A Unique Resource Guide for Historically Underrepresented Populations
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS) is taking a page out of history to help Vols learn more about and support underrepresented populations in our local community. The Volunteer Orange Book is a new resource guide for students, faculty, and staff that provides information about the greater Knoxville area, on-campus resources, small, locally-owned businesses and restaurants, community DEI resources, and more.
The Orange Book was initially conceived by a larger working group. CEHHS asked for permission to move forward as a smaller project with Dorian McCoy, CEHHS Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, serving as the lead. However, McCoy will be the first to say that bringing the Orange Book to life was indeed a team effort, especially through the significant contributions of FUTURE intern, Asjha McAllister, and CEHHS Marketing and Communications.
An Homage to The Green Book
Victor H. Green
The inspiration for the Orange Book came from “The Negro Motorist Green Book,” published by Victor Hugo Green from 1936 to 1967. Also known as “The Green Book,” it offered a guide to services friendly to Black travelers during the Jim Crow era. From lodging to restaurants and gas stations, Black travelers could find friendly businesses that would serve them while on the road.
The “Green Book”
After discrimination was outlawed in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Green Book fell into obscurity. It wasn’t until 2018 and the release of the movie Green Book that wider audiences learned about the resource that helped many Black people safely navigate their travels.
A Learning Resource That Supports Community
The Orange Book is a useful guide for all Vols to learn about and support underrepresented local businesses, find out about on-campus UT resources, locate houses of worship, and much more. For students, especially those new to Knoxville, it can be an invaluable guide to learning more about the area as well as the multitude of campus resources available. For faculty and staff, the Orange Book can help uncover a number of “hidden gems” from restaurants offering a wide range of delicious cuisine to community spaces celebrating the diverse cultures Knoxville has to offer. This resource is an opportunity for all to grow and learn.
“The Orange Book itself cannot create community; however, we hope this guide will help all Vols, particularly those from underrepresented groups, identify resources that contribute to their sense of community at the university and in the greater Knoxville area,” said Dorian McCoy, CEHHS Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
While every effort was made to include as many underrepresented businesses, houses of worship, etc. as possible, some may have not been published in this edition. Please email the CEHHS DEI Office at cehhsdei@utk.edu to recommend additional resources for inclusion.
You can download a copy of The Volunteer Orange Book here.
Through its eight departments and 12 centers, the UT Knoxville College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences enhances the quality of life for all through research, outreach, and practice. Find out more at cehhs.utk.edu