Deborah Miles was deeply moved by the racial violence of the 1960s and, consequently, has devoted her life to helping people understand that diversity is a positive thing. She spends each day building bridges and increasing understanding of diverse cultures, races, ethnic groups, and religions – primarily through The Center for Diversity Education, which she founded in 1995.

Miles had tried earlier to convince school administrators of the value of teaching diversity in schools but failed. Using her background as a teacher, experience as a community organizer, and large network of friends and associates, Miles finally succeeded in 1995. One of the keys to the center’s success is that its programs are developed in compliance with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study, making them immediately usable by teachers.

The center, which began at the Jewish Community Center, is now housed at the University of North Carolina at Asheville.

Thus far, more than 100,000 students and approximately 1,000 teachers have been exposed to its programs. In addition, thousands of adults and other children have seen some of the exhibits in public places, such as shopping malls, hospitals, and colleges. One such program, An Unmarked Trail, focuses on African Americans in Buncombe County’s early history. Another is about western North Carolina’s role in World War II.