The National Day of Collective Healing: The Rhythm of Our Common Humanity

Pictured: Leslie Odom Jr. and Dr. Eric Castillo

Last week, the Alamo Colleges District hosted the 4th Annual National Day of Collective Healing, featuring Tony and Grammy Award-winning vocalist, actor, and songwriter Leslie Odom Jr.

The theme, "The Rhythm of Our Common Humanity," brought together the community for a powerful evening of reflection, culture, and connection at the Carver Community Cultural Center.

The event was emceed by Erika Prosper, the First Lady of San Antonio, and opened with a blessing and land acknowledgment by Destiny Hernández of the Payaya Clan of the Tāp Pīlam Coahuiltecan Nation. Mayor Ron Nirenberg, along with the center's Executive Director, Cassandra Parker-Nowicki. Chancellor Dr. Flores also spoke about the power of art and education in healing.

Following the speeches, the audience was captivated by a dragon dance performed by the San Antonio Chinese Alliance and a Native American hoop dance by Eric Michael Hernández of the Lumbee Tribe.

The evening continued with a conversation between Dr. Eric Castillo, Associate Vice Chancellor for Arts, Culture, and Community Impact, and Leslie Odom Jr. about finding compassion within ourselves.

Leslie emphasized, “It’s how we treat one another and how we treat ourselves. We can express that compassion in how we speak to our students, employees, and children. The healing work that you're doing—that is your 'change is going to come.' We all can contribute to it.”