3 • BENNETT BANNER • MARCH 12, 1999
OPINION • OPINION •OPINION 'OPINION 'OPINION
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We need to reclaim
the spirit of Black History
As blacks we have
become professional complainers.
When Black History Week
was started by Carter G.
Woodson, its purpose was to
inform our communities about the
rich history of our people.
Several years later, in 1976, it
became a national holiday to
inform the United States of
America of the contributions of
Blacks to this "great" country.
Now more than 20 years later
we complain about how it seems
as if Black History Month is
nonexistent, but this is only
because we make it this way.
Yes, it is the shortest month of
the year, but what are you doing
to make the best of these 28
days.
The Bible says "To whom
much is given, much is required
[expected]." In knowing this.
He will not give you more until
you show appreciation fOT the
small portion that you have.
In our schools we are given
information about Blacks [and
their achievements] during
Black History Month. However,
the real knowledge has to be
sought after and acquired..
It is our responsibility to learn
about our heritage. The true
scholar, after acquiring the
knowledge, is obligated to share
this for the advancement of her
community! We as a people
have lost our zeal, and it is up to
us to reclaim it.
Natalie Stewart
Sophomore
Pensauken, NJ.
Celebrating one month
of Black History is meaningless
Black History Month is a
frivolous and patronizing attempt
at pacifying the African-Ameri
can race.
How is it possible to recog
nize the niunerous achievements
that this race alone has contrib
uted to American society, within
the time span of 28 days?
That is an insult.
Black history should be
incorporated in the general
education curriculum of all
schools, on all levels. In today's
society there are still states that
do not even honor King's
holiday, so the month of Febru
ary holds no particular signifi
cance to them either.
What does Black History
Month mean to me? Nothing.
However, the eternal knowledge
of the rich heritage that my
ancestors brought forth to this
country is immeasurable.
I keep this rich legacy close
to my heart, and keep it reverent
365 days of the year. Once the
African-American race does this,
the sooner we as a people will
realize that we don't need the
shortest month of the year set
aside for out people to be noticed
nationally.
Tanya Wagstaffe
Senior English major from
Brooklyn, MY
Personal thanks
to Intercultural Appreciation Week
Bennett College Global
Connections: 125 Years and
Counting... Intercultural Appre
ciation Week revealed several
strengths and areas of excellence
at Bennett. Pfeiffer Hall offered
a delightful celebration of the
theme in the dynamic presenta
tion of “carnival”, a festival
celebrated in many cultures,
especially in Central and South
America. Their display included
pictures, food, dance, music, and
narration.
The International Students
Association did an exceptional
job Feb. 15 preparing samples of
foods from various countries.
Their ACES program Feb. 18
was outstanding! I hope we will
have an opportimity to see an
encore presentation of the
scripture read in different
languages and the Zimbabwe
student's song. The inclusion of
the sign language interpreter
was wonderful and desirable for
all public events.
Our thanks to the faculty,
staff and students who wore
clothes to reflect their ethnic or
cultural identity. The beautiful
display of diversity reminded us
of the richness within our
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College community.
So much of the extraordinary
message delivered by Dr.
Shelby Lewis, ACES speaker,
warrants our serious consider
ation. We plan to make
available the text of her speech
and invite discussion of the
ideas and issues she raised.
My personal thanks to the
Intercultural Appreciation Week
committee, and especially to Dr.
Anthony Oyewole, its chair.
Paula Quick Hall, PhD.
Chair,
Political Science Department
Fryar Continued from Page 1
dent population. The college with the largest amount per capita is
awarded the national title.
Maxine Womble Bakeman, Bennett's pre-alumnae council adviser,
said that Bennett lost the tide to Claflin College by less than a dollar.
Bakeman said Claflin claimed the victory due to a technicality.
“The pre-alumnae group from Claflin was allowed to bring their
money to the conference instead of submitting it beforehand by dead
line,” Bakeman said.
Bakeman said that a letter of protest was submitted to UNCF by
President Gloria Randle Scott when she returned from the pageant, and
neither the pre-alumnae advisors nor Scott has received a response from
UNCF conference and pageant officials.
"Students’ focus should now shift to the importance of becoming
more active in pre-alumnae council positions, especially seeking
national positions," Bakeman said.
Bennett was represented at the conference by pre-alumnae council
advisers, Bakeman, Dorothy Colson and six other council members
including senior accounting major TennUle Francis from Chester, Pa.
Francis presided at the national meeting for all 39 colleges as the
national president of the pre-alumnae council of UNCF.
1
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“This foundation seeks to reach out to United Methodist colleges in
need of support and improve race relations in this country,” said Leah
Tannenbaum the chair of the Board of Directors of the Foundation.
Leah Tannenbaum is also the mother of former Board of Trustee
member, Jean Tannenbaum.
The Capital Campaign offices are located in the Carnegie Library
now, but Mary Scarlette, dean of Academic Achievement and Reten
tion, said the offices for the new student volunteer program, entreprenuer
program, and a community outreach center will also be housed there.
Students who have an interest in community service projects and
starting their own business can come to the library to use the resources
available to assist them Scarlette said.