What do African American art, an Imax theater, a Science Museum, and seven acres of roses have in common? They all featured significantly in Providence’s most recent 4W. PCC’s latest Weekend of Work and Worship in the World brought students to LA’s Exposition Park—a collection of museums and other attractions in the shadow of the Coliseum.

The trip brought students to the California African American Museum and the California ScienCenter. They viewed exhibits on the Tuskegee Airmen, Harlem of the West, and African American art as well as numerous interactive science exhibits. One major connection between the museums and focal point for the later discussions back on campus was the issue of race. The science center included a significant exhibit on the biological distinctions of race with the conclusion that, at basic levels, people aren’t really different at all.  

The discussion on campus, then, first addressed the issue of museum exhibits conveying a worldview—and whether they did so with the purpose of education or catechism. Specifically on the issue of race, students felt that it was a questionable effort to deny our differences. Providence being a relatively diverse place in terms of cultures collected, students believed that this becomes a matter of taking advantage of and rejoicing in our differences—a many-parts-one-body approach.

However, museums aside, general consensus among students is that Exposition Park’s seven acre rose garden stood out as the highlight of the trip. A number of students spent the better part of an hour wandering among the different varieties of roses in full bloom. There have even been rumors of a few students taking advantage of the peaceful setting and the sunshine for an afternoon nap. Who says college students don’t know how to appreciate God’s creation?