ALA joins observance of National Day of Racial Healing

For Immediate Release
Fri, 01/13/2017

Contact:

John L. Amundsen

Program Officer

ODLOS

jamundsen@ala.org

Chicago -  On Jan. 17, the American Library Association (ALA) will join the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation in the observance of the National Day of Racial Healing.  The day will provide an opportunity for the ALA to broaden and deepen its commitment to social justice in equity, diversity and inclusion.  

The National Day of Racial Healing will launch an ALA year-long commitment to influencing a new national narrative that celebrates our differences while addressing and working to overcome social and racial divisions within library communities across the United States.   

The ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services (ODLOS) has developed several tools and resources to assist with participation. ODLOS resources are available through its Libraries Respond website at http://www.ala.org/advocacy/diversity/libraries-respond/dayofhealing.

“The past year has been particularly hard on communities of color, American Indians, the GLBT community, women, immigrants, and people with marginalized identities,” stated Jody Gray, director, ODLOS. “As a profession, library workers are on the frontlines of defending and engaging diverse and underserved communities. Our goal is to continue to help foster healing and understanding within communities that we serve.”

The ALA encourages staff and its members to join National Day of Racial Healing social media campaign by posting images and comments using the hashtag #THEDAYTOHEAL, or #LIBRARIES RESPOND.   Members also can follow conversation through ALA and National Day of Racial Healing social media channels.  

For more information, please contact the ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services at diversity@ala.org or call 800-545-2433, ext. 4294.