Rockford Housing Authority Joins National Day of Racial Healing to Foster Unity and Equity

“From Dialogue to Action: RHA Joins Nationwide Effort for Racial Healing”

As part of its ongoing commitment to racial equity, the RHA will continue to integrate the principles of the National Day of Racial Healing into its policies, practices, and community initiatives. By doing so, the authority seeks to not only observe this day annually but to embed the spirit of healing and equity into the fabric of its operations throughout the year.

Additionally, the Rockford Housing Authority encourages residents and community members to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives on social media using the hashtag #HowWeHeal. This online campaign serves as a digital space for individuals to contribute to the collective narrative of healing and transformation.

The Rockford Housing Authority believes that by actively participating in community events for the National Day of Racial Healing and embracing the principles of the Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation initiative, it can contribute to building a community where everyone, regardless of their background, is valued and respected. Through these collective efforts, the RHA aims to play a role in creating a more just and equitable society—one where the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are not only remembered but actively pursued.

Community Resources

Learn More: https://healourcommunities.org/

Narrative change means examining how to create and distribute new narratives in entertainment, the media, school curricula, museums, monuments and parks, and in the ways, we communicate that can influence people’s perspectives, perceptions and behaviors about and toward one another.

Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Implementation Guidebook Download:

https://wkkf.issuelab.org/resource/truth-racial-healing-transformation-implementation-guidebook.html

TRHT is an expansive and inclusive process in all respects, with a deep and unyielding commitment to understanding the different cultures, experiences and perspectives that coexist in a community.

the key components mentioned:

1. Transformation of Systems:
   • Racial healing involves addressing and transforming the systems that perpetuate racial inequality. This may include policies, practices, and structures that contribute to systemic racism.
2. Telling Hard Truths:
   • Acknowledging and confronting the historical wrongs and present consequences of racism is an essential part of the healing process. This involves an honest examination of past injustices and their ongoing impact.
3. Repairing Harm:
   • Racial healing requires active efforts to repair the harm caused by racism. This may involve implementing measures to rectify disparities and injustices that have resulted from historical and systemic discrimination.
4. Valuing All People:
   • The goal is to replace a system that perpetuates racism with one that recognizes and values the inherent worth of all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
5. Authentic Relationship-Building:
   • Building trust and fostering genuine relationships across different backgrounds is crucial. This involves connecting with others on a personal level, understanding diverse perspectives, and working collaboratively toward shared goals.
6. Long-Term Impact on Decision-Making:
   • Racial healing aims to influence everyday decision-making in various areas, such as policy making, hiring practices, education, and housing. By collectively developing new values through healing and relationship-building, lasting change can be achieved.
7. Sustainability of Change:
   • The statement suggests that without racial healing and trust-building, changes in policies or practices may be short-lived. Sustainable change requires addressing the root causes of racial inequity and fostering an environment of understanding and cooperation.

In summary, the emphasis is on a holistic approach that not only addresses the symptoms of racial inequity but also focuses on transformative changes at the systemic level. Racial healing, coupled with authentic relationship-building, is seen as essential for creating lasting and positive change in various aspects of society.