The Holland Museum is hosting a traveling exhibit from the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State University. The exhibit opened in November and will be available through February 22. Showcased are items from popular culture used to stereotype groups of people. Negative imagery found on post cards, license plates, games, souvenirs and costumes has promoted stereotyping against such groups as African-Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics, Jews, and poor whites, as well as those who are ”other” in terms of body type or sexual orientation. “As a cultural leader in the community, the Museum has an opportunity and responsibility to bring awareness to social justice issues including racism, and we have the space to have meaningful discussions around those issues,” says Holland Museum Executive Director, Ricki Levine. “We ask people to explore this exhibit and programs with an open mind and heart.” As Martin Luther King Jr. stated, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” During the course of the exhibit and beyond, they will offer resources obtained from local and regional organizations so that visitors who want to personally get involved in fighting discrimination will have information on how they may get started.
Jill Russell
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