Join the Arne Nixon Center and the Special Collections Research Center for their first joint exhibition in the Henry Madden Library. In honor of the California efforts to include more Ethnic Studies courses for students, the exhibition entitled “Representations of the Silenced and Silences” features books, manuscript items, photographs, and maps from the two special collections — including materials related to Fresno State’s own history with Ethnic Studies and unique materials written by children in the Central Valley.

The items displayed represent both the deep histories of racism and discrimination from the dominant culture as well as the responses of activism and education from marginalized communities. Our exhibition highlights that our collections are not neutral and contain inherent biases. While the exhibit speaks to many different interventions of silenced groups, they are a small fraction of our holdings. Many archives and special collections do not represent the diversity of their campuses and communities, and we are no exception. Aside from pointing out the past and present biases, we demonstrate the silences in both the archival record and published history.

We hope this exhibition will mark the beginning of a campus dialogue about the importance of Ethnic Studies in education. This exhibition is on display in the Woodward Family Reading Room of the Special Collections Research Center — located on the fourth floor, south wing of the Henry Madden Library. For more information, contact scrc@mail.fresnostate.edu.

Representations of the Silenced and Silences: Selections in Support of Ethnic Studies
Time: Open for viewing 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday to Friday throughout the fall 2021 semester.
Location: Special Collections Research Center, Henry Madden Library, fourth floor south
Cost: Free of charge. For more information call 559.278.2595 or email scrc@mail.fresnostate.edu.