CHICAGO (January 2024) – “The Many Colors of Us,” a new exhibit designed for children ages 3 to 10 has made its debut at The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center.

“The Many Colors of Us,” is an innovative experience for children to learn and celebrate racial and ethnic diversity through play. The individual hands-on exhibits encourage interactive, pretend, solo and collaborative play to spark children’s self-awareness and their awareness of others. Throughout their play, children will be exposed to diverse cultures and different racial and ethnic backgrounds at each zone such as ‘The Hair Shop’, ‘The Skins We’re In’ ‘The Multicultural Food Court’ and ‘The Self Portrait Gallery’ among other experiences of the exhibit, children will have fun while engaging in cognitive, affective, and emotional learning.

Research shows that as early as age 5, children recognize race and racism. Research also shows that children internalize and remember messages from hands on learning more than passive learning. “The Many Colors of Us,” aims to innovate by inspiring young children to think about race, ethnicity, and culture through interactive tactile forms of play. In contrast to “colorblind” pedagogical approaches, this exhibit teaches children to embrace racial and ethnic differences in order that they can acknowledge and enhance their sense of the power and positivity of their own and other identities.

“The Many Colors of Us” comes to the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center from Dolores Kohl, the director of the Dolores Kohl Educational Foundation (DKEF). A 501 © (3) private operating foundation founded in 1974, DKEF’s mission is to create new paradigms for innovative teaching and learning with a focus on young children. DKEF has created teacher centers, a children’s museum and many exhibits that have been widely replicated.

“We’re so excited and honored to work with such a storied institution as The DuSable,” said Dolores Kohl. She continued, “Working together to help children recognize how we are all different and, at the same time, how we are all the same has always been key to building a stronger community. I’m so proud that my Foundation can now be part of the DuSable community.”

“The Many Colors of Us,” exhibit invites children to learn about race, ethnicity and culture—pressing concerns in our current political and social climate—through playing. The multi-sensory and highly interactive individual zones invite children to be artists, caregivers, stylists, professionals, collaborators, and community members. It is the perfect class trip for preschool, Head Start and elementary school, children, and in an engaging way for whole families to spend time together.