Racism isn’t limited to horrors of the past — brutal murders, church bombings and protester beatings. It’s entwined with the present, often in subtle yet insidious ways. Acknowledging and eliminating these prejudices, be they subtle or blatant, is the motivation behind National Day of Racial Healing, which is observed today.

Launched by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in 2017 with the support of more than 550 national leaders, the observance relies on a wide range of events, discussions and activities, with groups brought together by civic, community, government and private organizations to focus on healing the wounds created by conscious and unconscious bias—racial, ethnic and religious.

United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is one of hundreds of WKKF partners supporting National Day of Racial Healing.

“Racial healing is a process we can undertake as individuals, in communities and across society,” said WKKF President and CEO La June Montgomery Tabron. “The National Day of Racial Healing is a powerful platform for highlighting the healing work already underway and widening the circle of leaders committed to transforming their communities through this essential work.

Chris Sargent, President and CEO of United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, said the National Day of Racial Healing is a call to action for people to engage in a dialogue.

“It’s important for all of us to acknowledge the wrongs of the past and explore ways to come together to heal,” he said. “That’s not an easy task, but it’s both necessary and, in the end, affirming to all people from all backgrounds. It’s a crucial step in building a stronger, vibrant community.”

Activities are happening today across our region and the state. For a list of events, click here.