Diversity - Embracing Our Differences

You must be the change
you wish to see in the world. –
Mahatma Gandhi
ABOUT THE ARTWORK:
Acknowledge and Embrace” by Rachel Robbins, Ringling College
of Art + Design, Sarasota, Florida, Faculty: Dee Hood
ARTIST STATEMENT: “Looking at ourselves from a different perspective, or from a larger
scale, the viewer may think about humanity and their role within it. I used the earth
as a symbol to represent one common trait. The text is used throughout the piece to
create rhythm as well as to express the message.”
Contents
[3 What is “Embracing Our Differences?”]
[4 Know What You Are Talking About] [5
Erase Racism: Jim Crow Laws] [6 Building
Bridges] [7 Neighborhood Tally] [8 Art
Around the World] [10 Spread the Word] [11
Make A Difference] [12 Resource Equality]
[13 The Changing Face of America] [14
Images of Love] [15 Resources]
02
EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES
Dear Reader,
Embracing Our Differences ® is a juried outdoor art exhibition entering
its fifth year. Our mission is to use art as a catalyst for creating awareness
and promoting, throughout our community, the value of diversity,
the benefits of inclusion and the significance of the active rejection of
hatred and prejudice. The exhibit will contain 39 billboard-sized artworks,
each accompanied by an inspirational quotation.
Since 2004, the Embracing Our Differences ® exhibit has been viewed
by more than 400,000 visitors. Last year, almost 21,000 students and
teachers attended the exhibit – free of charge thanks to our School Bus
Program – for a firsthand observation and discussion concerning the
importance of diversity in our lives.
We began this project because hate crimes are
such a critical issue in our society and we hoped
our message would speak to people. We did
not anticipate the overwhelming and positive
response that we received from the general
public. Nor did we anticipate the profound
effect it would have on students and the strong
interest we would have from educators.
This year we received more than 1,600 entries from around the
world. Almost half of the 39 works of art selected for the final exhibition
are from students. Due to increased funding, we will be able to
increase the number of visiting students by 25 percent; we have also
been able to provide educators with more materials for a diversity curriculum.
Newspapers in Education is an essential part of this curriculum.
We invite you to participate in creating a society that is more inclusive
for all. Please bring your friends and family members and visit this free
exhibition. Tell others about your experience. Thank the educators who
have undertaken the field trips and created programs on diversity and
inclusivity for your children. Help your children to be the change you
wish to see in the world!
Michael Shelton, Executive Director
Embracing Our Differences
www.embracingourdifferences.org
ON THE COVER
“Joyfully Celebrate Life,” by Kala, Yonkers, New York.
ARTIST STATEMENT: “Five children dance in the warp of a magic carpet.
Each child is a beautiful color, separate from the rest. The weft that unites
them are the threads that run through all cultures, make us one while
preciously unique at the same time. To embrace our differences is to enter
into endless enchantment and unimagined experiences.”
A Herald-Tribune Media Group Newspaper-in-Education Publication