On January 17, 2017, communities across the country supported activities for the Day of Racial Healing, a national initiative launched by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and hundreds of other groups calling for racial healing and building an equitable society where all children thrive.

COFI held a healing circle with students, teachers and parent leaders at the Melody STEM Elementary School on Chicago’s west side. Participants shared their stories, experiences and challenges. Afterwards they had a balloon release where they wrote their hopes for the new year on the balloons and released them.

Students are pictured with parent peacemaker, Dexter Leggin and principal, Tiffany Tillman.