9 am – 12:30 pm

Groundwater Training (separate registration)

Led by the Racial Equity Institute (REI), this training uses stories and data to present a perspective that racism is fundamentally structural in nature. Organizers introduce participants to an analysis that is not only helpful and relevant, but that also allows them to develop tools to challenge power patterns and grow equity. The session is part of the larger Racial Equity Matters series hosted by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation and presented by bi3. Additional sessions will be offered throughout the year.

9 am – 10:30 am

Foundations for Racial Healing 

Social justice advocates discuss critical concepts for racial healing and their social justice work in local communities. Participants will gain foundational knowledge for developing and implementing community-based programs focused on advancing social justice issues, racial equity and healing. 

Jennifer Ingram of Calibrated Lens will lead the discussion with local social justice advocates Iris Roley of the Cincinnati Black United Front, Janaya Bratton, J.D.,  Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge, and  Rickell Howard Smith, J.D., of the Center for Social Justice at the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio. 

10:30 am – 12 pm

Racism: A Public Health Crisis

Black women are up to four times more likely to die of pregnancy-related complications than white women. Black men are more than twice as likely to be killed by police as white men. And the average life expectancy of African Americans is four years less than the U.S. population. This panel explores racism as a public health issue and offers information on policies, healthcare systems, and self-care strategies designed to mitigate the effects of racism in their lives.

Meredith Shockley-Smith of Queen’s Village leads a discussion with Vanessa Lopez-Littleton, Ph.D., associate professor of health, human services and public policy, California State University – Monterey Bay, Mike Scruggs, D.Min., pastor of Light of the World Church, and Dr. Christopher Lewis, Vice Provost for Academic Programs, University of Cincinnati.

12 pm – 1 pm

Music, Meditations, and Yoga Lunch Break 
Lizzie Ngwenya-Scoburgh, Ph.D., University of Cincinnati

and

Lauren Eylise, Unapologetic Soul-Stirrer

Let us be in community, unwind, and deepen our mindfulness with a yoga and meditation session. Also enjoy musical selections by Lauren Eylise, a soulful vocalist who recently won the NPR Tiny Desk contest.

1 pm – 2:30 pm

Keynote Address:  Gail Christopher, D.N, N.D.

Gail Christopher is an award-winning change agent with expertise in the social determinants of health, well-being and related public policies. She is the visionary for and architect of the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation effort led by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Dr. Christopher will discuss her pioneering work to infuse holistic health and diversity concepts into public sector programs and policy discourse. She will be accompanied by Mr. Ramsey Ford of Design Impact, an incredibly talented artist who will help us visualize a change in our community, and Eileen Cooper Reed, an All-In Cincinnati Core Team member and a member of Intersections. Intersections purpose is to advance conversations that matter: acknowledging and examining the intersections of equity in community.

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Using Radical Empathy to Break Down Walls & Build Connections

This interactive discussion serves to mend racial bonds through radical empathy. You will hear about research on race and inequity, and you will learn ways to approach difficult race-based situations and conversations with radical empathy. You will also learn tools in radical empathy that help racial healing for all.

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Akua D. Wilson and Lonnie Jennings, students at the University of Cincinnati, and Naimah Bilal of the Urban Consulate will lead your experience in radical empathy. You will leave with tools that decrease and mend racial tension and inequity in your community.

100 Person max capacity.

3:30 pm – 5 pm

Manhattan Beach Ted Talk Discussion

On a typical night in February 2015, the Clinton family home was firebombed in Manhattan Beach, CA. In her poignant and emotional Ted Talk, Malissia Clinton shares the heartbreak of what followed and how a community came together to restore hope for the future.

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Tynisha Worthy of Intersections and  Angelica Hardee of the American Heart Association will facilitate a panel conversation with Shawn Jeffers, Rashida Manuel, Yasmeen Porter and David Weaver. Attendees will join breakout groups to discuss how similar initiatives could be implemented in Cincinnati neighborhoods.

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100 Person max capacity.

5 pm – 6 pm

Healing in the Community: A Call to Action

What is your call to action? How will you engage in your racial healing journey? Moderated by Jan Michele Lemon-Kearney, a City of Cincinnati Councilor and chair of the Neighborhood Committee, Lesley Jones, pastor of Truth and Destiny Church, Sarah Baldauf, communications consultant of Community Resilience Center, Daronce Daniels of the Lincoln Heights Movement and Dr. Camille Jones, Public Health Advocate will engage you in your racial healing journey. 

Through this dialog, you will learn to bring individuals, organizations and communities together in their common humanity and explore ways to engage in collective action to create a more just and equitable world.

6 pm – 7 pm

A Musical Celebration for Healing with DJ Vader

Dance the hour away in celebration of the National Day of Racial Healing. DJ Vader takes us on a journey toward healing through music and dance.