Healing Racism Institute ceases operations as demand for anti-racist education declines
SPRINGFIELD — The Healing Racism Institute — having enlightened thousands at its two-day seminars and community programs in the last decade — is ceasing operations for now while it looks for a partner.
The institute told supporters Friday that its business model is no longer sustainable.
"After careful deliberation, informed by an independent evaluation and strengthened by community engagement, the board has made the decision to close HRI in its current form," interim Executive Director Terrlyn L. Curry Avery said in an email to the community.
Reached Friday, board member and spokesman Ryan McCollum said much of what the nonprofit agency did was on a fee-for-services basis.
"We've faced challenges when it comes to funding," he said.
The problem is there is less demand from businesses, nonprofit agencies and governments seeking the education and awareness programs that the institute provides.
Organizations are just not focusing on DEI — diversity equity and inclusion, McCollum said.
The Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley board member Ryan McCollum. (Provided photo)
"For good and bad reasons, I don't know," he said. "Some of that is their choice."
In her letter, Curry Avery said that "the need for this mission remains as urgent as ever." As such, the institute is putting out a request for proposals from organizations interested in taking over stewardship of its name and programs, McCollum said. The process of finding a parent organization will take months.
The agency's email to the community described the institute's work as building racism-free communities by creating space for authentic dialogue, examining systemic and internalized racism, and equipping people with the tools to practice anti-racism.
McCollum said the institute's approach worked. "It's really made an impact on our community when it comes to helping people and institutions recognize, understand and address racism," he said. "We want to stay on that mission and not get away from it."
According to tax forms from 2022 — the most recent ones available via the IRS — the institute took in revenue of $213,172 with $316,535 in expenses, for a loss of more than $103,363.
The previous year, the institute had $705,538 in revenue and $345,187 in expenses, so it was left with $360,351.
The institute came to Springfield following a 2011 City2City initiative trip by Springfield leaders to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where they heard a presentation from that city's Healing Racism program.
After the presentation, John Davis, of The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation, said he would bring the program to Springfield.
The institute said its work has been underwritten by MassMutual Foundation, the Davis Foundation and Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
According to Healing Racism Institute 's website, an in-person two-day seminar cost $600 per person. Virtual seminars on Zoom cost $249 a person.
In 2019, Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni announced a partnership with the institute in which he and hisstaff underwent anti-racism training.
Stories by Jim Kinney
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