Three local organizations will host a facilitated dialogue event in State College to mark the National Day of Racial Healing this month.
State College Borough, the Community Diversity Group and AAUW State College will host the two-part conversation series. The first part, “A Conversation to Identify Racial Barriers,” will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 16 in the community room at the State College Municipal Building. Lunch will be provided.
Part one of the series “is intended to make our State College community feel comfortable discussing what they see around them,” according to a news release.
Space is limited an attendees should register online.
Part two of the series “A Conversation to Identify Strategies to Help Break Down Racial Barriers,” will take place on a date to be announced and “will allow the community to brainstorm possible solutions and consider the broader national context,” according to the release.
“This gathering aims to foster an inclusive and comfortable space where participants can openly discuss and explore the barriers hindering racial healing,” the organizations wrote. “Through guided conversation, we hope to encourage understanding, empathy and collaborative efforts towards dismantling these barriers for a more inclusive future.”
National Day of Racial Healing was established in 2017 by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and is held annually on the Tuesday following Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
“The National Day of Racial Healing is a time to contemplate our shared values and create the blueprint together for [how we heal from the effects of racism,” according to the National Day of Racial Healing website. “… [I]t is an opportunity to bring all people together in their common humanity and inspire collective action to create a more just and equitable world.”
