Canvas explores diversity

The Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) and the Office of Student Life hosted an event to bring the woven fabric of Oberlin together with paint and cloth.

A canvas was spread in Wilder Bowl Tuesday, where students pressed their palms in every color paint to celebrate diversity. Students were offered a variety of colors to choose from before they painted their palms to press against the canvas. Many students wrote personal statements beneath their prints.

The canvas was an attempt to publicize an $8,000 grant awarded to Oberlin by the Association of American Colleges. The grant was provided to support publicity of racial legacies, learning and reconciliation in the College and its neighboring communities. Oberlin was one of 50 colleges awarded.

Angela Nichols, LGBTU coordinator for the MRC came up with the idea of the diversity canvas activity after watching a documentary on a related issue. She believed this event would bring people together and give them a sense that they have left their mark. "This is our community on canvas, we can all participate on canvas, so why not in everyday life?" said Nichols.

The students who participated in the event not only left colorful handprints on the canvas but also were encouraged to think about their responsibilities to address the legacies of racism the United States.

College sophomore Jackie Strait said, "Such efforts are very much needed in the community." She said that there is tension on campus that needs to be addressed and this is a step in the right direction.

There is a sense among some students that people shy away from honest conversation on racial issues and that society-wide issues are not being address and tackled as they should. Associate Dean of Student Life and Services Joe DiChristina hopes to use the grant to teach students how to address these issues.

Various members of the college community will be meeting community activists throughout Lorain County to get their input on how the funds should be used. They are currently entertaining ideas like a mentor program with the community and discussing issues of the Native American population of Lorain County, according to Nichols.

Hands on: Participants in the diversity canvas program work together to put the project together on Tuesday. (photo by Pauline Shapiro)