Two Important Days in our Pursuit of Racial Justice 
As you begin a new week, we invite you to take a moment to acknowledge two days that have significant meaning to our pursuit of racial justice. 
Today, we remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy: his non-violent activism and unrelenting commitment to dismantling racial discrimination in education, public transportation, employment, and voting. King's courageous leadership was instrumental in passing landmark legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968, to name a few. And his advocacy for economic justice underscored that eradicating poverty must first begin with addressing racism. King's view on human rights and his legacy of fighting for equality continues to inspire us all today.
We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there ‘is’ such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.” 
― Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 1967 
Tomorrow is the National Day of Racial Healing, which began in 2017. Established in part of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation effort, the National Day of Racial Healing: 
*Finds ways to reinforce and honor our common humanity and create space to celebrate the distinct differences that make our communities vibrant.
*Acknowledges that there are still deep racial divisions in America that must be overcome and healed, and:
*Commits to engaging people from all racial, ethnic, religious, and identity groups in genuine efforts to increase understanding, communication, caring, and respect for one another.

In 2019, the Long Beach City Council adopted a resolution to locally recognize the National Day of Racial Healing.  
“If we have honestly acknowledged our painful but shared past, then we can have reconciliation.”  
– Elizabeth Elkford  
Racial healing is a process we can undertake as individuals and in community. Racial healing is intentional, and it takes time to be transformative. Therefore, as we engage in this work and commit to learning, we must remember that racial equity and healing are inextricably woven together. It is sometimes hard and can bring up traumas that we have repressed. But we build bridges by acknowledging past harms, and the effects racism has on us all through honest dialogues. Together, we can imagine and create a more equitable future by recognizing our shared humanity.