Exhibit
Of Many Colors
Portraits of Multiracial Families
Photographs by Gigi Kaeser. Interviews by Peggy Gillespie.
Of Many Colors includes photographs and interviews with families (children, teens, and adults) who have bridged the racial divide through interracial relationships and/or adoption. In a world where race is considered by many to be a formidable barrier between people, the families in this exhibit have discovered richness and value in diversity. This exhibit of multiracial families has a great deal to teach about racial identity and racism. Of Many Colors is also available in a beautiful companion book (featuring over 40 families) published by the University of Massachusetts Press.
Of Many Colors has been used in schools (K-12), colleges, houses of worship, and workplaces to help create safe environments by developing empathy and caring in the viewers. A remarkable tool, this exhibit has been used to help reduce bullying based on racial identity in hundreds of venues world-wide.
“A student commented, ‘Standing here looking at the displays, I was engaged in my own conversation and was looking around and noticing other conversations... that these pictures are doing exactly what we wanted, getting people to talk... about race, acceptance, equality, people talking about their own experiences.’ This is one level of institutional change, having people who are part of the GCC community thinking and talking about race. Another level is promoting the visual and written arts that encompass anti-racism and multiculturalism. It is my intent to bring more of the Family Diversity Project's exhibits to Greenfield Community College. I have enjoyed my contact with you and hope to work with you in the future.
- Lou Peugh, Co-Chair, Diversity Working Group, Greenfield Community College
