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January 18, 2022 - Jenkintown, PA

First Lady Frances Wolf Joins the Office of Advocacy and Reform to Honor Day of Racial Healing
Speakers Build on Themes of Art and Solidarity to Heal Wounds

First Lady Frances Wolf visited Jenkintown, Montgomery County today, the Day of Racial Healing, and called on Pennsylvanians to use this day as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and rededicate ourselves to creating a more just commonwealth. At the center of today's event was a mural and a documentary of the same name, "Symbol of Solidarity" and the story of how art can help inspire communities and heal divides.

"We've seen this time and time again throughout history. Racial trauma runs deep in our commonwealth and our country," said First Lady Wolf of the power of art and its ability to heal. "We must fully face it and give it space to be expressed in order to heal our communities. We must ask ourselves, how can I help? How can I make it better? Then just get up and do it!"



People pose in front of a mural during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_001.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Eric Blackerby, writer and producer of the film Symbol of Solidarity during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_002.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> First Lady Frances Wolf speaks during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_003.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Victor Cabral, Office of Advocacy and Reform deputy director, with his 9-year-old daughter, Bella, during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_004.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> First Lady Frances Wolf speaks during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_005.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Muralist Brian Bowens with his wife Latoya participate in a Solidarity Walk during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_006.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Dan Jurman, executive director of Office of Advocacy and Reform, speaks during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_007.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> First Lady Frances Wolf claps during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_008.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Muralist Brian Bowens, left, poses for a picture in front of his mural with poet Dr. Jeffrey Tietbohl during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_009.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> People participate in a Solidarity Walk during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_010.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Jenkintown Borough Council President Jay Conners speaks during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_011.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Esteban Serrano, filmmaker of the Symbol of Solidarity documentary, speaks during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_012.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Esteban Serrano, filmmaker of the Symbol of Solidarity documentary, speaks during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_013.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> The BelleTones, made of Jenkintown middle and high school choir members, sing during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_014.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> People participate in a Solidarity Walk during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_015.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Jenkintown Borough Mayor Gabriel Lerman speaks during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_016.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Victor Cabral, Office of Advocacy and Reform deputy director, smiles during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_017.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Victor Cabral, Office of Advocacy and Reform deputy director, with his 9-year-old daughter, Bella, during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_018.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> First Lady Frances Wolf speaks during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_019.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Esteban Serrano, filmmaker of the Symbol of Solidarity documentary, speaks during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_020.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Dan Jurman, executive director of Office of Advocacy and Reform, speaks during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_021.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Dr. Phillip Tietbohl recites a poem during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_022.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Victor Cabral, Office of Advocacy and Reform deputy director, with his 9-year-old daughter, Bella, during an event observing the "Day of Racial Healing" in Pennsylvania at Jenkintown Town Square on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. By proclamation of Governor Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania joined communities across the United States in mobilizing events and activities that support bringing racial healing into homes, communities, and institutions. This is a call to action to work together and heal the wounds of racial bias and commit to building an equitable and just society so that all residents can thrive.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/20315_OAR_RacialHealing_NK_023.JPG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a>