Who’s Ready to Talk About Race?

UPAAB PRESENTS THE REASONS WHY RACE IS AN ISSUE IN THE U.S.

On Monday evening, April 1, 2019, the University Programs and Activities Board (UPAAB) hosted a panel discussion in the John Garrick Hardy Center Student Theater located at Alabama State University. The panel consisted of ASU finest individuals Dr. Howard Robinson, Aayliah C. and Dr. Robert White.

The discussion started with a simple question that we tend to ask when mentioning race, that is “Why is Race an Issue in the U.S.?” Each of the panelists shared various reasons on the question as well as the attendees of the event.

Aayliah C., who is a graduating senior at ASU, answered the question by speaking briefly on the issue with black feminism in United States. She stated that black women are not being represented for the works and accomplishments they have done in the U.S.

There is still separation between black women from all other women of different races. Instead of black women activists in history being recognized for being leaders of the African American race, they are just known as activists for all ethnicities.

She continues her argument by stating that as citizens of this great country we are open minded to equality, but just don’t know where to seek for change. That change starts within us as citizens to express our voice and demand for respect.

“I personally think women leaders such as Rosa Parks, Ida B. Wells, Anna Cooper and Shirley Chisholm should be acknowledged for being leaders of a movement that changed the lives for all black women in the U.S.” - Aayliah C.

Dr. Howard Robinson mentions his concept on the issue with race in the American Society. One of the issues in the U.S. is finding a separation between the judicial system and race. There is no question that race played a role in the election of Donald Trump because his campaign was made on his racial remarks.

America has elected a president who constantly reminds us as citizens that there is no racial equality in this country. When it involves the court system, justice is never served to black people in the U.S. African Americans appear as a threat to the law enforcement (FBI).

White furthers the discussion by mentioning the rebranding of MLK. He talks about how someone can steal your identity and repackage it. He says that Martin Luther King is one of the most misinterpreted, misunderstood, and misquoted person in our culture. We have to understand that this generation has not been taught about political power.

“True political power is when you are taught the skills of your people, the gifts and the talents necessary for making a move in your best interest. Political power is about best interest.” -Dr. Robert White

Many of the attendees express their opinions on the racial issues happening in the United States. Those issues brought up the topic of the affects that social media has on the African American race. After the discussion, attendees were interviewed about their overall experience and how they felt about the event.

“ This panel was very informative. I think all the panelists had very nice opinions. It was pretty good to see the audience get involve in the conversation with the panelists and it really turn into a big back and forth between the panelists, the moderator, and the audience. That’s something that I appreciated.” - Trentqual Rhone, Vice President of UPAAB

“The “why is race such an issue?” Forum was very interesting. It allowed me to not only hear other people’s opinion, but it also pushed me to think deeper for myself.” - Teyanna Williams, ASU Student Attendee

“I think race is such an issue in the U.S. due to the way generations are brought up. Children are not born racists, hatred was taught from past generations from the pain inflicted on blacks; the fear instilled within whites and their hatred of our race. It isn’t a trait within our generation, but it is taught from their parents, their grandparents and ancestors that are so stuck in the ways of the past. This is the problem within all races.” - Amber Summerville, ASU Student Attendee

“I felt as if the forum was needed and needs to happen again. There is a lot going on in the world that people don’t know about that needs to be discussed.”- Michael Jones, ASU Student Attendee