Cincinnati’s National Day of Racial Healing

Racial healing is an ongoing process supportive of wholeness in individuals, communities and societies that benefits all people, regardless of ethnic background.

As Cincinnati continues its commitment to social justice, equity and inclusion, nationally recognized diversity experts, as well as local advocates, public health experts and artists, will come together virtually to celebrate the 2021 National Day of Racial Healing.

Cincinnati’s National Day of Racial Healing, led by All-In Cincinnati and the Center for Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation, aims to share truths, deepen relationships and build trust to create a more just and equitable society.

Dr. Gail Christopher, D.N, N.D., an award-winning social change agent widely recognized for designing holistic strategies,  will be the keynote speaker. Ramsey Ford, visual artist at Design Impact, and Lauren Eylise, a soulful vocalist and NPR Tiny Desk Concert Winner, will accompany Dr. Christopher’s presentation.

Cincinnati’s National Day of Racial Healing will also include meditation and yoga with Lizzie Ngwenya-Scoburgh, Ph.D., and a musical celebration hosted by DJ Vader.

Cincinnati’s National Day of Racial Healing is designed as an informative and engaging day. All sessions are free, and the public is welcomed to attend any session of the one-day event at no cost.

Connect with local racial healing initiatives by using hashtags #HowWeHeal and #RacialHealingCincinnati and texting “HEAL” to 50503 to donate. For more information, visit www.racialhealingcincinnati.com.

Register Today

Cincinnati’s National Day of Racial Healing Training

Foundations for Racial Healing

Local social justice advocates will offer insights for developing and implementing community-based programs focused on social determinants, racial inequity and healing in Cincinnati.

Jennifer Ingram of Calibrated Lens will lead a discussion with Iris Roley of the Cincinnati Black United Front, Janaya Trotter Bratton, J.D., Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge, and Rickell Howard Smith, J.D., of the Center for Social Justice at the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio.

Racism: A Public Health Crisis

Public health experts will discuss determinants of health, disparities, health inequities and how racism disproportionately affects the health of Blacks, Hispanics and people of color. Learn how health services, policies, self-care strategies and prayer can mitigate the trauma of racism in minority populations.

Meredith Shockley-Smith of Queen’s Village will lead a discussion with Vanessa Lopez-Littleton, Ph.D., associate professor of health, human services and public policy, California State University – Monterey Bay, Camille Jones, M.D., public health advocate, and Mike Scruggs, D.Min., pastor of Light of the World Church.

Using Radical Empathy to Break Down Walls and Build Connections

Akua D. Wilson and Lonnie Jennings, students at the University of Cincinnati, and Naimah Bilal of the Urban Consulate will lead an interactive experience to mend racial bonds. Topics include research on race and ethnicity, inequities and ways to approach difficult race-based situations with radical empathy.

Lessons from Manhattan Beach

Led by Tynisha Worthy of Intersections and Angelica Hardee of the American Heart Association, this session explores the night an African American family’s home in Manhattan Beach, CA, was firebombed, the heartbreak of what followed and the reconciliation of a community.

Healing in the Community: A Call to Action

Racial healing allies will discuss how to bring individuals, organizations and neighborhoods together in their common humanity and explore ways to engage in collective action to create a more just and equitable world.

Moderated by Jan Michele Lemon-Kearney, a City of Cincinnati Councilor, will lead the discussion with Leslie Jones, pastor of Truth and Destiny Church, Sarah Baldauf, communications consultant at the Community Resilience Center, and Daronce Daniels of the Lincoln Heights Movement.

Cincinnati’s National Day of Racial Healing Sponsors

Greater Cincinnati Foundation, HealthPath, Interact for Health, Intersections, Praxis Matters, United Way of Greater Cincinnati and the Charles Phelps Taft Research Center at the University of Cincinnati.

Cincinnati’s National Day of Racial Healing Hosts

All-In Cincinnati is a racial equity coalition working to dismantle racial inequities in health, housing, education, economic mobility, and justice by uplifting Black women in Hamilton County. The Center for Truth, Racial Healing &  Transformation^TM  (TRHT) at the University of Cincinnati uses research, learning, and action to end the harm caused by racial injustice.

The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job posting, scholarships and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group and text VOBC to 797979.