Retrospections on the Home Visit: A Positive Intervention in Race Relations

Abstract

An upper level course in race relations was taught at the University of North Florida from 1972 through 1977. One unique aspect of the course, “Human Conflict: Black and White,” was a required 7-day, live-in experience in the home of a family of another race. Approximately 2 decades later, members of the classes were interviewed to gain a retrospective, including perceptions of what they learned, their recall and current perceptions of the experience, and suggestions resulting from the experience. Nineteen class members were located; 16 were interviewed in person and 3 responded by mail. The reports included many themes about racial perceptions and how direct experience can positively affect perceptions and interactions.