The stars aligned Friday at the Museum of Science & History, when the museum unveiled its new exhibition that explores race and Jacksonville Community Council Inc. released its 2012 Race Relations Progress Report.
"The new exhibit examines many of the same issues JCCI highlights in its annual report," said museum Executive Director Maria Hane.
"RACE: Are We So Different?" is a project of the American Anthropological Association. Its purpose is to explain the origin of race and race ideas and their impact on American society while promoting a better understanding of human variation.
Developed in 2007, the exhibit is designed to help people of all ages better understand the origins of race through exploration and interaction.
Several of the elements lend themselves to being experienced by small groups, which encourages discussion and sharing of ideas.
The exhibit includes topics like education, military access, institutional racism and disparities in health, employment and housing wealth.
Jacksonville is the first city in Florida to host the exhibit.
"We wanted to provide a safe place for Jacksonville residents to heighten their understanding of race," said Hane.
Ben Warner, JCCI president and CEO, said releasing the report at a news conference at the museum was a natural choice.
"It's such a different experience. We're combining a national-level exhibition with the local perspective. As a community, we have done better than most in facing the issue of race directly," he said.
The exhibit is scheduled through April 28. To learn more about the exhibit and its complementary programming, museum hours and membership opportunities, visit themosh.org.
To view JCCI's 2012 Race Relations progress report, visit jcci.org.
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