“Why are you brown?”

press release: Featuring the expertise of local leaders and leading Wisconsin academic experts including Erin N. Winkler, chair of UW-Milwaukee’s Africology Department , UW-Madison’s Kellner Family Chair in Urban Education, Gloria Ladson-Billings, Madison Metropolitan School District Superintendent Jennifer Cheatham, and Madison-based community organization Groundwork, Preschool of the Arts will be hosting a series of public discussions and workshops on race and privilege. A three-part series, “Why are you brown?” Conversations with Young Children about Race and Privilege, is open to the public thanks to a partnership between Preschool of the Arts, Madison Children’s Museum, and the Madison Metropolitan School District.

This series was designed for parents and educators of young children to discuss issues like race and privilege in order to share research, resources and information so that families and schools will courageously begin conversations with children in the early years, where critical learning and significant brain development occurs.

“These events will provide a wide range of learning opportunities for parents and educators during a time when we need to be talking about race and privilege with all members of our community, including our children,” said Preschool of the Arts Executive Director Stacy Mitchell.  “This event series is an opportunity to better understand how young children develop an awareness of race, and explore personal experiences with trained facilitators.”

Event Schedule:

Event 1:  “Children are not Colorblind” a presentation by Erin N. Winkler

Tuesday, October 13, 6:30-8:30PM, Madison Public Library Central Branch

Event 2:  Small Group Workshop

Tuesday, October 20, 6:30-8:30PM, Preschool of the Arts, Madison, WI

Event 3:  Panel Discussion with Community Leaders

Tuesday, November 3, 6:30-8:30PM, Madison Public Library Central Branch

All events are free and open to the public. All attendees must register prior to the event. Registration is open now. Childcare and transportation are available with registration.

To learn more about “Why are you brown?” Conversations with Young Children about Race and Privilege, and to register for the events, visit: http://preschoolofthearts.com/about/workshop-registration/

About Preschool of the Arts:  Founded in Madison, WI in 1971, Preschool of the Arts is a dynamic early childhood program inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia.  Our mission is to offer a vibrant and innovative learning community committed to child-focused exploration, creativity and collaboration.

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