The Western Illinois University Office of Justice, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (JIDE) is proud to host the inaugural National Day of Racial Healing Tuesday, Jan. 16 following Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Aligned with the national observance, this day aims to foster a collective commitment to racial equity, justice and understanding. Multiple events will be held in line with the observance.

The National Day of Racial Healing serves as a catalyst for activities promoting racial healing in homes, schools, businesses and communities nationwide. At WIU, the focus is on creating a more just and equitable future for all through various events and discussions.

Racial healing is recognized as a vital component of achieving racial equity, involving collaborative efforts to transform communities, organizations and systems. The National Day of Racial Healing provides an opportunity for individuals, communities and organizations to come together, acknowledge shared values, build trust, develop authentic relationships and inspire collective action to address the effects of racism.

The week of events includes:

• • Tuesday, Jan. 16:

• • 9 a.m.: WIU President Guiyou Huang and Macomb Mayor Michael J. Inman will present proclamations for the National Day of Racial Healing at the WIU JIDE Office, University Union, Suite 110.

• • 2-3 p.m.: WIU Veterans Resource Center Director Ron Pettigrew, along with the Macomb and WIU communities, will discuss healing from global, national, state and local events in the University Union Sandburg Lounge.

• • 6-7 p.m.: WIU Professor of Sociology and Anthropology Robert Hironimus-Wendt will speak on “Racism for White People” in the University Union Sandburg Lounge.

• • Monday, Jan. 22:

• • 2-3:30 p.m.: WIU Professor of History Peter Cole will speak on the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Commemoration Project (CRR19) in the University Union Sandburg Lounge.

• • Tuesday, Jan. 23:

• • 2-3 p.m.: Associate Vice President of Global Studies Randy Glean will speak on Xenophobia in the University Union Sandburg Lounge.

• • Wednesday, Jan. 24:

• • 2-3 p.m.: WIU’s 2023 C.T. Vivian Scholar Rev. Tamera Izlar will host a Diversity Storytelling Workshop in the University Union Sandburg Lounge.

• • Monday, Jan. 29:

• • 1-2 p.m.: Student Government Association (SGA) Vice-President of JIDE Winter Unverzagt and SGA Speaker of the Senate will discuss student-based advocacy for Latin American immigrants in the United States in the University Union Lincoln Room.

• • Tuesday, Jan. 30:

• • 2-3 p.m.: WIU Professor of Religious Studies Amy Carr will speak on “How to Combat Anti-Semitism” in the University Union Sandburg Lounge.

“We invite everyone to join us for a series of engaging events throughout the day, featuring distinguished speakers and thought-provoking discussions. This initiative underscores WIU’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive community,” JIDE Director Carl Ervin said.

WIU encourages students, faculty, staff and the broader community to actively participate in these events and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about racial healing, equity and justice.

For more information on the events contact JIDE Office Support Specialist Leann Walters at LE-Walters@wiu.edu.

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Sean Leary Director of Digital Media

Sean Leary is an author, director, artist, musician, producer and entrepreneur who has been writing professionally since debuting at age 11 in the pages of the Comics Buyers Guide. An honors graduate of the University of Southern California masters program, he has written over 50 books including the best-sellers The Arimathean, Every Number is Lucky to Someone and We Are All Characters.