Presentations

The presentations went well for both my group and the other groups within our section. In my group’s presentation we focused on art and its role in documenting the African American community from the 1900’s until present times. My group was large; therefore, our project embraced many different disciplines. The disciplines we concentrated in were biology, sociology, psychology, politics and the arts. I believe the different majors within our group helped to diversify our overall presentation. From the project and each individual’s contributions I learned a lot about each of the studies. Everyone collaborated well and did their part to ensure the accurateness and creativeness of our PowerPoint.  From my experience with the project and working with the group I learned to appreciate different ideas; and I learned how to incorporate them into one final product.

Seminar Experience

In my opinion, Freshman Seminar was a very eye opening experience for the Class of 2015. Each week the Wednesday class met with influential men and women who have established themselves as the scholars of Howard University. We were also offered many opportunities to attend learning communities and trips that would further teach us, such as the trip to the African burial ground and the Miss Ever’s play. I believe seminar taught everyone to be the best students, people and scholars they could be. I learned a lot about the Black Diaspora and how past blacks have contributed to it and how I, in turn, can make contributions as well. The course was important for the freshmen to take part in. It taught us to respect and know our history, to strive as scholars, and make a difference in our communities.

Presentation Evaluation

In my cohort were group numbers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. The Presentation day for all of us was split up into two days. Group 11 and group 12 presented on the 9^th. Groups 13, 14 and 15 presented on the 16^th. Group 11 went up first and I do not remember what they presented on. After group 11, group 12 went up to present their project. All I remember was that their project was about Michael Jackson and music. Up next was our group, number 13, entitled JUST DO IT! Our research question was How Art has contributed to the Notions of the African-American human condition? I felt as though our group’s presentation went smoothly and everyone did a great job evaluating their slides.  Afterwards, Groups 114 and 15 went up to present. Unfortunately, I do not remember what they presented on either. Even though I don’t remember the content in their presentation, I do know that everyone presented effectively and precisely. No one in our cohort seemed extremely nervous or distraught, and there were no difficulties what so ever.

Reflection

Freshman Seminar was an interesting approach to teaching Freshman how to find their purpose, how to figure out what to do with their education and how to use education to better the human condition. The best experience for me during Freshman Seminar was visiting the African Burial Grounds. I learned so much about African culture that day. Each lecture in Freshman Seminar class was different and unique. However, they were all connected and presented the same goal: changing the Human condition and bettering oneself. Some presenters had PowerPoints, while others could stand alone. Even though the blogs were tedious, each lecture help me realize a little bit more about myself and my history. Freshman Seminar inspired me to push even farther to my goals and to have my ultimate goal to change the human condition. Freshman seminar taught me to not just gain knowledge, but gain wisdom; do not just make money, change the world. Freshman seminar presented me with skills that I could use in every class I have and will have in the future. I learned the importance of approaching questions from several different fields of study and transforming knowledge. I will not be defined by society; I will define myself in it.

Presentations

The groups I had to present to and who presented to me intrigued me with their creativity and expertise in the research they presented. At first glance of some group presentations, I thought "what does this have to do with was we were trying to understand in Freshman Seminar." However, they proved me wrong. They engaged every aspect of their topic with each group member's discipline, giving a transforming image; an approach that was purposeful and not from one field of study. Some people had off the wall topics, such as, specific famous people. Yet, they still took a deep understanding and presented new insight to the audience. The only negative part of one presentation was that they had inaccurate data. The group stated one thing, but their PowerPoint said another. I believe that my group did a good job with our presentation. We worked together and split up the work equally. We compromised and each presented good ideas. We took new insight on Art. We were able to connect the transformation of notions over time through Art; as well as, presenting several approaches (fields of study).

The Past Affects the Future-Wilkerson's Journey

It was an amazing experience to hear the thoughts of a historical recollection from the author of The Warmth of Other Suns. She spent 15 years gathering information, traveling in the footsteps of many migrates and interviewing hundreds of them. Her dedication to inform the nation of the most unaccredited movement was inspiring. She realized that without the people of the South having the courage to move, many people would not be here today. Several famous people that had impacted the world would not have existed if their parents from two different southern states did not migrate North and meet. This insight was intriguing because I am a product of the Great Migration. My great-grandmother moved to Cleveland from the South which was one of the major states migrates moved to. It was interesting how Isabel Wilkerson took the journey one of the characters in the book did, just for the experience. I felt honored to get the opportunity for her to sign my book. Even though Warmth of Other Suns was 500 plus pages, every page was like a penetration of our personal history.

Self-Reflection Post

I would say my first time experience in freshman seminar was like a rollercoaster, in which it had its ups and downs. During the first class, I felt extremely uncertain of what this class had to offer. After hearing Dr. Carr’s lecture, I knew this class would be an enriching one. My assumptions were not far off, lecture after lecture I felt more motivated to perform at my absolute best at this University. Aside from the lectures, this class did get tedious at times having to write blogs about every lecture. Writing the blogs would have to be the worst part about this class. However, the lectures themselves are quite the opposite. Hearing successful African Americans speak to us about compelling concepts, the importance of our education and what it means for the future sets an amazing example for something I strive to be. Coming out of this seminar made me realize that I want to augment my education 10 fold and change the African American Human Condition for the better.   

My Howard Homecoming Experience

My Howard University Homecoming Experience was everything I expected it to be. The energy was high and was jam-packed with celebrities. My favorite event out of the entire homecoming week was the R&B concert. It was so enjoyable and seeing all of those renowned singers in person was something I have never experienced before. Other than the R&B concert, I attended the gospel show. Aside, from some minor boredom here and there, when the energy picked up, it flew through the roof! Shirley Caesar was very mesmerizing to watch.  I also greatly enjoyed yard fest. I thought it was really cool to see a bunch of Howard Alumni comeback to celebrate the festivities. It was like a mixture of the new generation and the old generation.   All in all, homecoming was an experience I will never forget and it is something I know will be looking forward to in the next three years.        

HU Homecoming Experience

With this being my first Howard University Homecoming experience it was something that I will always remember. I see why so many alumni come back every year to partake in these events. I didn't participate in every event but the events I did participate in were truly overwhelming. The first event I went to was the fashion show. There were so many gorgeous black women. The designers did a great job in making the girls attributes stand out. The designers clothing were very innovative and stylish. I also attended the yard fest. It was very crazy! I saw a lot of celebrities, different vendors, and people from different schools. It was almost unbelievable that I was seeing so many people that I was accustomed the seeing on television. It was almost surreal. I got to see stars such as Wale, Young Jeezy, and AJ Calloway. I look forward to next years Homecoming.

H.U Homecoming

For this year’s homecoming I expected greatness; great food, people, celebrities, festivities, and excitement. From the alumni to the upperclassmen and other attendees I had always heard Howard’s Homecoming is an eventful affair.

Homecoming Monday through Thursday was boring and left me unimpressed. Because we still had classes, I initially felt homecoming was just another week of school. To kick off the week we had Midnight Madness last Saturday. I thought the event was fun; I got to see everyone represent their clubs, the performers dance and some up and coming artists. The title of the event was a little deceiving but besides it not lasting to midnight I had a good time. Then on Wednesday, I got tickets to see the Fashion Show II. The models, designers, dancers and stage crew executed the show very well. I almost felt as though I was a spectator at a real show in Fashion week.

The real excitement however did not kick in until the weekend. I could not wait to get out of my classes to get to the yard fest. My friends and I loved the artists that were featured and their performances. And on Saturday, I went to the football game and the Step Show. From the time of our win against the Aggies to the announcement of the winners of the Step Show I felt I had more fun than I had had all week.

All in all, the weekend was the best part of Homecoming!

Homecoming at the Real HU!

Homecoming at Howard has gained so much reputation that all you have to say is "HU Homecoming" and people are swarming toward D.C. This was my first Howard Homecoming and it was an amazing experience and the most fun I had in a while. My Homecoming events started with the Yardfest. It seemed overnight that the Yard was transformed into a festival-like atmosphere. There was tent after tent filled with food or items for purchase. The atmosphere was filled with students and people out of town, all there to take part this year's legendary experience. I had a wonderful time at the Yardfest concert with Jeezy and Wale. I was so surprised to be able to be in the front row to see them! Thinking about how big the events were, I realized how much work the Homecoming Committee had to do. Kudos to the Homecoming Committee! I was so glad that my sister, who is an alumni, also came to the legendary homecoming this year. I had a blast walking around the Yard wit her. That evening I attended the R&B show, which was a huge success. People were bound to have a good time with artists like, Tyrese, Monica, Joe and Avant. I was brought to my feet several times during the performance. Many celebrities were honored to perform or participate in Howard's Homecoming. For example, Free, who hosted the R&B show, said that she turned down an invite for another school's homecoming to be the host at the Real HU. Howard equals Prestige. On Saturday was the homecoming parade. I got up bright and early to help with the parade. The parade went smoothly and I was happy to be able to help out with it. That evening, the step show was on the list. I walked in and the place was live. Everyone was excited to the what the Greeks have been practicing for months. All I can say is this stunning experience is one that I will never forget!

The Maternal love of Howard

Being a student at Howard University has had a tremendous impact on my future aspirations. There is something about the atmosphere that makes you want to be the best you can do. Maybe it’s the history that permeates from the architecture, literature, and allegories of HU alumni. Maybe even the wisdom that is entrusted to us from past generations. Or even the protective and loving sentiment that envelops the campus that has an inclination to make you feel as safe as the warm and soothing cradle of a mother’s arms. Seeing all of this inspiring history and success honestly makes me think that maybe I can become someone of importance to this world. Hearing all of the exhilarating lectures from such experienced professors and officials gives me courage and motivation to perform at my utmost potential. Studying at this university so far has been a reality changing enterprise that has expanded the boundaries of my comfort zone and propelled my resolve to new heights. I cannot fully explain the feeling this university gives with my limited vocabulary, but I am quite sure that I will not get the same sensation attending another college or university.

My Seminar Experience

In the first Freshman Seminar, we were given an overview of the classes and what would be expected of us throughout the course. This was also the first time the class was given a blog topic in which we had to detail our first week’s experience at Howard University as the new class of freshmen students. In my first blog I talked about looking forward to learning about what the Howard experience had to offer.

Almost eight weeks later, I believe Howard has offered to me more than what I could have imagined the first week here. Just being a Howard student is a lesson within itself. You learn to value and celebrate black culture, live past your potential, network, be a self-activist, work hard, be responsible and most importantly stay true to yourself.

As evident in the learning of Howard’s history, we as the students have a lot to live up to. Howard has produced many scholars, celebrities and intellectuals, who have set the standards before us; and as students we must continue this legacy.

Retreating to Family

This weekend was one of the best of my life. I spent this weekend in Baltimore at the African American Heritage Retreat. I was invited to attend by a friend of mine that I knew from working with another organization and she assured me that I would like it and she also arranged for me a place to stay and means of which to get there so I didn't really have much objection.
This was the 22nd year that this group was doing this retreat and you could tell that a lot of the people have known each other for some time but nevertheless, they invited me in with welcome arms and made me feel at home. I find that's how African American people are all around the country. We make everyone; rather they're white, brown, purple, or orange feel welcome and make them feel like family. I was talking with one lady who lived in Switzerland and she has been making the trip from her country to the retreats here in the states since 2001. She told me that it is important to her and she makes the trip every year because of the way the group makes her feel when she comes and the feeling that stays with her when she leaves. She gets this feeling of acceptance and love from her family at the retreat that she doesn't get from her biological family. This help me realize that you can make your own family wherever you go, with whoever gives you the love and support that you need. They people I met at this retreat I consider to now be my family here on the East Coast (where before I was alone but not anymore) and I can't wait to see them next year.    

You cannot be One-Sided

When I walked in the room the first thing I said was "yes, powerpoint." I'm a visual learner and I like to listen and look at what I'm being taught. Dr. Williams did an excellent job of breaking everything down. She broke down the research question like never before and took us step by step in Research and Methodology. I never learned a step-process for it before. I found it interesting when she was talking about Dr. Cobb and explained that "not sticking to one discipline allows one to be transformative" (Dr. Williams). This statement made total sense to me because I tend to make sure I 'm able to argue both sides in an essay in which I only have to pick one side. People would be more willing to agree with your opinion if you could argue the other side as well. Just like in writing, you cannot be one-sided in society. You cannot transform or move knowledge along when defending one side or one race. Dr. Williams also got me thinking about am I finding the connection between the lectures and is the purpose of the lecture being fulfilled? Was I ready to embark on the research project? I thought about how to make sense of the research question after it was broken down; so I rewrote the question for my personal benefit.

The original research question:

How have scholars across the various fields of study advanced and transformed academic knowledge related to enduring problems of the human condition?

My interpretation after the lecture:

How have scholars across different branches of knowledge moved along or changed the accepted body of knowledge from other scholars corresponding to the continuing social, cultural and personal problems related to the experiences of being human?

So now the research question is understandable, simple and clear.

Miss Evers' Boys

Miss Evers’ Boys was an outstanding play, hands down. It had all the elements: it made you laugh, cry and smile and frown. The play gave you a close look to how society viewed African-Americans as inferior. The white people thought that only black people got syphilis and called the disease “bad blood”. I know that’s how certain disease were broken down to the African-American race back in the early 20^th century, but is there an underlying meaning. Is that saying supposed to mean because there black they have “bad blood”? It was really ridiculous how the African-American race was taken advantage of and used like guinea pigs in the study of syphilis. The Public Health service and participating doctors in the study lied to them. They gave the African-Americans in the study false hope. They said it would be a year study that turned into 14 years. They told them they would be first in line when a cure came along and they did not mention it when it came up. They told them they were still receiving treatment of mercury back rubs and arsenic shots, but they were really taking samples for the study. They wanted to make the connection of syphilis and race when there is not one. They found the syphilis disease inferior and connected with the race they found inferior: “blacks.” The racism and oppression of the African-American race was evident. They had little education and were seen as ignorant and unintelligent, but in actuality, what the study did was ignorant. The study became a new form of slavery because at first the doctors needed the patients for a couple years, but then they wanted them to dedicate their life to it. I think it was absurd that Miss Evers’ did not tell the boys about the study. I saw what Miss Evers’ was doing at the beginning; she was trying to improve the human condition by becoming knowledgeable and helping others. I also saw that “blacks had to work twice as hard to be half as good,” which I learned from a previous lecture. The dancer in the story practiced a lot to be able to get a chance at the cotton club. The patients were all farmers that made the minimum amount. I enjoyed the performance.

Libation

The African Burial Grounds was an amazing experience. I’ve been to New York several times and didn’t even realize that the Burial Grounds were there. It showed respect for our culture and our ancestors. I enjoyed the ceremony that Dr. Carr performed in respect for the ancestors and all the remains that were found in New York. I loved the museum because it was hands-on and you could take pictures. It made the experience more personal, not having to worry about touching anything. It was amazing how many found remains were able to be recognized by gender and age. It was a lot of things that stuck out to me inside the memorial: the wall of laws that affected Africans in New York; a barrel that weighed the amount many Africans had to lift working at the docks; and a scene of an African burial. The wall of Remembrance was a sight to see and enlightened me about the Burial Grounds that I had never learned about. Around the circle of Diaspora are sings, symbols and images that represent different African cultures. It was nice to see the diversity and brought me to a closer understanding of my ancestors. I would like to go back with my family one day to the African Burial Grounds.

Fact or Myth

“We need to push against the mischaracterization of our community,” was a statement that stuck with me after the lecture by Dr. Finwick. She introduced the topic in a creative way: a quiz. It was surprising to me, how many I got wrong. We let society persuade us that we as a race score lower on standardized test, and are not intelligent. The fact is that data is out there that proves the conceptions wrong. We are not taught the data that teaches us how to overcome and making a better way. Dr. Finwick talked about how African-Americans are underrepresented in education. There are very few African-American teachers even in inner-city areas. Some of these low numbers are due to desegregation when, “some black teachers were replaced by lesser qualified whites” (Dr. Finwick). Even though desegregation was in effect, whites tried to separate the white and black teachers. This included replacing some blacks with whites. During segregation, black teachers were well educated and the best teachers for African-American students. Dr. Finwick also discussed the misconceptions of black males and African-American students. She told us that black males scored higher than black females, white people and other races on standardized test. African-American students are more likely to be against drugs in high school than any other race (Dr. Finwick). We as the Black community must define our self and gather the data to find the truth. If we do not gather the information, we might be influenced to believe the myths that characterize us in society.

Changing Misconception

This weeks lecture by Dr. Fenwick opened my eyes to many misconceptions that we as African Americans subject ourselves to. She had use take a pop quiz before she started lecturing that had to do with positions held by African Americans in education. As we went over it after I saw that a lot of people had the misconception that blacks had a greater role than they really did. I found this very interesting. Dr. Fenwick explained that people often had these misconceptions because they were told this misinformation by other groups and just took it to be true. Dr. Fenwick said that we must question these conceptions and just take them to be true. She gave an example of wen she was at a conference and it was said that black males naturally just do not test well. She didn't just take this as the true but questioned it and did research of her own and found that this wasn't true at all. What i found most interesting about this story that she told the class was that nobody had questioned the information that was presented that said that blacks don't test well, but as soon as Dr. Fenwick discovered information that proved this information false they immediately questioned it and what resources she got this information from. This is how we should question everything. This lecture defiantly encouraged me to look critically at all the information that is presented to me and that has been  presented to me.

Miss Ever's Boys

 I went to go see Miss Ever’s Boys this week. Miss Ever Boy’s was a great depiction of the Tuskegee Experiment. In this experiment, African American sharecroppers were subject to decades of abuse from the U.S Public Health Service. Some more than four hundred men suffered the effects of syphilis for the health service’s experimental purposes. The term, “Bad Blood” was used to diagnose those men with the disease. The participants were manipulated with the promise of free medical care, meals, and free burial insurance. Even after the cure for the disease was discovered these men were never treated.

In the play, Miss Ever’s tells men, they could get tested for bad blood. Caleb Humphries, Ben Washington, and Willie Johnson, were three entertainers, with dreams of making it into the prestigious Cotton Club before the experiments had began, but by the end of the experiment they were left mentally ill, crippled, and dead. To recognize them for years and years of participation they all received a certificate from the health services. Despite Miss Ever’s close relationship with the men, and the desire to stop aiding the experiment, she continued to abuse the men with the promise of a higher position. This to me made me question her integrity. How could she continue to install false hope into these men. Overall, the play was every good and I'm glad I went to go see it.

Miss Evers' Boys

Miss Evers’ Boys was a very heart-wrenching play to say the least. The play was based on the long and cruel Tuskegee Experiments. The experiments were supposed to study the reaction of blacks to different syphilis treatments. Unfortunately, during the 1930’s racism was still at a peak so the black men involved in the experiments were seen as disposable. The experiments were not really giving participants treatments. Instead men were receiving placebos and essentially their own death certificate.

The play is entitled Miss Evers’ boys because it highlighted the demise of a group of talented entertainers- Caleb, Willie, and Ben who had named their performing act after the nurse Miss Evers. These men were infected with syphilis and attempted to receive treatments in hopes to get back on track to reach their dreams of performing at the Cotton Club. The play was complicated by the fact that the seemingly compassionate nurse Miss Evers knew that these men were going untreated but urged them to keep with the “treatment”. They were indeed her boys. Even after years of no success, they continued to follow Miss Evers advice to keep with treatment. I didn’t understand how Miss Evers allowed her own friends to undergo the mental torture, knowing that they were being given false hopes. She sat by their sides consoling them as they all physically fell apart.

The play was very emotional for me to watch not only because of the relationship between Miss Evers and the three men, but because at one point I remembered that this play was based on actual experiments that really did happen in the United States for 40 years.

Knowing the Facts to Empower Our Community

Dr. Finwick was one of my favorite speakers so far. She started out her lecture with an interesting pop-quiz. The quiz basically asked questions about drug use and education. We answered the questions based on what we all have seen and heard- Blacks use drugs and black guys especially do bad on SAT’s. What we all realized after the quiz was how much we have been mis-educated by popular unchallenged statements.

The main point of her lecture was “know the true facts and find the statistics that empower your community”. There are three steps to knowing the facts to empower our community. First, we must challenge common statements about our race. Second, we find the positive facts that disprove these myths. Third, we find the data and statistics that outline strategies and pathways to success.

Dr. Finwick stated, “Media representation of the Black community is a litany of negativity and false pathology”. Part of our charge as young scholars is to gather data about ourselves so that we are not mis-represented by non-factual myths. In order to break the media stereotypes that’s have defined our community, we have to combat the spoken false statistics with the truth, which is not as bad as we have been taught.

School and Education

In this past week’s session, my seminar class met with Dr. Leslie Fenwick. Dr. Fenwick is a highly prominent figure in the educational field and is dean to the Education department. To begin the session she gave everyone a quiz about African American statistics in regards to schools and education. After taking the quiz, Dr. Fenwick read us the real results from the Education Testing Services, in which they segregate statistics by race. The results were eye opening, and broadened my outlook on us as African Americans. She made it clear to us, “don’t talk about people of your own race because you are them,” and to, “push against the mischaracterization of our community.”

According to the data, African American males score higher on standardized tests than African American females and other female subgroups. Also 60 percent and 72 percent of Caucasians are addicted to cocaine and powdered cocaine.

Dr. Fenwick, also shared with us chapter 2 from her book entitled, “The Mist of Black Professionalism Inferiority.” What inspired this chapter was the saying that, “you have to be twice as good to get half as far.” The chapter talked about how with the integration of school came the disintegration of black authority in the educational system. Out of the 15,000 superintendants, only three percent are African American. And of the 92,000 principals in the country a mere 11 percent are African American.

One story that put things in retrospect was one about a Dr. Smith who received his Doctorates from New York University. Dr. Smith was fired and replaced by a white male with a Masters degree from a University of Georgia and 3 years of experience, as opposed to Smith’s decades of experience. In another case, a man with a Masters degree and 23 years of experience as teacher and principal was removed from his position.

Overall I thought Dr. Fenwick’s lecture was a valuable lesson.

Miss Ever's Boys

This past Wednesday, I went to go to see the play Miss Ever’s Boys. Miss Ever Boy’s was a dramatic depiction of the infamous Tuskegee Experiment, in which poor African American sharecroppers were subject to decades of abuse from the U.S Public Health Service. From 1932 to 1972, around four hundred men suffered the effects of syphilis for the health service’s experimental purposes. The term, “Bad Blood” was used to diagnose those men with the disease. The participants were manipulated with the promise of free medical care, meals, and free burial insurance. Even though the cure for the disease, penicillin, was discovered later on, the subjects remained untreated.

In the play, Miss Ever’s the black practicing nurse informed men, they could get tested for bad blood. Before the experiment, Caleb Humphries, Ben Washington, and Willie Johnson, were three lively entertainers, with dreams of making it into the prestigious Cotton Club. By the end of the experiment they were left mentally ill, crippled, and dead. To recognize them for years and years of participation they all received a certificate from the health services. Despite Miss Ever’s close relationship with the men, and the desire to stop aiding the experiment, she continued to abuse the men with the promise of a higher position.

I found the play very intriguing and informative. The acting, dancing and overall execution of the plot could not be more profound.

Continuing the Legacy

1.      What can and will you do to be a part of the "best and brightest" of Howard?

In order to be a part of the “best and brightest” of Howard, I will be involved in many clubs and organizations. Being highly involved in the school is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to become one of good standards. I will also meet lots of new people. Meeting new people will open up new doors and opportunities that can prove beneficial to my future experiences. Above all, I will make it my mission to achieve a 4.0 GPA.

2.      What does it mean to be a citizen of the world? How does your citizenship in the nation inform your world citizenry?

Being a citizen of the world means that we are inhabitants of this planet and we must uphold certain responsibilities. We must take care of our environment and respect all creatures that reside in it. Like us, they live in this world as well, and it is not fair for us to treat them as if they have no significance. My citizenship in the nation informs my world citizenry by connecting to the major issues of the world and learning about our environment.

 3.      Identify a representative thinker of Howard. How does that figure's life work inspire you to "till and turn over the soil" which, as Dr Thornton noted, is expected of each Howard student.

Since being a student at Howard University, I have had the amazing privilege to hear words of wisdom from many powerful individuals. Dr. Albert Thornton in particular, has inspired me the most to complete my education here and do something significant for this world. His talk about asking the great questions opened my eyes to the ignorance of our world and its negligence to its problems.  

Best and the Brightest

1).What can and will you do to be a part of the “best and brightest” of Howard.

To be among the “best and brightest” of Howard University I plan to first set high expectations for myself as a Howard student. In doing this I will have a focus, be motivated and have strong goals set before me. To be the best one must know what it is to be the best. And I believe to be this means I should be a hard worker, be aware of who I am as a person and like Dr. Thornton said, “Prepare yourself [myself] to lead.” Dr. Thornton also said to be the best, study, be surrounded by good friends and make yourself special.

2).What does it mean to be a citizen of the world? How does your citizenship in the nation inform your world citizenry?

To be a citizen of the world you for one, strive for the “continuation of this society”- Dr. Thornton. In continuing this society one must think for the higher learning of all people. According to Dr. Thornton Howard University has given its students the constitutional right of citizenship. As a community, everyone is entitled to become united and work together as one whole. My citizenship in the nation informs my world citizenry by giving me a voice.

3). Identify a representative thinker of Howard. How does that figure's life work inspire you to "till and turn over the soil" which, as Dr Thornton noted, is expected of each Howard student.

One representative thinker of Howard is Dr. Wright. Based on Dr. Wright’s experience as a youth growing up during the Civil Rights Movement, opportunities were not handed to them by society. Despite this the Howard University students during this time created opportunities for themselves by establishing committees, rising together, and organizing protests. This inspires me to create and take advantage of opportunities. By doing this I can “till and turn over the soil” and become a better scholar.  

“The Eloquence of the Scribes”: Initiation, Expectations, and Mastery—Continuing the Legacy of Howard University

“We will not work without a foundation of equality. We need to make substantial questions whose answers will lead to the enhancement of the human condition.” ~ Dr. Thornton

To be a part of the best and brightest at Howard it is important to stay informed and take advantage of our school’s resources. Staying informed means not only reading the newspaper or watching the news, but going the extra mile and researching current events locally and globally in the world. Taking advantage of the school’s resources means actively participating in class, connecting current events with classroom studies, addressing these issues and events in our elective organizations, and visiting the many academic centers Howard has to offer. To be among the best and brightest we must never become complacent with just learning. We must do something with what we learn.

To be a citizen of the world means to acknowledge your position as a citizen in your immediate community, state, country, and world as one role. By connecting our roles we acknowledge every problem we face in all of our communities and confront these problems on every level. For example, if we are facing a inequalities locally, we should bring it to global attention before it becomes a global problem. Also we make global problems known locally so that the issue is being tackled on every level. As a citizen of the world, we value human treatment. Any inequalities faced by our fellow citizens, is our responsibility to end. Living in the United States makes us more aware of our national citizenry and inequalities faced in the United States, but often we are ignorant to issues outside of our bubble. We think that the news we see on our television is the only thing happening in the world, when in fact the problems we endure can often be defined as miniscule compared to the conditions people are facing elsewhere in the world.

One representative thinker from Howard University that inspires me to be among the best and brightest is Alain Leroy Locke. He was the architect for the Harlem Renaissance and founded our Philosophy department. His dedication to an intense level of thinking and creativity motivates me to do the same. The Harlem Renaissance was a time where Black art was prominent, but was used to question society about human rights. If there was a way I could be involved in a movement where art or something so creative could ask those questions that lead to the enhancement of the human condition, I would feel fulfilled as a student.

"Disciplining my Experience"

What can and will you do to be a part of the “best and brightest” of Howard?

To become “the best and brightest” of Howard, I must ask questions (Dr. Thornton). I must ask questions about our education and issues regarding the human condition. In order to become the “replacement leaders of our nation”, we must prepare ourselves to surpass the achievements of past leaders to address the existing issues (Dr. Thornton). In order to prepare ourselves, we must become knowledgeable here at Howard University and transform into interpreters of our generation. If we don’t interpret our constitutional system, it will be used against us (Dr. Thornton). I must study hard, and remember the foremost reason I’m here at Howard. I must release friends that are not a benefit to where I’m going (Dr. Thornton). I must surround my self with intellectuals who are asking questions and bringing our institution into transformation. “School systems are what you ask them to be” (Dr. Thornton). Our goal should be to change the world and enhance the human condition; this should change the lack of opportunity, change the enslavement of people and change the inequalities of health care. When we become the doctors, lawyers and important figures of our generation, we must not only provide or make money, but provide to those in need and contribute to the “the best and brightest” legacy of Howard.

What does it mean to be a citizen of the world? How does your citizenship in the nation inform you world citizenry?

A citizen of the world is someone who contributes on a global standpoint, not just in their own community. They contribute to the world’s giant community of the human condition. In order to be a citizen, you must be an intellectual who uses their knowledge to enhance the state of human civilization, rather than their own circumstance. Being a citizen of a nation helps to bring previous knowledge from a personal standpoint of past achievements and failures to the big picture. What did work and what did not work in your country could help in attacking the issues of the world. We all have rights and responsibilities to participate in the movement of our people in our nation and planet.

Identify a representative thinker of Howard. How does that figure's life work inspire you to "till and turn over the soil" which, as Dr Thornton noted, is expected of each Howard student.

Ernest Just was a great African-American biologist who taught at Howard University. He studied hard to become the best intellectual and knowledgeable student he could, in order to contribute to future generations. He used his knowledge to inform students at Howard University as a professor. At Howard, he asked questions and established his legacy. He was not only a citizen of the United States, he became a citizen of the world. He not only left a legacy at Howard, he expanded his legacy to the world. For example, he traveled to many countries to work as the first American in their laboratories (ernestjustfoundation.org). This achievement was amazing to me by the fact that he was not just the first African-American; he was the first American. He chose to acknowledge his right and responsibility to participate in the movement of the world and improve the human condition. His life work encourages me to set my goals high and continually address issues of the human conditions. By coming to know Howard contributions, I can define myself at Howard, in the nation and the world; I’m moving to empower my people.

Howard Legacy

"You're apart of a great legacy here at Howard University." I've heard this statement ever since I started freshmen seminar but I never gave it much consideration until I listened to Dr. Thornton's lecture. He spoke about Howard in the past and how it has always been an institution where the students made there voice heard and used the education that they received here at Howard to better their communities and the people around them.
Dr. Thornton said something that really interest me. It was very profound. He said that we must constantly work to progress our world and our community or it will go right back to the way it was. I believe this is true because as African Americans we have had to work for the rights that we have and are constantly working to make sure we receieve the equality that we are rightfully intitled to. He also said that if we don't ask anything of our community then it won't produce anything. This to me means that it is our responsibility to ask the important questions and to search for the answers to those questions. This is very important because things will only be what we ask them to be so we should ask for the best for our community.

Convocation

The president of UNCF- Michael Lomax was a very motivational keynote speaker. His convocation addressed how we must financially and academically preserve our historical black colleges. As the president of UNCF, he understands the importance of giving back towards Black education, however we must almost make this a priority. He brought up a great point about how alumni should want to preserve and give back to their alma mater. It’s our duty to make sure the next generation of black students has the same opportunity towards education as we did. In addition to securing education financially, we were also urged to preserve it academically and make it academically progressive. We have to keep historically black colleges competitive academically and make sure we continue to produce great thinkers and elite scholars. Mr. Lomax in essence challenged us to an ideal that was inspired decades ago during segregation as Dr. Wright said in his class lecture. He challenged us to be constantly reaching for a higher academic standard and securing education as a source for liberation for anyone following behind us.

Convocation

What is Convocation? Thats what I remember thinking when I first heard that we had to go to this event that was suppose to be so special. I believe it was important because it was Howard's 144th convocation. I thought it was going to be something like the welcomeing cerermony that we went to during the first week we arrived here at Howard. I really didn't understand why it was mandatory for us to go.
The first thing I thought when I walked into Cramton was that I must of had the wrong building because I had seen all these people up on stage and in the center isle in caps and gowns. It made me feel like I was at a graduation. The president gave his opening speech and the band played a great opening piece. The main speaker and the president on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Dr. Lomax, was very compelling to me. I had seen this man before on HBO's The Black List. He then, as he did now, stress the importance of education espeasially for blacks. It reaffirmed what was talked about in the Wednesday lecture about how young people should get an education and use it to help their community. I believe this is true because if you don't use the education you've aquired to do good for those around you then it is totally pointless.    

Convocation

  Friday was Howard University’s 144^th opening convocation. What is convocation by the way? I don’t even know. Never the less, it is a Howard University tradition that you could not miss out on. There was beautiful music, an inspiring message, and a collegiate atmosphere that made me feel honored to be in the same room as the productive individuals before me.  Before the convocational address was given, we were entertained by Orchestras and processional music, which in my opinion sounded phenomenal. After a few more speakers and music, President Ribeau introduced our convocation orator, Michael L. Lomax. He is President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Negro College Fund. In his convocation address he talked about the importance and the duty, as an alumnus, to donate to the school. Simply because it will help the school to be able to better funds its students. I thought this was a valid point because our school needs help as far as funding is concerned. Dr. Lomax also mentioned African Americans are more of the muscle behind the labor force, rather than the brain power. This statement I believe is true because I have observed this mindset from the experiences of my father and especially my uncle. I thought it quite the coincidence that he should mention something like that. All in all, I thought convocation was a very interesting ceremony. I did love to see all those people in their cap and gowns as well. It just added that extra professionalism to the ceremony.   

Convocation

This past Friday, Howard University invited us to celebrate its 144^th Opening Convocation. The day’s program began with the entrance of Howard’s influential figures, a presentation from the color guard, the singing of both our national anthems and a powerful selection from the chorus. At first I did not know what to expect of the convocation but it soon became clear to me its importance to the university and students.

The convocation speech was given by Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of UNCF, or the United Negro College Fund. Dr. Lomax’s speech pinpointed Historically Black Colleges and Universities, education, and the need for change in the black community.

The given speech was insightful and made it evident that education is essential to the progression of black people. Someone asked Dr. Lomax if the country still needed HBCU’s and he replied, “Yes, we still need HBCU’s because they continue to outperform the rest of higher education for African Americans.” Every year two million African Americans receive a college degree; and those that attend HBCU’s are more likely to obtain professional degrees, view themselves as leaders, be physically engaged and earn success in their careers. In this knowledge based economy we must produce more intellects than labor workers; and instead of being the “muscle” behind labor we need to be the “brain- power.” In his own experience, Dr. Lomax said middle school offered such courses as metal shop and wood shop and it was not until high school that he was able to take more college based courses that would better prepare him for a career.

Another point mentioned was black male enrollment in college and its importance to the community. Dr. Lomax said that it was his hope of the 130,000 graduate degrees awarded, in the years to come they would be doubled; and of those half a million people half would be black males.

In addition to black males becoming more accomplished in their college and career choices the alumni’s must become more involved as well. Only 11 percent of Howard’s alumni have contributed to the university and if this number could increase it would make a tremendous difference in our education. With their help Howard could offer more programs and degrees for future generations.

Howard University is no longer a member of UNCF but they were one of the founders. Of the degrees offered by Howard to its students there is 1400 bachelor, 500 graduate and 415 professional degrees.

 Hopefully, in return for what Howard has to offer us we will go far in our own successes. Dr. Lomax’s speech was very inspirational and I hope convocation will continue to inspire others in the years to come.

Segregation and Desegregation

This week’s lecture was spoken by Dr. Richard Wright and he came to talk to us about segregation and desegregation. Dr. Wright’s lecture, in my opinion, was the best we’ve had so far. I felt that his lecture really broadened my perspective of segregation and what it meant for the black community as a whole, which leads me to my first point. Dr. Wright stated that in segregation, it was the first time blacks would work together, share, and build communities to protect one another and look out for each other. Because of segregation in was instinctively imposed in blacks to have each other’s back. To overcome the oppression of the whites blacks had to join forces, and that was a big underlying topic in Dr. Wrights lecture. Contrary to the idea of segregation bringing togetherness, the partition of black people commenced with desegregation. Once African Americans achieved what they had been fighting for, it seemed as though there was no need to remain united. Blacks were losing their connectivity and harbored a sense of individuality.  Not only that, black education had gradually declined, which then leads me to my last point. Educating black children, before desegregation, was taken with the utmost seriousness. Dr. Wright told us that, during that time period, education was viewed as a weapon to use against the struggle for liberation. The goal was to be the most powerful intellect and not be an irrelevant intellectual. However, the rises of liberation lead to a decline in connectivity and education. An idea I thought to be quite ironic and unfortunate.  

Education and Black Liberation

In this week’s Freshmen Seminar we were introduced to Dr. Richard L. Wright, a professor in the Department of Speech Communication and Culture here at Howard. In his lecture he shared his experiences as an African American during the civil rights movement; and spoke of black liberation and Howard’s involvement, the importance of education in the black community and the need for continued student activism.

In 1960, Dr. Wright began attending Howard University. Howard started off very conservative; but, after an inspirational speech delivered by Malcolm X in our very own Cramton Auditorium, Howard took a turn for the best. Howard’s student body knew that change began with them and quickly became involved in the civil rights struggle for black liberation. Before liberation, laws segregated blacks from whites in order to deny them their resources, isolate them, and prevent them from becoming political figures. Regardless of having these odds against them, Howard students began organizing organizations, protests and Black Studies programs; those of which continue today. Undoubtedly, Howard made an incredible difference in the nation.

Another key concept mentioned was education as an essential part of liberation. Dr. Wright explained, “You have to be twice as good to get half as much—you can’t be black and ignorant” when you are an African American. During the civil rights movement education was a powerful weapon that had to be used energetically and wisely. He said a person can not be an irrelevant intellectual and as an intellectual you have to be energized in order to be liberated.

Fifty years later student activism, as mentioned by Dr. Wright, has been on a steady decline. He made the eye opening point that education in the black community has gone down with the increase of desegregation. Instead of us as a people doing more with our accomplishments we are doing less.

Dr. Wright’s lecture in this week’s session was moving and I hope it will inspire our generation to continue the legacy that has been established by Howard students before us.

Not Losing Ground

Going to Convocation, I had no idea what it was about. I only knew that it was a “tradition”. I arrived early as I was told by several and got a desired seat. The introduction and processional was respectful and the orchestra was remarkable. First, the President of Howard University spoke and described convocation as the “calling together of a community” (Dr. Sidney A Ribeau). This was the 144^th convocation held at Howard University. Imagine all the history that is held in those years, and that we as class of 2015 are just becoming a part of it. We are making a difference coming to Howard University. As illustrated by the president of the institution, we made the difference for our family and the difference for the world; we must cease to be the change we want to see. This statement correlates to my favorite quote “Be the change you want to see in the world” (Gandhi).

The main speaker of the morning was the President of UNCF, Dr. Michael L. Lomax. His speech corresponded with this past weeks lecture with Dr. Wright. Dr. Lomax demonstrated several ideas that Dr. Wright had a few days earlier. One expression that had me reflecting after the Convocation was many African-Americans are seen as the “muscle of the labor force, but not brain power behind the economy” (Dr. Lomax). This directly correlates with Dr. Wright’s illustration that blacks were thought so little of during segregation. It dawned on me that this is an issue that still exists today. Another example Dr. Lomax used that supports this is, “college is seen for most, but not for most African-Americans”. Dr. Lomax hit on the idea that education is declining when he stated that colleges in the past have “done more with less”. Colleges today are more concentrated on what they accomplished in the past rather than what they need to do for their students now. (Dr. Lomax)

Only a small percent of the freshman class here at Howard are males. Why is this? Society views African-American high school graduates as crucial parts of the labor force, but not as knowledgeable college student. We must push the effort that college is for all. Education is a powerful tool for liberation, as stated by Dr. Wright.

Dr. Lomax’s idea of leadership and community engagement was parallel to that of Dr. Wright’s. He emphasized that we have to “struggle and have determination to be better” (Dr. Lomax). We have to live up to the legacy of Howard and build upon it. “Even sacred grounds can lose ground if not properly cared for or supported” (Dr. Lomax). It is our assignment as present students to restrengthen the university. “For Howard; the best is yet to come” (Dr. Lomax). We must use our knowledge to engage in obstacles, modernize past ideas, and manage education to better ourselves ,as well as, the university as a whole. We must be consistent in our approach to produce results. When we graduate this historic university, we should not only leave our legacy behind, but also leave a trail to our destiny. Give back to the university that helped mold your character and put you on your path to success. “We have made progress, but there is much more to do” (Dr. Lomax)

Nothing Yields Nothing

One statement that left me contemplating well after the lecture was “As things get better, people tend to do less.” I realized that this expression is accurate because I find myself doing it sometimes. For example, if I have a good grade I might not work as hard as if I was trying to get a good grade. It surprised me when Dr. Richard Wright came in the room and he did not have a PowerPoint presentation. I did not know what to expect without the visual, but it turned out he did not need one. His lecture kept my attention without a PowerPoint and left a lasting effect. This was my favorite lecture so far.

Dr. Wright did not only describe what segregation was, but why it came up to par. Black people were thought so little of. When, where, who, how and what blacks did was monitored. The white society felt that if they isolated blacks together it would keep them out of the way. They felt that “nothing with nothing yields nothing.” (Dr. Wright) What they didn't realize was that sealing them off together was more deadly than splitting them. The isolation only promoted unity and perseverance.

I did not realize that “everybody” tried to get educated in the "Black Community" during the times of segregation. They knew the purpose of going to school was to become an effective learner and they became just that. It became necessary to guide and prepare the young while ensuring education for them. “Education was for liberation.” I became aware that education for "blacks" was really the only way to soar from the ashes of circumstance and not become ignorant. Suppression is a struggle that one has to be prepared for and the best way is through education. Education was viewed as a weapon against the oppressor and if you had poor education you "aligned yourself with your oppressor"(Dr. Wright). Being black in a white supreme society meant one had to “be twice as good to get half as much”(Dr. Wright).

African-Americans have to recognize that we don’t use knowledge for personal use, but for the people around us. “You can not be an irrelevant intellectual that is not dedicated to the liberation of our people” (Dr. Wright). Howard Students of this generation especially need to make their voices heard and become students with purpose. Today Black education is steady declining and weakening. We,as students, must be the ones to make the changes and let the universities know what we want from the institution. “We must lead the character of our institution” (Dr. Wright).

People are not working as hard; making the struggle that the "Black Community" went through during segregation less worth it. There are many today that do not recognize education as a privilege and the power it holds. People cannot go into the endeavor without the power of the mind because they would not get anywhere without it. Therefore, as students we need to be more than knowledge, but intellectuals that are engaged in the community and the struggle of the black race. We are not completely free from struggle, there are still issues that exist today. The effort is forever existing and through it all we must always remember “We deserve better” (Dr. Wright)

Putting our mark in American history

During the lecture Dr. Beatty discussed cultural repercussions of displacing Africans from Africa. Some key points he explored were Dismemberment, changes to both American culture, and culture of African diasporas.

When Dr. Beatty talked about dismemberment he addressed not just the physical displacement of Africans from their homeland and social communities, but more-so from their ideologies. European thought was introduced to Africans during slavery in an attempt to not only create the economical, and political domination of Europeans in the New World, but also to culturally dominate and separate Africans from their history and culture. Because of this, American history is more reflective of European culture than African culture. Dr. Beatty acknowledged this unfortunate point but also continued to discuss the perseverance of African culture and ideology. Africans were being taught to give primacy to European culture, however, certain aspects in our culture always remained. Speaking patterns, importance of music and dance, and social structures of African peoples generally follow the same pattern. Scholars like Gomez have transformed academic knowledge by identifying the flaws in current American history and addressing the need to rewrite history to be more inclusive of African culture to more accurately depict African impact in America.

When considering this, I realized how much we have been mis-educated throughout the learning process. I think about our forms of religion and education and how they reveal more European patterns than Africans. We have a white depiction of Christ in our religion and education favors Greco-Roman culture yet when the New World was just beginning Blacks represented about 80% of the population. This lecture really has opened my eyes to the importance of making American culture acknowledge African presence. African culture has not been abandoned nor have we been dismembered as a unit. We just need to force our mark in history and be recognized more deservingly.

Abandonment & Dismemberment

In the past session with Freshman Seminar we met with Dr. Mario Beatty the Associate Professor for Afro-American Studies. Dr. Beatty talked about Abandonment and Dismemberment. Africans became dismembered from Africa when they were sold as slaves to the Americas. The Middle Passage took them overseas and between 1492 and 1776 there were 6.5 million people in the New World. Of those 6.5 million 5/6 were African or of African descent. During this time was also the beginning of the Black Diaspora in America.

Dr. Beatty spoke about abandonment and dismemberment, and about how African culture is still prominent in today’s society. Scholars say Africa has many influences can still be seen through our music, fashion, food, behaviors, values, views, beliefs, and clothing. The lecture emphasized Black Diaspora and self continuity.

As a part of self-continuity, Afro- Americans have created Maroon societies, which are communities created by blacks outside of the master’s property. There are Maroon societies that range throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama and New Orleans.

Abandonment and Dismemberment

In our most recent lecture, Associate Professor Mario Beatty came to talk to us about abandonment and dismemberment. Africans were forcibly taken from their homes and brought to the Americas. In the process they lost nearly all of their possessions. Africans brought with them, their religious beliefs, their language, and their culture. Dr. Beatty explained to us that Africans had to assimilate to their new surroundings, and their slave masters views became their views. For example, slaves were taught about Christianity and they turned the traditional white version of Christianity into “Black Christianity”. Not only that, but, African influences in voodoo and sangria stemmed from their religion as well. I thought this was interesting because I hadn’t thought about the difference between a more white church and a black church. He continued on and explained that in a black church people get possessed by the Holy Ghost and speak in tongues, something that came from African religion. I was at this point griped in to his lecture because what he was saying made a lot of sense and allowed me to connect pieces of information. Dr. Beatty made an interesting point about “Black” Language. He said that in black language there isn’t always a verb that connects a noun and an adjective. As an example, he compared two sentences to each other, “She is bad” and “she bad”. This really shocked me because it was so true; I had never that about language in such a way. During his elaboration, I began to think about Ebonics and its concord to this topic. In the American subjugation of Africa, some of African culture became a part of American culture. One example that he gave that stuck with me was a book that was about natural working cures from Africa. I really liked the idea of using natural cures in today’s society. It is also something I want to keep in mind for my aspiration to become a medical scientist.

Surviving Traditions

Dr. Beatty's lecture encouraged me to think greatly about the dismemberment of Africans. I knew that during the enslavement of Africans and their importation into the Americas many were dispersed throughout the Americas and the Latin countries.

However, I have never much considered all of what was lost by the African people.

I know that they were taken away from their homeland and forced to live in another country,  but an aspect that I never really considered were the cultural traditions they were at risk of loosing. Dr. Beatty clarified to me that the colonials, the ones that enslaved the Africans, tried to impose their ideas and believes upon them in order to make them forget about where they come from. They wanted them to have no ties to their native land. However, contrary to their efforts, the colonials were not able to completely detach the Africans from their culture. You see aspects of African culture throughout American tradition and many other nations. Over the generations the Africans have not lost their traditions because the passed them down through their families in this never ending exchange of culture and traditions and customs.They kept their traditions of music, religion, dance, much more. It made me think of all the traditions of my family that are rooted in African customs.

So in the dismemberment, Africans were not really dismembered. they were able to stay unified through the customs that they would not relent to those that enslaved them.

More or Less

One statement from Dr. Beatty that generated deep thought well after the lecture was: “out of the New World 5 out of 6 were African.” This statement made me think wow; a lot of Africans were dispersed in the diaspora. They were not just scattered in the Americas, but in Brazil and the Caribbean. I knew that a lot of Africans were dispersed in the New World, but hearing the ratio of African to other was astounding. The views and beliefs were from the colonizers perspective even though the African population was more dominant. (Dr. Beatty)

Physical Abandonment?

The connotation I receive from the word abandonment is choosing to leave. So how can the African Diaspora be considered abandonment? The actual denotation of abandonment is to leave a place with no intent of returning. Many scholars believe that when Africans were brought into the new world, that they lost everything. Africans lost their names, social ideas and historical concepts. More or less, they lost anything of meaning. Thus, as Dr. Beatty explained, becoming culturally empty.

Culturally Empty?

Dr. Beatty introduced the question, “If you are culturally empty, what are you filled up with?” One is filled up with the colonizers view of the world: their beliefs, morals, and way of life. I connected this with the concept of the “seasoning process” (brainwashing). I realized the reason that Colonizers filled Africans with only their ideas. The reason was that they didn’t want Africans to feel in any kind of way that they were worth something. Moreover, to make sure the Africans knew their culture was irrelevant. Furthermore, many colonizers thought that because of African’s unique culture and language that Africans were uncivilized and not intelligent.

Remembrance?

You can’t assume that Africans lost everything. African culture is still everywhere. It lives in Music, family values, stories, oral tradition, dances, religion, and food. “Ideas of culture have to transcend rigid African Culture. “ For instance, Africans brought with them: social structure, ways of knowing/spirituality, and science and technology. Against the slave masters resistance, Maroon societies existed in several secluded places in Jamaica, Brazil, even the United States. In these communities African Culture was prominent. They brought their medicine men and women, values, attitudes, religion and rituals.

Spirituality is an important in Africa. As seen in “Sundiata: An old Epic of Mali” by Niane, D.T, a narrative epic that I have read in another class, Africans believed in fate and destiny. If it was in God’s plan, nothing could stop it. African religion and spirituality still exists today. In Haiti and New Orleans, they practice an African religion called Vodun. In Cuba, they practice Santeria. In the U.S., the idea of a reAfricanized Christianity has taken a rise and an Africana bible was released last year. Some religious rituals that transcended into the diaspora include: speaking in tongues, baptism, and funerary rites. (Dr. Beatty)

In conclusion, was there dismemberment due to the Middle Passage? Not at all, physical abandonment does not equal cultural abandonment.

Omoluabi

            Dr. Segun Gbadegesin, came to talk to us in our second lecture about Omoluabi, self-actualization and communal responsibility. Dr. Gbadesgesin stated that Omoluabi means child begotten of the chief (or source) of Iwa. It is a person of good character and of good upbringing, also, a person “putting knowledge acquired through education to the service of the community, and not shying away from personal sacrifices when needed.” A point he made was that we should all be Omoluabis to achieve self-actualization and to aid in enduring the problems of the human condition. I think that I could be an Omoluabi and help solve the problems of the human condition.  

            The Human Condition was another point Dr.Gbadegesin established. He described the human condition as the way we are as people in the world, for example the poor and sick. He also gave a rationale for solving our research question, if we acknowledge the human condition and its enduring problems, the role of various fields of study, and so on, it could lead to the transformation of academic knowledge. Prior to this discussion, I did not know what the human condition was or that it had problems that needed to be addressed. This part of the lecture was eye-opening to me.

            In his talk about academic Knowledge, Dr.Gbadegesin gave three distinctions; knowledge, wisdom, and the Intellectual. “Knowledge is the acquisition of factual information without insight into their supporting reasons. Wisdom-‖the wise (person) is skilled in turning (his/her humanly oriented knowledge) to serve the process of human relations. The Intellectual has knowledge and appreciates its relevance to the broader needs of society, but he/she does not necessarily have the skill for ordering personal relations harmoniously.” Clarifying the difference between the three helped me to better understand academic knowledge.

Omoluabi

Dr. Segun Gbadegesin presented the lecture on Omoluabi: Self- Actualization and Communal Responsibility. Dr. Gbadegesin approached the topic by addressing the idea of Omoluabi as somewhat of a guideline to living. He discussed the actual meaning of omoluabi, the first written principles that people used as guidelines for living, and how Iwa (good character) relates to our seminar research question.

Dr. Gbadegesin literally defined Omoluabi for us as: a child begotten of the source of Iwa. Iwa means character. Therefore, Omoluabi translates to having good character and everything that character encompasses such as: knowledge, wisdom, principles, and community service. He showed the first guidelines for living, which were: The principles of Ma’at, Coffin texts, and Pyramid texts. These obviously existed before Sharia law, Greek governing laws, or even Christianity. However, the same principles of harmony, justice, order, and good character transcended throughout all of these texts. Some of the principles of Ma’at seemed identical to some of our Ten Commandments in the Bible. After presenting how Africans were the first to create character guidelines for civilized culture, Dr. Gbadegesin proceeded to address the seminar research question in relation to Iwa. He basically explained that Iwa- good character is what would be remembered in society about a person. Therefore what you did to benefit yourself through education and your community through service would be what people remembered long after you die. In relation to the research question, Iwa is how you use your knowledge to end enduring problems.

My overall impression of the lecture could have been better. It was kind of hard to stay interested and connect to the wide array of topics that Dr. Gbadegesin addressed. However, from what I did understand about the lecture, I agreed with and found interesting. One thing in particular that I found interesting was how similar the principles of ma’at were to the Ten Commandments. This idea that Africans were the first to create an idea of laws, principles, and ways to govern themselves related to Dr. Carr’s lecture when he also showed that Africans were the first innovators in terms of academia. Both Dr. Carr and Dr. Gbadegesin helped to show the relationship that philosophically and academically, Africans were the first to think of everything. Egyptians created the concepts of how to live life (Omoluabi) and make it easier by innovating. Africans have always naturally answered the seminar research question- how have scholars across the various fields of study advanced and transformed academic knowledge related to enduring problems of the human condition? It actually seems that it is an African tradition to live by answering this question. Hopefully this seminar continues to reveal the pre-existing nature we all have to be educated and use our college experiences to become innovators to stop world issues and create redefining world philosophies.