The University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service’s Center on Community Philanthropy is hosting a community conversation on “Race in the Media: Understanding the Issues and Discussing Opportunities for Action” in Pine Bluff. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place on November 21st from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the D.W. Reynolds Community Services Center.
The Center’s Visiting Faculty Philanthropy Scholar, Dr. Travis Dixon, will lead the conversation. Dr. Dixon, an Associate Professor of Communication Studies at University of California Los Angeles, has extensively researched the portrayal of minorities in the media, and looks forward to discussing the topic with residents of Pine Bluff and surrounding areas.
The community discussion will explore the degree to which racial stereotypes are perpetuated by media outlets and will encourage participants to work together to formulate ideas and actions for change.
“Stereotypes are the foundation of racism—if we can deal with them effectively, we can deal with racism,” Dr. Dixon explained.
The dialogue will be a follow up to the Pine Bluff community conversation on structural racism hosted by Center on Community Philanthropy in 2011. Both conversations exemplify the Center’s efforts to convene and engage Arkansans through its “Pathways to Racial Healing and Equity in the American South” initiative.
“The Center is pleased to offer this unique and timely opportunity to community members in Pine Bluff,” said Dr. Charlotte L. Williams, Associate Professor and Director of the Clinton School Center on Community Philanthropy. “Using research and outreach to address issues of race and equity is an integral part of the work of the Center, and it is necessary for creating positive change in the region. Furthermore, the Center is particularly committed to taking these discussions beyond academia and engaging individuals at the community level.”
Dinner will be provided by the Center for this event. There is no cost to attend, however, space is limited and RSVPs will be required. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Sierra Fowler by email at sfowler@clintonschool.uasys.edu or call (501) 683-5216.