RUTLAND—“I Am Vermont Too” a photo-story project on view at VTSU Castleton Bank Gallery on 104 Merchants Row in Rutland, began in March of 2014. Modeled after the “I, Too, Am Harvard” initiative, the “I Am Vermont Too” photo-story project shines a light on the diversity of identities and experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) all across the state of Vermont. It looks to provide an opportunity for reflection and dialogue for majority-white communities who may be unaware of their participation in perpetuating racial stereotypes and harming BIPOC.
Members of majority-white communities in Vermont often do not interact with BIPOC on a daily basis. When they do, they can be unaware of their offensive and racist acts and behaviors, say organizers of the initiative. Often these offensive acts and behaviors come in the form of racial microaggressions. Racial microaggressions are subtle behaviors, acts, or environmental conditions that either intentionally or unintentionally communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults towards BIPOC. These forms of aggression have a significant impact on one’s sense of self and place in a community.
“The ‘I Am Vermont Too’ project is a medium for BIPOC to tell our own stories and convey that this type of racism has a significant impact in our lives,” organizers stated.
This is the first known statewide, multi-generation project done only by BIPOC living and going to school in the state.
As the collection of photos continues to grow, organizers have been collaborating with organizations throughout the state to host “Visible in Vermont” events, which consists of community-based photo booth sessions, a public exhibition of the “I Am Vermont Too” collection, and a BIPOC-led panel discussion.
For more information, visit:
therootsjc.org/i-am-vt-too.
Photographs and Curation by Sha’an Mouliert
The “I Am Vermont Too” photo-story project shines a light on the diversity of identities and experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) all across the state.
