IUPUC and the NAACP of Bartholomew County invite the community to attend “Living in the Middle: Challenges of Biracial Families,” a presentation and discussion panel on April 25. This event takes place 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Columbus Learning Center Summerville Room and is hosted by IUPUC’s Division of Education and the Women In the NAACP (WIN) committee.
Organizers encourage members of biracial families to attend, as well as anyone interested in better understanding and supporting our local biracial community, including educators, health care workers, public service providers, friends and neighbors.
The program starts with two 10-minute segments of “The Loving Generation,” a TV series on how Americans born to one white and black parent experience race and identity. WIN Chairwoman Stephanie Carmer noted how significant this program was for her, as a biracial person, in realizing she’s not alone in her struggles.
“For years, I watched how my mother struggled to realize and come to terms with the challenges I, we, faced. Our family was not equipped, but not addressing an issue never makes it better," said Carmer, who is also a board member for Advocates for Children.
“As part of the Loving Generation, the first generation of biracial kids after the legalization of interracial marriage, I feel the need to share with the next gen that these issues are not theirs alone,” Carmer explained. “I also want to give parents and caretakers a chance to realize they, too, are not alone, and to share some tools and resources to help.”
After watching the program segments, George Towers, head of IUPUC’s Liberal Arts Division, will share a presentation on demographic mapping and social equity.
The event concludes with a panel discussion of those who have those who have experienced the challenges of biracial families in our community. Stephanie Carmer, IUPUC Communication Studies Professor Pamela Morris, and IUPUC Education Professor Laura Liu are hosting the session.
“We are excited to co-host this Communications-Education event and look forward to learning together how best to support diverse learner identities and family systems in K-12 schools, and how to prepare teachers for this across our teacher education courses,” Liu said.
The April 25 event will include time for questions, as well as information about local support and resources. No registration is required.
The Columbus Learning Center is located at 4555 Central Ave. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided courtesy of WIN.
In-person attendance is encouraged, however, those who are unable to attend in person may watch the event on Zoom. For more information, visit go.iu.edu/4Neu.