How can we build connection and compassionate communities?
In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dr. Gail Christopher, the visionary behind the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) framework. Dr. Christopher is the Executive Director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity and a former Vice President at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, where she spearheaded transformative initiatives like America Healing and TRHT. Recognized as one of the 10 Most Influential Women Scholars in Health Promotion by the American Journal of Health Promotion in 2023, Dr. Christopher continues to inspire change worldwide.
Dr. Christopher shares the powerful foundation of TRHT, designed to replace the false hierarchy of human value with a vision of our shared humanity. This framework has had a profound impact across the U.S. and beyond, with over 70 college campuses implementing TRHT campus centers.
The Five Pillars of TRHT:
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Narrative Change: Redefining stories to reflect shared humanity.
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Racial Healing & Relationship Building: Fostering compassion across diversity to create authentic, human connections.
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Separation: Addressing the systemic ways society perpetuates division and hierarchy.
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Law: Reforming immigration policies, voting rights, and criminal justice systems to uphold equality.
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Economy: Transforming economic systems built on exploitation to prioritize equity.
The Five-Step Process for Change:
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Create a Vision for Success: Imagine a future where equality and shared humanity replace hierarchy.
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Use Data to Assess Reality: Evaluate current conditions against the envisioned future.
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Engage Key Stakeholders: Identify and involve the individuals and communities necessary for progress.
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Set Goals: Establish clear, short- and long-term objectives to guide action.
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Sustain the Effort: Build systems for funding, communication, and volunteer support to ensure lasting impact.
Dr. Christopher reminds us that this work is both a framework and a methodology—a guide for communities, institutions, and nations to advance racial healing and equity.
Thank you, Dr. Christopher, for your leadership and for inspiring us to envision a future grounded in our shared humanity.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-99-truth-racial-healing-and-transformation-with-dr-gail-christopher