Institute of Texan Cultures 'RACE' exhibit continues with two special events

At the RACE exhibit, a family discovers that assumptions can be misleading as they listen to voices and try to match them with pictures of the speakers. (Photo courtesy of American Anthropological Association and Science Museum of Minnesota)

By James M. Benavides
Public Affairs Specialist

(April 7, 2010)--The Institute of Texan Cultures exhibit "RACE: Are We So Different?" continues with two special events -- two lectures on Thursday evening, April 8 and RACE Family Day on Saturday April 10. The RACE exhibit is a project of the American Anthropological Association and the Science Museum of Minnesota. The exhibit was designed to improve the quality and quantity of community discussions on topics of race and racism.

>> From 7 to 8 p.m., Thursday, April 8, as part of a continuing lecture series associated with the exhibit, Harriett Romo, director of the UTSA Mexico Center, will speak on "Mexican American and Mexican Racial Identity" and Rhett Rushing, Institute of Texan Cultures folklorist, will speak on "Folklore and Race."

>> Then, RACE Family Day is 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, April 10. The activities will include guided tours (including some in Spanish) with child-friendly explanations of how the many races are unique but also similar. Educators will share lessons on food, language and cultures, along with puppet shows celebrating the uniqueness of cultures. Additionally, San Antonio's "Madrina," Carmen Tafolla, will tell stories from 1 to 2 p.m.

"We want to provide the Spanish-speaking community a cultural venue in which they feel welcome to experience everything we have to offer," said ITC educational specialist Matthew Anderson. "We want all San Antonians to be able to fully participate in activities at the institute."

An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the Institute of Texan Cultures is on the UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. Durango Blvd., a short distance from the Alamo and the River Walk. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m., Sunday.

RACE Family Day is included with regular admission: $8 for adults (ages 12-64); $7 for seniors (ages 65+); $6 for children (ages 3-11); free with membership or UTSA or Alamo Colleges identification.

"RACE: Are We So Different?" runs through May 16. For more information, call 210-458-2300 or visit the Institute of Texan Cultures Web site.