Michigan Civil Rights Leaders on the National Day of Racial Healing

The Chair of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission and the Executive Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights have issued the following statements in observance of the National Day of Racial Healing, January 17, 2023.

Statement from Portia Roberson, Chair of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission:

"Yesterday we honored a man who dedicated his life to uplifting Black and Brown Americans and fighting for universal recognition of their rights. It is fitting that on this day, we work to advance Dr. King's dedication to the dignity and worth of all people. The National Day of Racial Healing is an opportunity for all of us to recommit to the ideals for which Dr. King lived and died, and to bring all Americans together to recognize our common humanity, to sooth the wounds of racial division and to build bridges of grace and understanding between us all."

Statement from John E. Johnson, Jr., Executive Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights:

"For several years, we have watched an alarming increase in incidents of racial hate and bias targeting people of color in this country. On this National Day of Racial Healing, I urge everyone who shares a commitment to equity and inclusion in every aspect of society to work with us to secure that vision. Let us look for ways in all our daily actions and interactions to embody the belief that racial diversity is at the core of our strength."

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission was created by the Michigan Constitution to safeguard constitutional and legal guarantees against discrimination. The Commission is charged with investigating alleged discrimination against any person because of religion, race, color or national origin, genetic information, sex, age, marital status, height, weight, arrest record, and physical and mental disability. The Michigan Department of Civil Rights serves as the operational arm of the Commission.

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights is charged with investigating and resolving complaints of discrimination and working to prevent discrimination through educational programs that promote voluntary compliance with civil rights laws. The Department also provides training and services to government agencies, businesses, schools and organizations on diversity initiatives, fair housing and equal employment law. MDCR is the operational arm of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission (MCRC). Learn more about MDCR and MCRC at http://www.michigan.gov/mdcr.