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 Helena-West Helena. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place on December 3rd from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Delta Area Health Education Center (AHEC). Doors will open at 5:00pm.
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 Helena-West Helena 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. “Local residents often have a number of great ideas on how to address this issue in their own communities. Some of those ideas may turn out to be powerful solutions,” he added.
This dialogue is a part of 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 residents of the Delta,” said Dr. Charlotte L. Williams, Associate Professor and Director of the Clinton School Center on Community Philanthropy. “The Center is committed to taking discussions like this beyond academia and engaging individuals at the community level. Any positive initiative that is going to be successful in these communities must live locally.”
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.
About the Center on Community Philanthropy
The Center on Community Philanthropy is a groundbreaking venture focusing its teaching, research and policy-making exclusively on the emerging field of sharing and giving in a community context. Although the center is part of a growing number of university-based programs focused on civic engagement and volunteerism, it is unique in its mission to study philanthropic concepts and acts emerging from within communities.
For more information, please visit the Center’s website.
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