WSU to observe National Day of Racial Healing on Jan. 20

Wayne State University will join institutions across the country on Tuesday, Jan. 20, to observe the National Day of Racial Healing, a day dedicated not only to acknowledging the harm caused by racism, but to creating space for reflection, dialogue and collective healing.

Rooted in the spirit of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and aligned with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation initiative, the annual observance emphasizes a simple but powerful truth: racial healing is essential to racial equity. At Wayne State, that work will take shape through a hybrid program designed to meet people where they are - intellectually, emotionally and logistically.

"Racism impacts everyone. We have a responsibility to take care of one another and to facilitate our individual as well as our collective communal healing," said Asandi Conner, director of the Detroit Equity Action Lab and one of the event organizers.

The day begins with a keynote breakfast at the WSU Student Center, followed by an afternoon of virtual breakout sessions focused on practical and reflective approaches to healing, which includes coalition building, art therapy and bystander intervention. Organizers say the mix of in-person and virtual offerings is intentional, designed to maximize access and participation.

"We are excited to host this important event as we create space, both in-person and virtual, for campus and community to reflect on healing from racism," said Stephanie Hawkes, senior director of the university's Office of Multicultural Student Engagement. "This year's theme, "Reclaiming Humanity through Co-Liberation and Solidarity," encourages attendees to engage in thought around how our ability to heal from racism rests in our ability to build community, peace and reconciliation with one another."

For many participants, the day is also about moving from reflection to action. "As members of a campus community, it's important that we engage in dialogue with one another about race and the impacts of racism," said Alex Boesch, director of educational and strategic initiatives in the Office of Inclusive Excellence. "Many people want to know what they can do, as individuals, when they witness or perceive an instance of racism. To meet that need, one of our afternoon sessions will focus on bystander intervention."

Hawkes emphasized that the program recognizes racism as a shared societal challenge rather than an individual one. "Racism isn't an isolated phenomenon - it impacts everyone," she said. "We designed a day that offers a variety of ways for folks to show up, listen deeply and reflect on ways to build solidarity and community in the hope of building a more inclusive and equitable world."

Hosted collaboratively by the Detroit Equity Action Lab, the Office of Inclusive Excellence and the Office of Multicultural Student Engagement, Wayne State's National Day of Healing from Racism invites participants into a collective process - one grounded in truth-telling, shared responsibility and the belief that healing is possible through community.