DALLAS-Dallas Public Library will host the “The Bias Inside Us,”, a community engagement project from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, from July 25 to August 25, 2024, at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.
“The Bias Inside Us” raises awareness about the social science and psychology of implicit bias, the impact of this bias, and what people can do about it. The exhibit contains compelling images, hands-on interactives, and powerful testimonials and videos.
The opening exhibit reception on Thursday, July 25 at 6:15 p.m. will include a commemorative poem from Dallas Poet Laureate Mag Gabbert and a presentation from SMU professor Michael Phillips, the author of White Metropolis.
Throughout August, additional events and activities will be held to tie in with the exhibit: an escape-room-style game that tests participants’ biases, a voter education live music concert, and programs for kids that will teach changes in viewpoint and civic engagement.
“The Bias Inside Us” unpacks and demystifies the concept of bias. Visitors will explore the foundational blocks of bias, the psychology of how it forms, and how it influences behaviors both consciously and unconsciously. Interactive elements display how implicit and explicit biases show up in the world and influence systems and policies that have consequences.
The exhibition also features Spanish photographer Angélica Dass’ Humanae project, which documents humanity’s true colors through portraits that challenge the concept of race.
“The Bias Inside Us” draws from the work of psychologists Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald and their book Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People. It is based on an original concept developed by the Minnesota-based nonprofit Tolerance in Motion.
Major support for “The Bias Inside Us” is provided by the Otto Bremer Trust.
Additional support provided by:
- Acton Family Giving
- Anonymous donors
- The Beverly Foundation
- Steve and Sheri Lear
- Target
- Margaret A. Cargill Foundation Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation
- Thomson Reuters
- Alabama Power Foundation
- Allianz of America
- Valerie E. and William A. Anders
- Atlanta Gas Light Foundation
- Julie and David Burton
- the Dreier Family
- Lennart Ehn and Ginger Lew
- Expedia
- Trevor and Melissa Fetter
- Roger S. Firestone Foundation
- Brenda J. Gaines
- Myra Hart and Kent Hewitt
- Charlie and Nancy Hogan
- Judy and Bob Huret
- Dr. Christine C. Jenkins and Mr. Pierre A. France
- KNOCK, inc.
- Sarah Lawer and Frank Guanco
- Leaders Forum
- Kathleen Mason
- Elyse Rabinowitz and Jim Porter
- Dr. Philip S. and Alice Hoolihan Randall
- Gloria del C. Rodriguez
- the Family of Leona Roen
- Naoma Tate
About the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES)
Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for more than 70 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science, and history, which are shown wherever people live, work, and play.
For exhibition descriptions and tour schedules, visit sites.si.edu.
