University of Michigan Library
University of Michigan Library

Exploring Mixed Race and Interracial Family Experiences

September 6, 2024

Last year, when the university was revisiting its DEI strategy and the 2020 census data had just been released, Education Librarian Karen Downing saw an opportunity to dig deeper into an area of interest she'd long pursued: helping mixed-race students and others in the community feel welcome and included on campus.

Now, a library exhibit — Being Mixed Race in a Mono-racially Organized World — puts on display some of the research findings that emerged from this effort.

Downing talked with WGVU about growing up mixed race, and her mixed race exhibit (currently on display in the Clark Library), as part of the video Crossroads of Culture: Stories of Mixed-Race Identity.

Read about the collaborative approach Downing took to drive the creation of the exhibit and related programming, and join us for some or all of the related programming:

Film screenings followed by discussion

TEDx Talks on Being Biracial, October 2

What Are You?, October 10

Hapa, November 7

Beyond Black and White, December 5 and 6

Presentations

Identity and Socialization of Mixed Race Children, November 1

Clements Treasures: Items By and About Mixed Race People, November 7

A Mixed Race Future and What it Means for Communities, November 13

Mixed Race Influences on Personal and Professional Life, December 4

Activities

Exhibit Tour: Being Mixed Race, September 26, October 11, December 5

Collage Your Story!, November 14

Eight book and magazine covers, including Esquire, Time, and Vogue.

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