On Wednesday, January 29, Middlesex Community College (MCC) celebrated the National Day of Racial Healing. Hosted by MCC’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging and the Center for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (CRTHT), the event included student musical performances and a panel discussion on racial healing and the college’s experience with Racial Healing Circles.

“In collaboration with the CTRHT, Middlesex is proud to amplify the diversity, equity and belonging work we’re doing within the community,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s President. “The National Day of Racial Healing event allowed us to come together and share the actions we are taking toward racial healing and creating equitable experiences for all our students, employees and community members. As we move forward, it is more important than ever to hear from and celebrate the lived experiences that make up our college and to continue taking the necessary steps to make meaningful changes.”

Group of MCC students eating lunch

Three staff members ­sat on the panel to discuss the National Day of Racial Healing’s 2025 theme to “Take Action.” The employees included Jordana Shaw, Director of Libraries; Beth Noel, Director of Communications and Creative Services; and Virak Uy, Director of the Asian American Student Advancement Program.

“I have always been involved in efforts around diversity and belonging, and the CTRHT – which is based in storytelling and deep listening – is a perfect match for my skill set as a story loving librarian and introvert,” Shaw said. “I love being able to facilitate important conversations in a Racial Healing Circle, building trust and connections along the way. The magic of the structure of the Racial Healing Circle is that – whether the circle is made of students, faculty and staff, or executives at a local bank – we are all human and we all have stories to reflect on and share which brings us closer together as a community.”

MCC staff and event panelist Jordana Shaw, Beth Noel, and Virak Uy

Featuring powerful performances from MCC’s student-run Music Club and a land acknowledgement from President Sisson, the event took place from noon to 1:30 p.m. on the Lowell Campus. Open to students, employees and community members, the event fostered conversations that enhanced a sense of belonging and connection within the campus community.

As part of the celebration, Middlesex also hosted a collegewide Racial Healing Circle on Tuesday, January 28. The circle provided an opportunity for students and employees to reflect on their experiences related to their race and identity and begin deeper conversations.

Since starting in 2021, MCC’s CTRHT has hosted Racial Healing Circles both at the college and within the communities of Greater Bedford and Lowell. The Center serves as a hub and resource for MCC’s partners to engage in the ongoing practice of racial healing and to build deeper collective capacity toward racial equity and justice.

National Day of Racial Healing event attendees

“Many of these vital discussions and events extend throughout the month of January, fostering dialogue and reflection,” said Maria Isabel Gariepy, MCC’s Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Belonging. “The panel delved into themes of personal connections, the transformative power of storytelling, and the impact of collective action, emphasizing the importance of sustained healing and intentional efforts as we look forward to 2025.”

Visit MCC's Center for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation for more information.