Join the Truth, Racial Healing and TransformationTM (TRHT) Initiative at Emory University for the 9th Annual National Day of Racial Healing, January 21–23, 2025. Events begin with opening remarks by Dr. Gail Christopher, Executive Director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity and architect of the TRHT framework, followed by a panel exploring healing-centered approaches to bridging divides and building inclusive communities.
In collaboration with Equitable Dinners Atlanta and Out of Hand Theater, the TRHT Initiative is hosting a dinner specifically for the Emory community with a theatrical performance by Nikki Young, associate artistic director of Out of Hand Theater.
Dominican University will host Jane Elliott for an in-person-only lecture and discussion at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
Join us to help welcome Jane Elliott, internationally known teacher, lecturer, diversity trainer, to mark the National Day of Racial Healing as a time “to contemplate our shared values and create the blueprint for #HowWeHeal from the effects of racism.”
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.
Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) is a nationally recognized, community-based initiative for racial justice. Dominican was named a TRHT Campus Center in 2020 by the AAC&U.
Join us for a reflective celebration featuring music, readings and keynote speaker Minister Tonnette Williams.
Sponsored by Mt. Zion Baptist Church
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The 2025 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration theme replicates the title of Dr. King’s fourth and final book, which was published prior to his assassination.
Under the backdrop of monumental change in America after new laws such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed the next phase of the movement would bring its challenges. “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” inspires thought and hope for advancing the movement, from continued interracial coalitions to faith, economic justice, nonviolent action and the ballot.
As Baldwin Wallace is centered on its own challenges of what the next steps of social action will be and our nation navigates the aftermath of a contentious election cycle and global unrest, the tenets of Dr. King’s work ring more now than ever before.
In what ways will we rise to the challenge of finding new ways to build even when we don’t feel like building? How do we advance community and justice when the structures that support community have been dismantled? Join the committee as we challenge you to consider your role in answering, “Where do we go from here?”
Throughout the week, at various programs, we will take time to reflect on the significance of the people and milestones that inspire the struggle for justice in our age. We will celebrate legacies connected to our campus and region. This year, the world lost a giant of the Civil Rights Movement when BW graduate Rev. James Lawson ’51 passed away on June 9.
Our MLK celebrations also mark the 50th anniversary of the implementation of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday in the State of Ohio, eight years prior to it becoming a federal holiday.
The 35th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration is sponsored by Baldwin Wallace University in conjunction with the Berea community and the Campus/Community MLK Week Committee 2025.
Join the Alamo Colleges District’s Arts, Culture and Community Impact team for our 4th Annual National Day of Collective Healing, featuring Tony and Grammy Award-winning vocalist, actor and songwriter Leslie Odom, Jr.!
This special event will take place on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Carver Community Cultural Center, celebrating the solidarity and vibrancy of our city.
This year’s theme, “The Rhythm of Our Common Humanity,” highlights the rich diversity of our communities through musical performances, spoken word and engaging discussions that underscore our shared connections and collective humanity. While tickets are free, they are limited to the first 500 attendees. The first 100 ticketed attendees to arrive at the venue will receive a special gift from the Arts, Culture and Community Impact team to commemorate the event. Secure your ticket by visiting Eventbrite.
Northern Michigan University is planning a week of service activities around the theme, “Empowering Community through Action,” beginning with Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 20. The overarching goal will be to assemble and donate winter care kits to the Room at the Inn to support those in need during the cold-weather months, but additional daily programming is scheduled as well.
The full schedule of service activities follows:
Monday, Jan. 20: Radical Togetherness–Crafting Kindness
Participate in breakout volunteer sessions to make blankets, inspirational cards and friendship bracelets, with lunch and inspiring speakers to fuel the creativity, from 1-4 p.m. in the Hedgcock Atrium.
Tuesday, Jan. 21: Advocacy in Action–Writing for Change
Materials and guidance will be provided for writing letters to state legislators advocating for equitable policies and systemic change from 1-3 p.m. in the Hedgcock Atrium.
Wednesday, Jan. 22: Nourishing Our Neighbors–Feeding America
Volunteer with Feeding America to help unload and distribute food to the Marquette community between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Berry Events Center. The sign-up link is www.yoopersunited.com/need/detail/?need_id=1009357 .
Thursday, Jan. 23: Pathways to Belonging–Diversity Resource Fair
Students are invited to discover opportunities for getting involved and making a lasting impact on campus and beyond by connecting with organizations that champion diversity, equity and inclusion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Hedgcock Atrium.
Friday, Jan. 24: Compassion in Action–Kit Assembly and Delivery
Celebrate the collective efforts of the NMU community in serving others and carrying King’s legacy forward by assembling winter care kits and delivering them to the Room at the Inn from 1-4 p.m. in the Hedgcock Atrium.
The six items requested for each winter care kit include one compact, foldable rain poncho; one package of hand and foot warmers; wrapped snacks that are easy to chew; one compact blanket; one pair of adult-size socks, with an additional warm hat or pair of gloves appreciated; and hygiene items such as bandages, deodorant, shaving razors, lotion, wet wipes, cotton swabs and antibiotic ointment. Donation bins are located at the Marquette Food Co-op, NMU Office of Diversity and Inclusion/Student Equity and Engagement Center, and the NMU Center for Student Enrichment.
NMU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion has also launched an MLK crewneck and T-shirt fundraiser in support of upcoming Juneteenth events.
Join the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University for an interactive 90-minute webinar that will change the way you think about racial healing and community building. In honor of the Kellogg Foundation’s National Day of Racial Healing on January 21st, 2025, renowned facilitator Susan M. Glisson will share an overview of The Welcome Table™, a community building process she uses for racial healing, reckoning and repair. Her innovative approach utilizes storytelling and deep listening to foster authentic relationships that create a safe space for acknowledging and reconciling past race-related wounds and facilitate effective collective efforts that transform communities.
Glisson has completed reconciliation projects using The Welcome Table™ in communities with some of the most well-known histories of racial violence and in more than 25 states throughout the U.S. This webinar will introduce several Welcome Table best practices and participants will leave with an awareness of the powerful role storytelling can play in repairing the damage caused by racism and building more equitable communities.
Attendees are encouraged to read about some of Glisson’s impactful work using The Welcome Table™ in her 2019 article, Critical Connections: Trust-building as a Prerequisite to Systems Change.
Seeds of Healing: The Opening Event for the National Day of Racial Healing 5-Day Series
Begin an extraordinary journey of collective healing and transformation with Seeds of Healing, a racial healing circle and food fellowship that launches our 5-day series honoring the National Day of Racial Healing 2025. This immersive gathering sets the tone for a week dedicated to reflection, growth and community empowerment as we explore the theme of How We Heal.
Seeds of Healing: The Opening Event
Guided by skilled facilitators, this sacred racial healing circle invites you into a sacred space of storytelling, connection and truth-telling. Together, we’ll break through barriers, honor our shared humanity and uncover the strength to heal racial wounds. This is a moment to embrace vulnerability, ignite courage and reimagine what’s possible when communities commit to transformation.
The 5-Day Series: How We Heal
Aligned with the goals of the National Day of Racial Healing 2025, this transformative series offers daily opportunities to engage in healing and justice through:
Reflection: Guided moments to pause, process and deepen understanding of personal and collective healing.
Education: Workshops and dialogues exploring racial equity, community resilience and actionable steps toward justice.
Art: Creative expressions like painting, poetry and performance as pathways to healing and transformation.
Storytelling: Sharing and amplifying diverse narratives that honor truth, resilience and cultural richness.
Connection: Interactive events that build meaningful relationships and foster a shared commitment to equity and unity.
This is more than an event—it’s a movement toward healing, equity and transformation. Let Seeds of Healing inspire and energize you to carry this spirit into 5 days of profound experiences as we honor the National Day of Racial Healing 2025.
In partnership with the Michigan Transformation Collective and the National Day of Racial Healing, join a drop-in tour at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts on Sunday, January 19 from 1:30-2:30pm to explore and discuss art and artists who have used art for healing, to highlight resilience, promote community building, call attention to marginalization, showcase their voices, and more. Guests who join this interactive tour will be invited to share their experiences and perspectives as we work toward a brighter, more equitable future in Kalamazoo.
Upon your arrival at the KIA, please let the Information Desk staff know that you are attending the drop-in tour and your admission fee will be waived on this day.
Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.