The Center for the Healing of Racism is an educational project located in Houston, Texas. Through dialog it seeks to empower individuals and transform communities. Its philosophy holds the human race is essentially one and that racism is a learned behavior that can be unlearned. It brings people of all ethnicities together to educate them -- one of the most powerful tools to fight prejudice.
For over 30 years Cherry Steinwender has led the organization, working with counselors, social workers, various municipal agencies, faith-based groups, corporate America, as well as students from elementary through college and university levels across the US, helping the nation heal from the damage of racism. She has authored Bread is A Simple Food, Teaching Children about Cultures and co-authored Dialogue: Racism, a seminar that examines the history and sociological phenomenon of racism in the United States. For her work Steinwender received many awards, among them the 2013 Gandhi, King, Ikeda: A Legacy of Building Peace Award, which is given to a person who works to further the ideal of world peace, and the 2013 Diversity Champion Award. Under her leadership, the Center was profiled in the publication, One America for the 21st Century, a study of race in America commissioned by President Bill Clinton.
The hallmark of the Center for Healing Racism is a 16-hour workshop called "Dialogue: Racism." It was developed to promote the sharing of thoughts, feelings, experiences, and perspectives among a diverse group of people. Teams of facilitators from different heritages create a safe, respectful environment where participants can explore the issues of racism and its repercussions. Information is provided by the facilitators on such topics as defining prejudice and racism, where racism originates, how racism is perpetuated, the forms of racism, and positive means for overcoming racism and healing its wounds.