Racial Awareness Workshop discusses interracial dating

GREEN BAY — In honor of Black History Month, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Black Student Union is hosting a Racial Awareness Workshop on interracial dating Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. in the Christie Theatre of the University Union, 2420 Nicolet Drive.

The workshop will include a panel discussion on interracial dating. The event is free and open to the public.

“The purpose is to promote an open dialogue on diversity issues we face in our community,” said student Kathy Koehne, organizer of the event.

Koehne, a senior Urban and Regional Studies major, will mediate and ask the panelists questions. Audience members are also encouraged to participate, Koehne said.

The panel will consist of UW-Green Bay students and staff who are currently in relationships with someone outside their race, as well as faculty who will discuss the social significance of interracial relationships, both historic and present.

Panelists will be asked about personal experiences, including receptiveness in the community and among family and friends, challenges they face and rewards they experience in their relationships.

“Green Bay is currently experiencing diversification, and the issues surrounding interaction between different racial and ethnic groups is something we as a community should engage in together,” Koehne said. “I believe audience members will gain great insight and knowledge from our panelists that they will be able to apply in their daily interactions.”

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