The National Day of Racial Healing: At the heart of racial equity

The National Day of Racial Healing is celebrated annually the day after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This annual observance is hosted by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) and was created with and builds on the work and learnings of the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) community partners. Fundamental to this day is a clear understanding that racial healing is at the core of racial equity.

FCCF encourages you to reflect on The National Day of Racial Healing as a time to contemplate our shared values and create the blueprint together for #HowWeHeal from the effects of racism. First launched on January 17, 2017, it is an opportunity to bring ALL people together in their common humanity and inspire collective action to create a more just and equitable world.

If you would like to learn more about the Foundation’s work or getting more involved with our programs and community partners, please explore our website and reach out to our staff. As Dr. King said, “the time is always right to do what is right.”

What is Racial Healing? How is it defined?

Racial healing restores individuals and communities to wholeness. Racial healing repairs the damage caused by racism. It facilitates trust, builds authentic relationships and bridges divides.

Racial healing is at the heart of racial equity – the people work that leads to community, organizational and systems transformation.

How you can get involved:

Tune in to recognize National Racial Day of Healing. On January 17, 2023 at 10pm, tune into MSNBC for a live Town Hall event. Noticias Telemundo will stream a Spanish-language Town Hall at 7 p.m. EST.

Watch stories to learn more about this work. NBCUniversal has been documenting powerful stories from communities across the country where people are working together to create lasting change. We invite you to watch the digital series “Changing the Narrative.” This introductory episode hosted by Zinhle Essamuah features an exclusive interview with W.K. Kellogg Foundation President and CEO La June Montgomery Tabron on the origins of racial healing and the ongoing work required to achieve racial equity.

Download an action kit. Explore ideas for hosting an event, finding your voice as a leader and leading meaningful conversations about racial healing by downloading discussion resources and other tools.