North Carolina (MMD Newswire) Septeber 17, 2009 -- Adam L. Perkins, race relations expert, noted speaker, author of Looking over Black Shoulders, and founder and spokesperson for Gifts of America (GOA) intends to change the way Americans see racism.
According to Perkins, "Not only was George Wallace not a racist, but there has never been a racist in the history of America. This does not in any way trivialize the experiences that many people unfortunately suffered at the hands of others. However, I have introduced a more appropriate term that describes why we respond to each other the way we do and race never enters into the equation. This is what America needs to know."
An engaging and informative speaker, Perkins welcomes new lecturing opportunities across the country introducing this unique perspective on race relations without using race as a basis. This alone sets him apart from most experts allowing people to obtain the understanding they need without the guilt and shame often associated with racism. Perkins has appeared on FOX 8 and WCSC (CBS Affiliate) - TV stations and has been the guest speaker on numerous talk shows.
In a recent interview, Perkins explained that, "Gifts of America came about from a premise that all of us are gifts to each other regardless of skin color, ethnic background and culture. This is our way of, "Connecting Culture, Color, and People."
Perkins believes, "America does not have a ‘race problem.' I've always said if you have a problem that you cannot solve then you're trying to solve the wrong problem. What I think GOA will do ultimately is give Americans a better perspective of each other and allow people to appreciate the differences and contributions of others."
"Racism as a word has divided us more than any other word. ‘Jena Six' is a prime example of the destructiveness and the application of the use of the word racism. During my lectures people are surprised when they discover how ‘RATS' and ‘CATS,' not racism, negatively impact their relationships with others," said Perkins.
"Yes, the race card has been played too long. Honestly, I think people are tired and want something different. If we're going to talk about this subject in any forum we cannot make race the focal point of the discussion. There's nothing wrong with being black, white, red, yellow, or brown", said Perkins.
His personal life-changing experiences have allowed him to bring a much-needed perspective. With more than 30 years of extensive exploration on this subject he has proven to be an effective and competent speaker on race related issues.
"Our goal is to have a more productive dialogue between all cultures, colors, and people which is everyone's responsibility," said Perkins.
His book ‘Looking over Black Shoulders' [ISBN: 0-9793927-1-3], provides such an eye-opening perspective [literally] on the subject of racism that it has been compared to John Howard Griffin's ‘Black Like Me.'
Perkins said, "We've been deceived on this subject long enough. ‘It's time America knows the truth."
Availability:
Available to lecture at schools, churches, colleges/universities, nonprofits, self-help groups and various other organizations to provide lectures on diversity education. Available as a commentator and columnist.
Contact:
Sharon Perkins
media@giftsofamerica.org
(336) 329-9565
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