MCC Celebrates National Day of Racial Healing with Actor, Director & P

On Tuesday, January 16, Middlesex Community College celebrated the eighth annual National Day of Racial Healing. In partnership with Suffolk University, the virtual event was an opportunity to connect, build relationships and bridge divides. The highlight of the special event was a talk by actor, director and playwright Jacqueline Parker.

“I joined the Suffolk University team, which included Felicia Wiltz, around the National Day of Racial Healing to speak with students from Suffolk University and MCC about the importance of keeping BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) stories alive and that there is healing in the truth of our stories,” Parker said. “We discussed many things including how as a child, writing and performing was healing and my lifeline during a very painful time in my life in Boston, particularly during busing. I also shared the need for playwrights to openly share their stories in truth, even when it is uncomfortable, as it is often through that discomfort that we can ignite conversations.”

Taking place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. online, the event was hosted by MCC and Suffolk’s Centers for Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (CTRHT). The Center provides an opportunity for the college to bring the community together for programs and conversations to develop a collective capacity to advance racial equity, justice and transformative change, according to Maria Gariepy, MCC’s Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Belonging.

“The National Day of Racial Healing is a special way to acknowledge the values we share, build trust in each other, form genuine connections, and inspire collective actions that further how we heal from the effects of racism,” Gariepy said. “Jacqui was fabulous speaking about her lived experiences and how she started her theater career, as well as growing up during the Boston desegregation busing crisis. The importance of hearing personal stories and reflections from members of our community cannot be understated, and we were thrilled Jacqui took the time to share her story with the college.”

Parker is finishing writing a play around Black Wall Street, as well as continuing to create opportunities for BIPOC playwrights and actors.

Established in 2021, MCC’s CTRHT has hosted a number of Racial Healing Circles at the college and within the communities of Bedford and Lowell. The Center is a hub and resource to learn and envision a community without racial hierarchy that actively challenges racism, is equity-minded, and is responsive to the diverse identities and community experiences.

Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/trht/ for more information.