It has been estimated that the human eye can distinguish roughly 10 million different colors along the spectrum. Our eyes evolved to give us a vibrantly-painted world; it is intertwined in our perception of identity and holds deep meaning to us as a species. Humans are very visual animals; color is our world. We paint with it, feel with it, eat it, wear it, buy it. Color is profoundly embedded in culture around the globe; it is something we as a collective whole respond to both aesthetically and physiologically. Color is beautiful to us. However, when it comes to the hue of another human being’s skin, color is often something that acutely divides us. Wars have bloodied entire nations over different levels of pigmentation. Race and identity are still issues that haunt us, regardless of the progress the last few decades have achieved. Prejudice continues to be a hot topic for speakers and writers around the nation, speakers such as Tim Wise.
Among the most renowned anti-racist writers and educators in the United States, Tim Wise challenges the idea of white privilege and speaks out about racism in all fields and aspects, such as education, religion and the work force. Named one of “25 Visionaries Who are Changing Your World” by Utne Reader, Wise is the author of six books, including the memoir, White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son. He has contributed essays to over twenty-five books and has work featured in dozens of popular, professional and scholarly journals. Wise’s most recent book, Dear White America: Letter to a New Minority will be released later this fall.
Wise has lectured on the issue of racism in 49 states, on over 600 college campuses and has provided anti-racism training to teachers, physicians, corporations, and government and military personnel. He is a graduate of Tulane University and received antiracism training from the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, in New Orleans. Tonight, Wise will bring his work, thoughts and wit to Spalding University for a charged lecture and discussion about the face and concerns of modern racism. The event begins at 7pm and is free to all Spalding students, faculty and staff presenting a valid ID; the public is also welcome to attend for a suggested donation of $10.
Bring an open mind and perceive “color” in a whole new light. Join Tim Wise in an effort to see, understand and dismantle the system of racism and prejudice in our society.
The Spalding University auditorium is located at 824 S. Fourth St.
For more information about this and other book-related events around the city, visit The List at the Louisville Free Public Library website
This event is organized by Spalding’s Diversity Consciousness Action Group and sponsored by its School of Professional Psychology, School of Social Work, School of Liberal Studies, College of Education, Student Development and Campus Life, the University of Louisville’s Anne Braden Institute for Social Justice Research, and the Kentucky Psychological Association.
Photo: Courtesy of Tim Wise’s website www.timwise.org
