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'Race and Democracy: A Photovoice Project' Creates Community Conversations

Members of the Kent and 黑料网 communities weaved their way through the expressions of artists鈥 ideas of 鈥渃ommunity" that are on display across the walls of Uumbaji Gallery in Oscar Ritchie Hall until Feb. 10.

The  features a collaborative effort that aims to "bring together diverse constituencies.鈥 The group hosted an artists鈥 reception January 26 for the Photovoice Project on Race and Democracy in Northeast Ohio.

The 2023 Photovoice Project Gallery

The Photovoice Project is an art display that uses photography and storytelling to engage community members and encourage them to describe the strengths, weaknesses and overall health of their community.

鈥淎ll too often conversations about democracy and civic engagement are siloed, cut off from conversations about race, racism, and racialized systems of oppression,鈥 Ashley Nickels, Ph.D., co-founder and co-organizer of The Growing Democracy Project, said. 鈥淭he Growing Democracy Project, and this project in particular, challenge us to think about what the intersections of race and democracy look and feel like to residents living in northeast Ohio.鈥

The 2023 Photovoice Project Gallery

Community members were asked to share photos that they felt described their community. By allowing community members to submit their own photos, each photo had a different meaning and unique perspective behind it.

鈥淎s a part of this project, we have spoken with many of the artists, who have told us how much this experience, this space, this opportunity means to them,鈥 Nickels said. 鈥榃e are honored to create spaces for people to share their stories,鈥

The 2023 Photovoice Project Gallery

Each photo told a story about a person鈥檚 individual experience and was closely admired by attendees. More importantly, the photos were starting conversations at the event and beyond. 

鈥淩ace is an inevitable part of building a democracy. Everyone鈥檚 voices should matter. To me, this is true inclusion,鈥 Alina Uzor, Center for Pan African Culture graduate assistant, said. 鈥淭his exhibit is a powerful way to communicate what these voices look like. Looking at these pictures, seeing people in their sometimes private moments, speaks to people on a personal level.鈥 

Community Members at The Photovoice Project

The event is organized and sponsored by the Growing Democracy Project, with support from Kent State鈥檚 School of Peace and Conflict Studies, Center of Pan African Culture and Anti-Racism and Equity Institute.

To learn more about The Growing Democracy Project, visit .

Banner photo courtesy David Foster

POSTED: Friday, January 27, 2023 11:28 AM
Updated: Thursday, February 2, 2023 10:42 AM
WRITTEN BY:
Chloe Zofchak, Flash Communications