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Editorials Page 3 Clark Atlanta University Panther October 19, 1990 The Struggle Continues By EVITA L. ELLIS Staff Writer A faculty member, fed up with the institutional problems of Clark Atlanta University, inquired “Why don’t the students protest like we did in the 60s?” As students, we have the right to be heard and respected. Since the consolidation, Clark Atlanta University has been plagued with problems; it has had its’ share of defeats, but this doesn’t excuse the confusion within the Courts and on campus that has plagued our minds, changed our souls and turned our hearts to stone. Perhaps these matters could be resolved if the administration for once would say, “What can we do... How can we help you?” and really mean it. Often times in the past, we have taken our problems to the administration, only to have them placed on a dusty shelf, behind last year’s budgets, problems and complaints. The problems that students are facing, like the inadequate facilities in the E. L. Simon Courts, have taken second seat to events like homecoming. On Sept. 24, students residing in the student apartment complex met to discuss recent attacks, lack of security and other problems. Certain members of the administration were present including Juanne Johnson, housing director for the Courts and Dr. Larry Earvin, dean of students. Their presence did nothing to reassure us; they told us what they thought we wanted to hear and students left the meeting with the same mixed emotions they arrived with. Something new has risen from the voices behind the walls of the courts — a group of E. L. Simon residents who are fed up. They call themselves “The Court Voice” and their agenda is “freedom of expression.” The Court Voice asked the administration to allow them an opportunity during homecoming week far them to address their concerns to parents and alumni. The word had reached the administration, but no contact with students was evident. “The main purpose of the Court Voice is to reflect us — the students, and no one else.” said a source from the group. The Voice would like to know of any concerns that students might have. Interested students should stop by the Birdcage room 203 for further details. The Voice is willing to do as much as they can, but most importantly they are asking for the support of the E. L. Simon residents to offer ideas in making the life in the courts a better one. As a second semester junior 1 have blendedJn well with the general crowd of “all talk and no action” or the crowd who is “just to busy to be bothered.” But it’s time we all take a stand and express ourselves not just verbally but by any means neccesary in doing something that our parents did for us during the 60s in clearing the path so that the next person can move on a little easier. PANTHER October 12, 1990 The articles on the editorial page are the opinions of the writers. They are not necessarily the opinions of the student body, faculty, staff or administration. Editor-in-Chief Paulette V. Walker Managing Editor Cydney L. Williams News Editor Tonya Lattimore Editorial Page Editor Nannette L. Wilson Lifestyles Editor Vanessa Crocket Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff Photo Editor Rodney Mathews We welcome our readers ’ views in the form of letters to the editor or guest editorials. The Panther office is located in the Communication A rts Center, room 120. The business office is in Trevor Arnett Hall. Address all correspondence to the Panther Newspaper, Clark Atlanta University, James P. Brawley Drive at Fair Street, S. W., P. O. Box 329, A tlanta, Ga. 30314. The telephone number is 880-8295. The staff meets Tuesdays at 11 a.m. in room 120 of the Communications Arts Center. \ g j"! ...i Reexamining Our Status By NANNETTE L. WILSON Editorial Page Editor Not since the 1960s has any social issue dominated the news and conscience of the American society as much as the current social status of the African American male and his family. The decline in family values and the question of the African American family’s future and what some writers term the inevitable demise of the African American family are some of the concerns that will be addressed. This article does not attempt to answer any questions but to raise the level of consciousness of the reader. Because African American men are such an integral part of the African American community, it is important to study the forces that impact on their traditional value systems. Many people believe that the African American community is composed of African American women and their children. Of course, that is not true. The African American community is composed of more than just African American women and their children. However, as African American men and women, especially men, we must not be too eager to condemn those who would perpetuate this belief because there are sociological foundations for these beliefs. The 1978 census reported the male population as being 12 million for African Americans as compared to the 92 million for White men. It is estimated that African American men accounted for about 11.3 percent of the United States male population. Over the past hundred years the U.S. Bureau of the Census has enumerated more African American females than it has males. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, why is this? It is also interesting to note the comparisons made between the marital status of African American men and that of the White men. How is that? Education. Education is also considered to be a very important value in African American communities according to Robert Staples, author of The Black Family. Where are the men around the college campuses? We want to see more than just ‘the men of Brawley Hall.’ The extension of formal schooling to African American men has resulted in a decline in the illiteracy rate from 10 percent in 1959 to 4 percent in 1969. In developing an accurate social profile of African American men, as well as their family, it is important to examine the extent to which they were actively involved in different forms of personal and community activities. Historically, in the African American community, great emphasis has been placed on the importance of participating in voluntary associations. Often people, including African American men, have used voluntary organizations to solve personal and community problems. In many cases, African American people have developed their own organizations and associations. Fraternal organizations have been one formal mechanism African American men have used to reinforce the value of mutual aid and sorrorities have been a formal mechanism for African American women. In presenting a social profile of the African American family, consideration must be given to sports, too. A 1976 study suggested that African American men spend a great deal of their time in unorganized activities, such as playing checkers and chess, shooting pool and gambling. It makes you want say ‘h— u—m’ like Arsenio! There have been some notable changes in the social characteristics of African American men and their families since the time of some of these reports. It is hoped that your reading this will help you in understanding the “plight of the African American males and their family’s” in contemporary society. The current status of the African American male has its roots in this release. The social profile of the African American male is a reflection of the American society and its attitude towards one segment of the population. The misconceptions and negative attitudes toward African American males will be corrected, but until this is understood.