Library, Archives Associations Encourage Member Participation in National Day of Racial Healing

January 13, 2023 Jay Malone Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 0

On January 17, 2023, the seventh annual US National Day of Racial Healing, ALA, ACRL, the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), and the Society of American Archivists (SAA) call upon our collective memberships—comprised of several hundred thousand archivists, librarians, and other information professionals, and thousands of libraries and archives of all kinds—to observe the day with reflection and action. Launched in 2017 by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the National Day of Racial Healing is part of the US Movement for Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) and is observed immediately following Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The US TRHT Movement, embraced by more than 300 organizations in the academic, artistic, civic, and faith communities, is informed by research on more than 40 truth and reconciliation movements around the globe. Libraries, archives, and other memory institutions have a special role to play in convening conversations, celebrating community diversity, hosting programs and exhibits, partnering with communities on archiving and storytelling, and other ways our organizations leverage collections, spaces, and expertise to contribute to racial healing and racial equity.

Through joint programming, education, and advocacy, our associations are committed to working together and developing leaders and organizations that promote racial equity. The National Day of Racial Healing is an opportunity for our members to take action locally. On Tuesday, January 17, ALA, ARL, and SAA call on our members to:

  1. Devote time for a Healing Hour in your organizations and departments for discussion, education, and reflection using the resources here and here.
  2. Share your organization’s learning in pursuit of racial justice and healing with your colleagues and users, on your websites, and in your communications.
    • Download and use the “Libraries & Archives Observe National Day of Racial Healing” image.
    • On social media, use the hashtag #LibrariesAndArchivesForRacialHealing along with #HowWeHeal.
  3. Review SAA’s resources, ALA’s resources, and ARL’s resources to spark your thinking. Share with your colleagues and users in your displays or website, or on social media using the hashtags #LibrariesAndArchivesForRacialHealing and #HowWeHeal.