Tristan Henry, a Jamaican African American resident of Kalamazoo, joined his first racial healing circle in 2020 to foster a stronger connection with his community following the COVID lockdown and the tragic murder of George Floyd. Now, having participated in three racial healing circles over four years, he feels more connected than ever and has integrated the practices he’s learned into his daily life.
“I’m a sucker for learning and connecting with people on a deeper level, so these opportunities feed my soul,” said Tristan, who was inspired to attend a racial healing circle by his wife, who had participated in one. “Learning how much other people’s experiences differ from mine has been profound.”
When Tristan moved to the US from Canada at age 18, he quickly learned that he didn’t fully relate to the experiences of many of his Black friends when it came to racism and generational trauma.
“I remember being 21 years old, sitting in the back of a Chevy Impala cop car, eating a slice of pizza, and having a conversation about the car’s horsepower with an officer giving me a ride home after a concert,” he said. “Most Black Americans don’t identify with that narrative, and I’ve come to understand why.”
Tristan grew up in a city outside of Toronto where his uncle was a well-respected community judge. “I grew up watching local leaders and law enforcement address my African American uncle as ‘your honor,’” he said, “it’s a rare privilege.”
Participating in racial healing circles has opened his mind to understanding why people think and feel as they do. It has also allowed him to provide insight for others based on his unique experiences as an African American, for which he says others have been extremely thankful.
“When you connect with people in a safe, intimate space, you realize everyone has a different story. It’s not about skin color but character and experiences.”
Tristan explained that people of all backgrounds and generations participate in racial healing circles, where they’re encouraged to share personal stories to inspire connection through their shared humanity and dismantle biased belief systems.
“Engaging in personal conversations with strangers exposes you to perspectives you can’t get from the news or other resources,” he said. “For example, hearing how white people have grown on their journey of understanding has strengthened my faith in humanity.”
He shared that the experience is navigated by specific guidelines, referred to as “pillars,” which ensure the environment is safe, respectful, and welcoming of everyone’s truths. And these pillars are practices he’s carried beyond racial healing circles.
“One of the pillars is ‘a place of wonder,’ where facilitators ask us to direct our thoughts to a place of curiosity instead of judgment when we hear something we disagree with,” he said. “It encourages us to have more impactful conversations, and it’s so effective that I’ve integrated it in all my relationships, even with my kids.”
Racial healing circles have also helped inform his role as a father of two young boys. “Exchanging stories with other parents has given me insight into what I can expect as a father of biracial sons and how other parents have dealt with some of those experiences.”
Tristan explained that participating in these events has been healing not only because you connect with other people and their perspectives but also because you learn more about yourself. He encourages all people to join a racial healing circle in their local community. “It gives you a sense of peace. I feel elevated by other people’s energy, and you don’t only get to know other people, you get to know yourself more, too, which is healing in and of itself.”