UNC Cites Progress for Black Faculty

Progress for Black Faculty

The Daily Tar Heel did a good job with the above article. However, what becomes more disturbing, and hints at the racism that is still prevalent in our society, are the comments that people have posted online.

One of the notions discussed is that of being a society that is colorblind; a society where we don’t examine race, and it doesn’t matter because we’re all being judged by our merits. While I would love to live in a society where race doesn’t matter, I am also very aware of how my race has shaped me. And in all honesty, people being colorblind to that can lead to much insensitivity. I’ve experienced the “colorblind phenomenon”, as I’ll call it, when people of other races have said “I don’t even think of you as black. You’re just like me.”

Well, while that’s a nice thought- I’m NOT like you, and it’s offensive to me for that to be said. When someone exercises this “colorblind phenomenon” towards specific blacks (or people of other races), what they really mean is that you’re not part of the stereotype that I had of this group. And since you’re not part of this stereotype, I’m not going to think of you as being a part of that group.

Now, since we all know that races are monolithic (note the sarcasm), and that people were lying when they said there’s more variation within races than between them, OF COURSE, I can’t possibly be black if I: can’t dance, can’t sing, don’t wear ‘urban clothes’, am ‘articulate’, etc. etc…

Sometimes I wish we’d give more thought to the things we say, noting what’s implied by our comments. I believe that the idea of being colorblind should really be replaced with the notion of having heightened sensitivity to our cultural differences. I am proud to be black, and I don’t want my ‘blackness’ stripped away (of course, it never can be) in this quest for ‘colorblindness’. I just feel that if we are sensitive to our words, thoughts, and actions; ‘colorblindness’ won’t be necessary.

To Free, or Not to Free? That is the Question

Ronda talks about the case with Genarlow Wilson on her blog, and now the AJC has decided to let readers discuss the situation.

If you’re not familiar with the Genarlow Wilson case, here are the basics:

As a 17 year old, he had consensual oral sex with a 15 year old girl. He was convicted of aggravated child molestation charges, and received a sentence of 10 years in prison.

You can read what the AJC readers have to say here.

Click here read more about the Genarlow Wilson case.

Hearing Andrew Young

Former mayor opens awards – News

This weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the UGA Campus Chapter of NAACP’s Inaugural Image Awards, and I must say that it was fabulous.

Unlike UNC, UGA students don’t have as many formals or balls- so they relish opportunities to dress up. People definitely came with their “A” game, and as always, you’re surprised to see how well some people can clean up.

Anyhow, the spirit of the night was incredible, and for once, I felt that black students at UGA were on one accord in reference to the issues that we face daily on this campus and in the community.

For me, the highlight of the night was hearing former Atlanta mayor Andrew Young give the address. His message was incredibly inspirational, and it left me wondering why he doesn’t go back to being a preacher. And when he announced that he now listens to books on his Ipod, in addition to music; I decided I still have a long way to go on my journey of being truly educated and inspiring to others.

Young said that he believes that our struggle is to now integrate the corporate aspect of America; to integrate the money. He reminded us all that the challenges we face are because we are children of God, involved in the essential struggle of good versus evil.

It was truly an awesome message, from an equally awesome person whom I admire. And it helped to re-focus my attention on the things that matter. I feel rejuvenated, and ready to face the future. Gotta love that.

I’m Tired of This

And what is it that I’m tired of: all this talk about standardized testing and schools.

I just finished reading this article on CNN.com which was discussing how students are making better grades, but they can’t get past the tests. And since the tests are what matter, as opposed to what students actually KNOW…then, I suppose that is a problem.

I’m about to enter into the workforce with all this talk about testing, standards, No Child Left Behind, etc. While I honestly believe that the testing can be used in a positive way, I don’t feel like it is right now. Currently, teachers are under pressure to make sure that their kids can get past the tests. Does that mean they might be slacking off in other areas? Perhaps. And maybe that can explain the increase in grades.

At any rate, I’d like to see more emphasis placed on the State Standards for Education. Perhaps by providing clearer standards for what students should know and be able to do, we’ll have students who can make good grades AND pass the tests. Additionally, it helps teachers have a clearer idea of what they should be teaching. While I’m all for having freedom to explore subjects on my own in the classroom, I would appreciate a clear set of guidelines and/or standards at least for the basics.

I’m scared that this testing crap is going to push the state of public education to an even lower point than it is at now. If people thought there was an education crisis in the 1950s and 1960s, just wait and see what will happen if we continue at this rate. It’s time for some change.

Again, I’m Proud of UNC

Dorm name honors slave – University

UNC has been conscious of its history as a white institution in the South, and what that may mean for people of color. And, UNC has made strides in promoting all aspects of its history. The renaming of Hinton James North Residence Hall after George Moses Horton is yet another step in the right direction.

On February 7, I could say that I was proud of my alma mater because we beat Duke. Today I can say that I’m proud for a different reason.

This is How it’s Spread: Gum and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Would you take turn chewing the same piece of gum with your coworkers, classmates, or even your family members? Probably not. According to this article in the Washington Post, students at a Montgomery County high school were asked to take turns chewing the same piece of gum as a simulation of how sexually transmitted diseases were spread.

An excerpt:

To demonstrate how sexually transmitted diseases are spread, a visiting speaker invited students to share gum in health classes at four county high schools in December and last month. School officials said a total of about 100 students participated in the lessons, although some declined to chew the gum…

“It was fine for me, because my best friend and me did it first,” said Julia Bellefleur, 15, a Damascus High School sophomore who participated in the exercise. “But it was kind of gross for everyone else. I was just glad I did it first.”

So it seems to be a somewhat meaningful exercise. And it helps to get the point across. But is the exercise going too far to teach kids a lesson?

Church honors late reverend

Church honors late reverend – City

This article, courtesy of The Daily Tar Heel, discusses how The Chapel of the Cross honored Dr. Pauli Murray.

An excerpt:

A special service at the Chapel of the Cross on Thursday commemorated the 30th anniversary of the day the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray became the first black woman to perform a Eucharist as an Episcopal priest.

The service was delivered by a woman who reached another milestone – Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, the first woman to head an American church…

“As we stand here today, we can say with utter confidence that her life and ministry have brought others to greater awareness, healing, and yes, even friendship, than would have been possible without her strong witness,” Jefferts Schori said.

She also noted her debt to Murray. “I know I stand here today only because she stood here before me. Her proud shoes have carried many others down the road to freedom.”