Save the date: National Day of Racial Healing – January 20
01-08-2026
Hennepin County will co-host a virtual community event in recognition of the National Day of Racial Healing on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
This year’s theme, “The Heart of Racial Equity,” invites us to reflect on how racial healing is not separate from racial equity – it is the emotional and relational foundation that sustains and deepens our collective work.
The event will feature two powerful voices in this space: Minneapolis City Council Member and former Mayor of Minneapolis, Betsy Hodges, and former Minnesota State Senator Mee Moua, both of whom have dedicated their post-public-service careers to advancing racial equity and racial healing. Together, they’ll explore why racial healing matters, how communities can cultivate it, and what it looks like to move from conversation to real transformation.
There will be two virtual sessions offered as part of this year’s observance. Follow the link to register for the event you wish to attend:
An employee session from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
A community session from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Participants will:
Gain foundational understanding of racial healing
Explore shared humanity through storytelling and dialogue
Build skills for fostering connection and dismantling racism
Learn community-based approaches to healing racism
Leave with practical resources and pathways for continued engagement
Launched in 2017 by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the National Day of Racial Healing is about bringing people together and inspiring collective action to build the common ground needed for a more equitable world. This event is your chance to connect, listen, and reflect together as we continue striving for a more inclusive and just society.
Special thanks to our partners for their support and shared commitment to advancing racial equity: City of Brooklyn Park, City of Golden Valley, City of Minneapolis, City of Minnetonka, City of Bloomington, City of New Brighton, City of Saint Paul and Ramsey County.
For questions or more information, please contact Pashie Vang with Outreach & Community Supports.