Community Narratives

Abstract

Virginia Tech highly values its diverse community of faculty, staff and students. The Community Narratives Project is lead by Kathryn Albright, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies (CAUS). The project grew organically with a small exhibit in the college highlighting the concept last year. Later, individuals within the Hokie Community inspired by this earlier exhibit had their portrait taken and added their stories. Working with Kathryn, photographer Sal Choudhury, Professor of Architecture in CAUS, created the photo-narratives on scheduled dates throughout the past year. The project concept is designed to spark conversations and create an ongoing dialogue in response to this question:

Based on your lived experiences, what does diversity mean in your life?

The photo-narratives highlight individuality. Participants decide how to showcase their identity, their culture, their own perspectives on diversity as they reflect on personal life experiences.