For the last five years, the Springfield-based organization has worked with individuals across all sectors of the city to bridge the racial divide. Using film and open discussion of personal experiences among peers, the institute's signature program educates participants on different aspects of racism including its history, origins and social impact.

"Our goal is really to elevate people's consciousness about race and help them to understand systemic inequities within that," said Healing Racism Institute Director Waleska Lugo-DeJesus.