"Trick or Treat: An Awakening of your consciousness" is the Retrospective of Social Consciousness on view now through November 30, 2019, is an exhibit created by the Department Chair Terri Burnett and Professor John Harris of the Paine College Media Studies Department dedicated to increasing cultural sensitivity and understanding for the minority experience in the United States. The retrospective displays jarring images from past and present events with quotes and comments from the internet illuminating history of the treatment of minorities.

"We created this exhibit because if you are blocked, or any person of color and you plan on living and dying in America, then you have no choice but to vote," said Department Chair Terri Burnett, "We created this with our students to educate, expose students to historical and present traumas and to tell our stories."

The exhibit highlights events that Chair Burnett and Professor Harris feel are forgotten and dismissed but become relevant during events like Black History Month. "We built this exhibit because a large number of our students don't know the importance of their past or the relevant sacrifices made to ensure both their present and their future. Because of the lopsided reality in their daily lives, they have become so privileged that they don't even understand the humongous need for that past wisdom, " said Professor Harris, "We have students who won't vote, not just don't vote but won't, because they mistakenly believe that their vote doesn't matter. "Choosing not to vote isn't courageous Rebellion, it's shameful surrender."

"We need to face the hurt, learn, reflect, remember and heal from the horrific trauma of slavery, Jim Crow, and overall oppression," added Chair Burnett. The duo is hoping that people who visit the installation especially students feel encouraged to vote. "If your single vote doesn't matter, then why are so many people across this nation trying with all their might to stop you from voting," said Professor Harris, "We created this exhibit because if you are black or any person of color and plan on living and dying in America then you have no choice but to vote." 

The exhibit is located in the Candler Memorial Library on the main Paine College campus and is free and open to the public. To schedule a tour contact the Paine College Communications and Marketing Office at marketing@paine.edu