Race and Change Across Cultures and Generations: Florida Stories

Sponsored in part by the Naples Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

This multimedia program blends lively cross-cultural stories, research and discussion on coming of age with integration in ethnically diverse Florida in a 21st Century dialogue on race in a non-confrontational way. Drawing on an archive of over 125 oral histories of Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Asians and Caribbeans from a variety of heritages as well as candid intergenerational video and audio interviews on race relations experiences, Dr. Oliver explores how far we’ve come and how progress can be made in a hopeful way that inspires our youth.

Dr. Kitty Oliver is an author, oral historian, media producer and professional singer with a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing and a Ph.D. focusing on race and ethnic communication. The native Floridian and former university professor is founder of the “Race and Change” historical archive of cross-cultural race and ethnic relations oral histories, the only one of its size and scope in the country, Her sought-after insights and research have been featured in books, public television and webcast radio productions, on CNN, and, most recently, in a standout interview in the Ron Howard Beatles documentary Eight Days a Night-The Touring Years now playing in theaters internationally to rave reviews. This in-demand artist also has a CD of original inspirational jazz music and weaves music, media and storytelling into her innovative, creative, uplifting programs on race and ethnic relations designed to bridge audiences across cultures and generations.