White-Inniss brings diversity dolls to local school
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SPRINGFIELD-- In celebration of Black History Month, students at the Warner School in Springfield got a lesson in diversity from one the area's premiere storytellers. Naomi White-Inniss, director of Multicultural Affairs at American International College brought her collection of dolls to the school on Tuesday, Feb. 12.
White-Inniss, along with AIC student Alicia Hunter, set up a variety of ethnic dolls including everything from G.I.Joe to the Buffalo Soldier and even Spiderman. She said the dolls help children understand diversity, and also helps promote self esteem.
In her role as director of multicultural affairs, White-Inniss is the driving force behind the AIC student organization, P.R.I.D.E. (Persons Ready in Defense of Ebony) and is involved in many campus and community events. She also coordinates the Kids to College program and Partners Program, partnerships between AIC and local elementary schools.
In her role as educator, White-Inniss visits schools and organizations with her vast collection of ethnic dolls to conduct workshops on diversity. She has brought her diversity message to such organizations as MassMutual, Community Enterprises, Springfield Public Schools, and the Pioneer Valley Girl Scouts.
She has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Pioneer Valley Woman of Distinction Award, the Alexander B. Mapp Achievement Award and the Massachusetts Reading Association Annual Literacy Award.
American International College
1000 State Street
Springfield MA 01109
(800) 242-3142
inquiry@aic.edu