Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) Kalamazoo is celebrating its 5th Annual National Day of Racial Healing (NDORH) on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021. This year's celebration will include a variety of virtual events and activities throughout the month of January focused on the theme of "Healing and Resistance."
"The oppression and marginalization of Black and Brown people is often discussed without highlighting the many ways these groups have historically disrupted racist systems and built power independent of the barriers and backlash they faced," said Sholanna Lewis, Director of TRHT Kalamazoo. "We're looking forward to bringing the community together to celebrate our healing, resilience and resistance."
Community members and local artists who have exemplified resistance and healing work during this extraordinary past year will be showcased during the main virtual event on Jan. 19 at the Kalamazoo State Theatre.
"People rarely ever accept subjugation without any push-back," said Ed Genesis, TRHT Kalamazoo Racial Healing Design Team Lead and member of the NDORH planning committee. "Remembering the creative and genius ways Black and Brown communities have always resisted racism is meant to bring joy, inspiration, empowerment and, ultimately, healing."
These community events are hosted in partnership with the Kalamazoo State Theatre, Public Media Network and Soul Artistry. For more information and to register visit TRHTKzoo.org or TRHT Kalamazoo on Facebook.
TRutH Talk: Racial Healing
January 7, 2021
4 - 5:30 p.m.
Watch on TRHT Kalamazoo Facebook Live, YouTube, and Public Media Network
National Day of Racial Healing: Twitter Chat
January 14, 2021
4 - 5:30 p.m.
Interactive pre-event to chat with panelists and suggest topics and questions.
Follow TRHT Kalamazoo on Twitter to join in!
January 18, 2021
4 - 6 p.m.
Experience a virtual healing experience with fellow community members.
RSVP by Jan. 13 as space is limited.
January 19, 2021
4 -5 p.m.
Virtually mix and mingle with the TRHT Kalamazoo team and community before the main event.
January 19, 2021
5 - 7:30 p.m.
Join our live stream from The Kalamazoo State Theatre featuring community voices and performances.
January 21, 2021
4 - 6 p.m.
Join a discussion of the book, From Here to Equality: Reparations for Black Americans in the 21st Century. The first 20 people registered can receive a free copy of the book.
About NDORH
National Day of Racial Healing, recognized on the Tuesday following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is an opportunity for people, organizations and communities across the United states to call for racial healing, bring people together in their shared humanity and take collective action to create a more just and equitable world.
In 2017, over 550 leaders from around the United States created National Day of Racial Healing as a day to celebrate the differences that make communities vibrant, acknowledge racial divisions that must be overcome and engage in efforts to increase understanding and respect among people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Both the City of Kalamazoo and the City of Portage have recognized NDORH with proclamations encouraging the community to promote racial healing and transformation.
About THRT Kalamazoo
TRHT Kalamazoo, hosted by KZCF, is a community-based movement to bring about transformational and sustainable change to address the historic and contemporary effects of racism. Kalamazoo is one of 14 TRHT locations nationwide, and one in four in Michigan (the others include Flint, Lansing, and Battle Creek). Learn more at TRHTKzoo.org.
