National Day of Healing from Racism
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In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Wayne State’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Office of Multicultural Student Engagement, and Wayne Law’s Detroit Equity Action Lab are collaborating on Tuesday, Jan. 19th, for the National Day of Healing from Racism. We will host a series of virtual events 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. To heal from and end racism, we need to tell the truth about past and current wrongs and address the consequences created by individual and systemic racism.
Join us as we support each other in how we are impacted by racism, move toward healing from racism, and build inclusion at our campus community and beyond. #HowWeHeal
Various virtual sessions will be held throughout the day, so registrants are encouraged to participate as their schedule allows.
Time |
Activity |
10am-10:30am |
Morning guided meditation/affirmation |
10:30-noon |
Welcome & Fishbowl Participants are invited to experience a discussion among a group of Wayne State staff and faculty as they explore the impact of racism in their lives. Q& A are welcome in the chat. |
12-12:30pm |
Break |
12:30-1:30pm |
Lunch Time—Choose 1 (Choose Your...) Self Selected Breakout Rooms Room 1: Dialogue Session Come join in on a facilitated conversation about experiences of systemic racism and ways you and your community heal from racism.
Room 2: Art Therapy Session Come join in on a session of practicing mindfulness and self-reflection with some art therapy. What’s art therapy? It’s a “mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance, physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all age.” We will be discussing and processing emotions surrounding race and cultural micro-aggressions. A list of materials needed will be shared after you register.
Room 3: Healing the Effects of Racism and Trauma in the Genes, Brain, and Body This workshop centers on the effects of racism and trauma on the human nervous system, leading to changes in the genes, brain and body. A self-alignment exercise, and a guided self-compassion meditation and healing practice will also be offered. |
1:30-2pm |
Break |
2-3:30pm |
Resting Deeper into the Self & Our Connections during the Pandemic Workshop Description: This exploratory workshop's intention is to offer a space where participants can learn from one another what coping and radical self-care looks like within a unique but continued moment of collective grief. We will explore questions that ask can our relationship with our ancestors beyond the veil teach us about caring for ourselves and each other behind screens? What are distinctions between alone-ness and loneliness with ourselves and each other during this time? How are we already internally resourced within ourselves and also by our existing relationships? It is the facilitator's hope that we shift out of the workshop with more tools for building our spiritual and emotional capacities.
|
3:30-4pm |
Break |
4pm – 4:30pm |
Letter to Our People Description: Write a message to your “people” (i.e., your mentors, mentees, and others) expressing how have made a significant positive impact on your life personally or professionally.
|
4:30pm – 5:30pm |
Break |
5:30-6:30pm |
Poetry Showcase Description: Come enjoy an evening of talent at the National Day of Healing from Racism Poetry Showcase featuring students, staff and the community. |
6:30-6:45pm |
Break |
6:45-7:30 |
Theatre performance & Community Dialogue Description: 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. |
7:30pm –7:40 |
Closing remarks & 2022 Save the Date |
For more information visit our Facebook page for the event.
Contact
Stephanie Hawkes
313-577-2358
gd2711@wayne.edu