College Hosts First Black Student Union Conference

On Friday Nov. 19, and Sat. Nov. 20 Trinity College was the host of the first Black Student Union Conference, entitled African Americans in the Next Millennium. It brought together students willing to discuss and learn more about issues specific to the African American population in the United States on the verge of the 21st century.

The conference opened on Friday with a ceremony in the Washington Room. The speech given by president of Imani Charles Botts' was followed by a performance by Trinity College's gospel choir and an introduction of the student groups participating in the conference. The leaders of TCBWO (Trinity College Black Women's Organization), MOCA (Men of Color Alliance) and Imani (Black student union) talked about the goals of their respective organizations and about the importance of such an event on campus. According to Mathew Anderson and Andrew Peal, co-chairs of MOCA the main significance of the conference was its attempt to "Help students of color come together as a group and work on common problems."

Imani secretary, Lakilah Harrigan, also expressed the opinion that organization like Imani and the events that they conduct "seek to get black students involved in every aspect of life on campus" and will "continue to encourage African American student to increase the awareness of others."

President Evan Dobelle introduced the conference keynote speaker, Dr. Derrick A. Bell. Currently a Professor at NYU law school and the first tenured black professor at Harvard Law school, he is also the author of books like And We Are Not Saved and Faces at the Bottom of the Well. In his speech he voiced and opinion about subjects such as racism and the various questions that it raises. "Society will never overcome racial discriminations until a white leader steps up and frees white people from racial prejudice against black people," said Bell.

Dr. Bell also discussed the power of pride, as well as the relevance of social programs such as affirmative action. He also discussed the importance of respect of behavior and gender within the black community.

The conference provoked the interest of many students.

Jessica Filion '03 said that she attended the conference for the workshops that it offered. "I was interested in the issues facing minorities in general," she said. In the first of the workshops scheduled for Saturday, "Male-Female Relationships", Dr. Derrick Bell and Darlene Hopson facilitated a discussion about respect and the role of gender in the African American society.

In the afternoon the participants were given the opportunity to chose between three other workshops; "AIDS in the Black Community," "Black Females in the Workplace," and "Smart Investing." Each of these workshops addressed issues of special concern to young black people looking for their role in the 21st century society.