The Wayne State campus and surrounding communities are invited to virtually celebrate our common humanity and engage in an ongoing discussion about creating a more just and equitable world as part of the National Day of Healing from Racism on Tuesday, Jan. 18.

Wayne State’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Office of Multicultural Student Engagement, and Wayne Law’s Detroit Equity Action Lab will host a series of events from 10 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. on Zoom in an effort to heal the wounds created by racial, ethnic and religious bias, and build an equitable and just society where everyone can thrive. Held annually in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the National Day of Healing from Racism focuses on encouraging a community-based process of transformative, sustainable change while addressing historic and contemporary effects of racism. The event — now in its sixth year — is part of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation effort, which unites thousands of people across the country through local events and discussions.

All National Day of Healing from Racism events are free and open to the public. Be sure to follow the dialogue on social media with #HowWeHeal.

“We are pleased to host the National Day of Healing from Racism for the sixth year. The focus is on personal and interpersonal healing, even as we acknowledge the systemic nature of racism in our institutions and nation,” said Marquita Chamblee, associate provost for diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer at Wayne State University. “The activities we have planned are designed to spark deep reflection and conversation about how racism affects our connections with one another and how we can individually and collectively heal. It can be deep, sometimes painful work, but it is worth the effort if we are going to build inclusive community at Wayne State and beyond.”

Various virtual sessions will be held throughout the day, and registrants are encouraged to participate as their schedule allows. Sessions include:

10 to 10:30 a.m.: Morning guided meditation by Schantell Puameloe Taylor with Healing by Choice!

10:30 to 10:40 a.m.: Welcome

10:40 a.m. to noon: Fishbowl discussion

Participants are invited to experience a discussion among a group of Wayne State staff and faculty as they explore the impact of racism on their lives.

12:30 to 1:30 p.m.: Self-directred breakout room

• • Room 1: Self-Care and Community Care: Approaches to Healing
  • Room 2: Art Therapy Session
  • Room 3: Managing Your Energy and Reclaiming Joy with Healing by Choice!

2 to 3:30 p.m.: Ritual: Balancing Our Left and Right Hands

Ritual is one of the fastest ways to heal a complex wound. It allows us to move from thinking through a problem into a heart space of healing. Ritual allows us to step into our highest selves, where all solutions become possible. In this ritual, we will learn how to create a safe space for soul work. We will explore our racial history of imbalanced giving and receiving. We will clear emotional obstacles — including shame, grief, fear, and guilt — and move forward together to restore balance between our sense of giving and taking.

4 to 4:45 p.m. Theatre performance and community dialogue

Performance by the Freedom Players, an ensemble within the Black Theatre and Dance Collective at Wayne State University. Participants are invited to enjoy a virtual performance.

5 to 5:30 p.m.: Poetry and Art Showcase
Come enjoy an evening of talent at the National Day of Healing from Racism Poetry Showcase featuring students, staff and the community.

5:30 to 5:40 p.m.: Closing remarks

RSVP for the National Day of Healing from Racism at Wayne State.