The National Day of Racial Healing takes place annually on the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Day of Racial Healing is an opportunity for Americans of all races to look beyond the inspiration of one important historical figure, and to continue the hard conversations about race and racism into the rest of the year.
The Day of Racial Healing began in 2017, during a period of significant national political turmoil and racial violence that continues today, and has since been observed in a nationally televised event. Observing the day means “when racial healing activities happen in homes, schools, businesses and communities across the country with the goal of creating a more just and equitable future for our children,” according to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, which initiated the first Day of Racial Healing.
Racial healing begins with acknowledging the truth of racism and racial trauma. And that can only happen with truthful education, courageous conversations, and honest self-reflection. Here are some starting points and ways to continue this work of racial healing as a family.
Learn about the history of race and racism with kids
Civil rights activist Minnijean Brown-Trickey said in 2023’s National Day of Racial Healing Town Hall that when we avoid letting children learn about the difficult history of racism, “We deny our children truth — and they love truth, they desire truth. So we have an obligation to give them truth, and give them complexity.”
Kids are naturally interested in topics like fairness and equality, and there are plenty of stories from history that young people can relate to. Here are some family-friendly resources for learning more about the truth of race and racism in our country’s past, so that we can confront it in our present and future.
- Beyond “I have a dream” — 5 things about Martin Luther King Jr. you should share with your kids: Martin Luther King Jr. wasn’t just about peace, harmony, and dreams — he was also a fierce, daring rabble-rouser. Share these lesser known talking points with kids.
- Teach your kids about our history of segregation with this powerful image: The story of six-year-old Ruby Bridges will engage kids of elementary school age and above in learning about the history of segregation. As with all of our historical scripts, this resource includes important reflection and discussion questions for kids.
- Watch Minnijean Brown-Trickey, a Sojourn to the Past on the NBC News Learn channel. Older kids will be interested in the story of Minnijean, who as a teenager in 1957 was one of nine students who desegregated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Learn about her through the eyes of current high school students, and how she continues to engage students in civil rights history.
- Browse the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s National Day of Racial Healing book list for kids and teens.
- Take our series of quizzes about Native American, Black, and AAPI history and heritage.
- Find dozens of other learning resources for families — books, scripts, and more — linked in our age-by-age antiracism toolkit.
More ways to get kids talking about, and reflecting on, racism and racial healing
Besides history, there are many other ways to involve kids — and fellow parents — in ongoing conversations about race and racism. Families can use some of the resources below to get started.
- Start important conversations with these age-appropriate antiracism videos: These 14 high-quality videos can help you find the words to use with different ages, so that you can jumpstart (or add depth to) those necessary conversations about race, racism, and antiracism in your household.
- How to talk to kids about anti-Asian racism: Since the Covid pandemic, anti-Asian hate has come into national focus — but it’s important to realize that anti-Asian racism is unfortunately nothing new in this country.
- 6 things to say to your kids to teach them “Asian” isn’t enough: Do your kids know about the incredible diversity that exists within the label “Asian”?
- How to talk to your child about the “n-word” and racial slurs: A script for parents to use if/when a child hears or repeats a racial slur.
- How to talk to white kids about being white: Families of color aren’t the only ones who should be having “the talk” about race and racism with their kids.
- Explain intersectionality to kids with this simple metaphor: Kids of any racial identity can participate in this simple exercise to understand privilege and identity.
- The National Day of Racial Healing website provides resources for learning more about the many root causes of racism, and poses thought-provoking questions about race to reflect on — with opportunities to share your response.
- This Racial Healing Conversation Guide from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation offers helpful conversation guidelines and prompts for anyone engaging in intentional discussions about race and racism.
