OVER THE past decade, the apathetic attitude of many African-American students has hindered progress toward student equality in the University community. Predicated by involvement, student ownership is a critical component in the process of resolving issues. On October 23, 2002, over 400 predominantly African-American students and faculty, joined by people of other various ethnicities, nonviolently protested and expressed their grievances concerning the opinions put forth by The Cavalier Daily. Indeed, the protest shed light upon the severity of the issues at hand, as this significant body of people represented the eclectic University community.
A number of African-American students are frustrated with the often divisive, ignorant and irresponsible journalistic practices of our student paper. These offenses include: a) a lack of significant coverage of African-American issues, b) a disproportionate capacity of negative perspectives on students of color, c) insufficient and ineffective recruitment efforts of students of color, d) failure to do pertinent research on issues and topics discussed in the articles, and e) an obvious degree of defamation of African-American student life.
Particular events that support these grievances are the lack of press coverage of speakers such as Amiri Baraka and Vernon Jordan, prominent figures in the fight for racial equality, both politically and socio-economically.
These instances are prime examples of the lack of positive coverage African-Americans receive from The Cavalier Daily. On the other hand, we constantly see the defaming of African-Americans when the Cavalier Daily publishes columns supported by misconstrued research such as the recent article "The Griot Society's mixed signals" by Anthony Dick.
It is imperative that a newspaper with many readers such as The Cavalier Daily, whose readers entrust them to write and print constructive, mindful and unbiased facts, follow stringent policies and procedures to ensure the journalistic integrity of their publications.
Additionally, The Cavalier Daily's ineffective approach toward African-American recruitment reinforces many discriminatory sentiments shared by many African-American students.
Placing ads in the newspaper cannot justify a viable solution for increasing minority recruitment.
It requires a more in-depth and conscientious approach, such as attending individual minority organizations' meetings.
We propose creating a Cultural Board comprised of members of the Managing Board of the paper along with leaders of minority student unions to devise an effective recruitment and retention program for minority students.
The effectiveness of this board would be measured by the percentage of minority staff writers for the paper, and a goal would be determined by the board.
We must not revert back to complacency. Instead, we must reflect upon this event as a springboard for greater unity and systematic change. Likewise, the protest must be used as a catalyst to re-ignite activism by members of the University's African-American community. Truly, apathy has infected and affected the African-American community for far too long and its eradication is well warranted. In terms of a solution, the initial step to solidifying the African-American community is to promote unity on an organizational as well as peer-based level. As a community, we must leave our past indifferences behind and allow "Hoos Silent" to resonate as an emblem for spreading knowledge among one another. Ideally, if we come together with our concerns strategically and democratically, we can then collectively gain an understanding of one another. This is one of the key factors that will allow us to achieve an attainable vision -- equality among us all. Fundamentally, if we can achieve this goal, we will be well on the path to equality within the University community at large.
Essentially, it is our responsibility as students to take ownership of these issues with the University community and make use of our power to create change. In the past, students took on the responsibility to identify their need for an Office of African-American Affairs, African-American faculty and also an African-American Studies major and minor. Today, we as students must take the initiative to stand as one on the issues that have disparaged and discouraged us. At the same time, we also must establish a relationship with graduates, faculty, administration and the community at large for support and security as we gradually realize our vision.
Basically, to evoke change, we must incite the masses to act as one. Together, we must pool our resources in order to devise precise and strategic agendas that will allow us to realize our objectives. We need a strong, unified and focused voice to propel us to the forefront. One of our goals must be to collectively elect African-American students to pivotal leadership positions in traditional organizations such as Student Council, the Honor Committee and the University Judicial Committee.
Furthermore, let us support those black institutions dedicated to transforming the University into one with an atmosphere that is more socially, culturally and academically accepting. Through organizational involvement and attending programs (i.e. forums and lectures), we can educate ourselves about the community's history and longstanding issues. Let our legacy be one of advocacy, activism and change because we cannot afford to lapse into contentment. This is not "as good as it gets." We have traveled a marked distance, but the struggle continues. We cannot be pacified with the semblance of equality set up to appease our hunger. We must demand equality in all aspects. The time to act is now! We must combat these issues now! We must revamp the University that we have built now! Individually, ask yourself, "What can I do today in order to combat apathy? How am I going to support unification in the community? Am I taking ownership of this university?"
Moreover, let us transform our social expression in the form of "Hoos Silent" into "Hoos Movement? ... ours!"
(William Potter is the director of issues of the Black Student Alliance and a third -year College student. Okem Nwogu is the president of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and a third-year College student.)
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