What Members Say

Why is the RACE Exhibit Important?

"The RACE Exhibit is important to The Kalamazoo Promise because issues of race must be upper most on our minds to assure equitable access. This exhibit will help residents of the greater Kalamazoo deepen their understanding of a history that shapes a culture. As we deepen our knowledge to do the work, we are striving to become one with the human race. That is the message of higher education for all; and the purpose behind The Kalamazoo Promise."
Janice Brown, Ed.D. Executive Director, The Kalamazoo Promise

"Our youth finally get the chance to hear about, learn, and discuss "Race" in a time where its needed. Too often, schools, kindergarten- higher education, and society shy away from this topic which is an important piece of our lives!"
Joe Johnson, Future 4 Teens

"My hope for this community is that, by hosting and actively participating in the RACE exhibit, we will go beyond tolerance of differences toward a greater understanding and acceptance of what binds us together as human beings."
Karen Santamaria, Kalamazoo Public Library

"The RACE Exhibit is a wonderful opportunity for the community of Kalamazoo to experience systemic barriers that shape individual's perceptions in the past, in the present, and in the future."
Heidi Ellis, Kalamazoo RACE Initiative and Kalamazoo Public Schools Anti-Racism Team

"The images and the voices in the RACE Exhibit have resonance far beyond the event itself; they can start the local conversation, they can inspire local residents to tell their own stories of race, ethnicity and culture."
Sue Ellen Christian, WMU Assoc. Prof. of Journalism and editor of The 4100 Reporter, a diversity-themed student newspaper

"The youth in Kalamazoo are hungry for opportunities to talk with one another about issues of race. Every young person I have met in this community wants to see things change for the BETTER and they have a pretty good idea of how to do it. Let's get talking."
Sarah Drumm, DALT Program Founder and Co-Director

“Museum exhibits come and go but RACE has the opportunity to make a lasting impact on our community, our children and our future.  We hope each and every resident in Southwest Michigan takes the opportunity to learn more about this important topic and be a force in community transformation.” 
 Zarinah El-Amin Naeem, Kalamazoo RACE Exhibit Coordinator

 
"He that never changes his opinions,
never corrects his mistakes,
and will never be wiser
on the morrow than he is today."

-Tryon Edwards