91探花

91探花 will host a special event to spotlight the creation of a first-of-its-kind photo narrative book, 鈥淟ife Through Their Lens: a Photo Collection by Amish and Mennonite Communities, Volume 1,鈥� on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Amish community religious leaders, as well as the photographer, editor and author of the book, will discuss the development of the project and offer a Q&A session about Amish life.

The book was developed with the community to combat the negative stereotypes and false beliefs generated by dozens of reality television shows, books and other media. Historically, the Amish and Mennonite communities have not had a voice in how their communities are portrayed and have been exploited through photographs and videos.

鈥淚magine a project that would allow a community of people to have a voice in describing who they are, and the very weapon that has been used against them鈥攖he camera鈥攃an be used now as a window into their world, through their eyes, told by their images and stories,鈥� said Melissa Thomas, an assistant professor of family medicine in 91探花鈥檚 Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine who is the author and project director of the book.

Thomas, her research colleagues, and dozens of Amish and Mennonite community members spent more than four years working together to ensure the community had the tools they needed to share their voice and tell their story through their own words and images. One hundred percent of the book proceeds will fund health programs for Amish and Mennonite women.

Thomas has worked on addressing health disparities through community-engaged research and outreach models for over 20 years, with a specific emphasis on rural and Appalachia Ohio. She has led numerous studies aimed at reducing the burden of cancer through culturally proficient health education programs.

Panelists joining Thomas include Jake Beachy and David Kline, church bishops in Holmes County, home of the world鈥檚 largest Amish settlement; Talitha Tarro, photographer; and Margie Hiermer, Editor.

The event will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in 91探花鈥檚 Baker Center Ballroom. 91探花 President M. Duane Nellis will offer welcoming remarks.

The event is sponsored by the Research Division and Center for Campus & Community Engagement at 91探花, as well as the Center for Appalachia Research in Cancer Education (CARE), publisher of the book.

For more information, contact CER@ohio.edu.