health disparities. Attacks against Jewish communities, as most recently seen in Colleyville, TX, exacerbate an ongoing sense of insecurity among Jewish people. Early in the pandemic, we saw a sharp increase in violent attacks against Asian and Asian American communities that gave rise to the #StopAsianHate movement.  Black and Indigenous people continued their protests of extrajudicial violence, and while the convictions in the trials of Derek Chauvin and George and Travis McMichaels bring some relief, these outcomes are long overdue. Instances of dispossession and settler colonialism continue to impact the most vulnerable racial and ethnic communities. We have an obligation to one another to come together and build mutually respectful relationships, tell earnest and insightful stories of our lived experiences, and work to eliminate barriers to all opportunities. The NDORH is our time to commit to healing practices for the betterment of all our community members.

To learn more about the National Day of Racial Healing, visit https://healourcommunities.org/day-of-racial-healing/. Engage in some of the following activities with your friends and colleagues.

Engage your inner circle – Friends, family, neighbors and colleagues

  • Are there people in your life with whom you’ve been wanting to discuss race or racism, but haven’t known how? Day of Racial Healing staff have put together a conversation guide to help you host a racial healing conversation in your home or a virtual setting. This guide can help you create an open, non-adversarial environment. Whenever possible, invite people from different backgrounds and cultures to join your conversation.
  •  Watch the YouTube Premiere of the National Day of Racial Healing virtual event together on Jan. 18, 2022, and discuss how the topics relate to your locality.
  • Gather friends, family, or colleagues in person or virtually and watch short videos about racial healing.
  • Host a “Walk for Racial Healing” and invite as many people as possible to participate. Be sure to make your event friendly to people of all ages, abilities and follows CDC guidelines.

Activate your social network

  • Show your support for racial healing on social media by using the hashtag #HowWeHeal.
  • Promote the National Day of Racial Healing YouTube premiere event using the hashtag #HowWeHeal. Consider hosting a Facebook watch party on or after the day.
  • Share the National Day of Racial Healing YouTube video after it airs and keep sharing it!
  • Create a short video about why racial healing is important to you and post it on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, TikTok or other social networks. Use the hashtag #HowWeHeal.
  • Set up an online fundraiser for organizations in your area that work toward racial healing.

Get your town talking

  • Ask your elected officials about issuing a local proclamation naming the day after the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, the National Day of Racial Healing in your community.
  • Create space for Affinity Groups for learning and action.

*Adapted from the Racial Day of Healing Individuals Action Kit at healingourcommunities.org