'Courier' reports on UNE’s installation of Race Experience Kiosk
A March 5, 2015 article in the Courier discussed the recent installation of a Race Experience Kiosk at UNE’s Campus Center in Biddeford. The kiosk, brought to campus by 91Ö±²¥ÊÓƵUnited, a club promoting cultural awareness, allowed people to view what they would look like as a white, black, Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern or Indian person. The kiosk was displayed for one week and was part of the club’s efforts to generate discussions about race during February, Black History Awareness Month.
91Ö±²¥ÊÓƵUnited President Chinonye Okeke (Biology, ’15), who was interviewed for the article, stated, "One student said she realized when her face changed to different races that she wasn’t really that much different."
The article also noted that 91Ö±²¥ÊÓƵUnited sponsored two speakers on campus to discuss issues of race. Daryl Davis, an African-American musician and author, spoke about a member of the Ku Klux Klan whom he befriended in an attempt to understand the Klan’s mindset and whom he ultimately succeeded in convincing to leave the organization. Arno Michaelis, a former white supremacist, also spoke, discussing his journey toward enlightenment about race.
Donna Gaspar-Jarvis, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Diversity, commented on the importance of creating opportunities for discussion and dialogue about these serious topics. "While fun and engaging, it is important to do more than just ‘celebrate diversity’ through surface level activities such as food, music, dance and clothing," she explained. She emphasized how crucial it is "to also delve into more provocative or thought-provoking topics and difficult conversations around issues like race and racism and all areas of multicultural and social justice issues."