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Page 3 Clark Atlanta University Panther October 9, 1991 Afrocentricity at CAU By Angela Gravely Contributing Writer Clark Atlanta University addressed the issue of 'afrocentricity' to the Freshmen class during their first general assembly. The guest speaker. Dr. Theodore Hemingway, chairman of African American studies at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, challenged them to accept their duties in knowing the history of African Americans in thought and practice. He suggested that students examine the role of education and redefine its purpose. To illustrate this, he made reference to other non-European people in the United States. He added that Asians in America respect their elders and avoid bringing any dishonor to their family. These values they ascribe to or based on their customs and culture - not anyone else's. In contrast, Black children do not value their education in the real sense of the African community - a basis for their customs and culture. He then told an anecdote to describe the mentality of students on college campus'. "Women say, 'there are no men on this campus,' " he stated. He said, "That's because sisters eliminate them more and more. They say... 'Does he have good hair? Are his lips too big? How tall is he?' When they should be asking the real questions'. Can he read? What is his GPA? And is he planning on going to graduate school?" Dr. Hemingway said that young men think the same way, and that all students need to change their mentality. "You shouldn’t be interested in those things that can make you homeless. Height can't buy you a house," he said. He also said that students should view education as more than a means to get a job, but a way to gain knowledge and power, based on cultural appreciation. Dr. Hemingway used theoretical application with these examples to summarize Asante's idea that our behavior is off- centered and must be changed. Asante stated in the Sept. 23 issue of Newsweek, ... "Afrocentric intervention will relocate behavior in a place of values and cultural stability." Dr. Hemingway made several references to Asante and other African studies scholars, such as Martin Bernal, who also appeared in the Newsweek article. Bernal has just published Volume II, the second in an expected four volume series titled, "Black Athena," which discusses the African origins of western civilization. Dr. Hemingway commented, "Read this book before you go and buy your next gold chain." He then said, that students will be better off buying $300 worth of books, instead of the gold chains, and even better off reading the books they buy." Spelmart put them out. continued jrom page 1 "We know the school is looking at it from a financial perspective, but the students are looking at the principle of the matter," said Hubert. 'We assisted them out of the spirit of helping and good will," said Dr. Earvin. "Furthermore, six students won't help break any ’ financial arrangements either way. " He added that the petition goes against everything that CAU teaches. In addition, Hubert's supporters said that the administration should have brought the situation to the student body's attention before moving the women on campus. She explained, "Before you bring a guest to your house for dinner, you family they're That is simple tell your coming, courtesy." Dr. Earvin said, "This was not a long term project. It's not like we had a couple of weeks or months to ponder it. It happened one week and they moved in the next." He added, "After the decision was made we informed the resident director to meet with the students. As far as I can tell the students were notified." "Since the women aren't leaving, we feel that CAU students should have access to some of Spelman's facilities which we have been denied access to such as, Planned Parenthood, tennis courts or the gymnasium, "said Hubert. Employers seek AUC's best Students throughout the Atlanta University Center filled Robert R. Woodruff Library on Sept. 25, to participate in the 25th Annual Career Day and Job Fair, sponsored by the AUC Career Planning and Placement Over 180 U.S. companies participated. Exxon Corp., Kraft Inc., Dow Jones, AT&T, were a few of the cooperations represented. Although the job fair was aimed at AUC students, it was also open to students from other metro Atlanta institutions. "I really appreciate that they (the companies) all came out to look for potential Black employees. The fair should carry on year after year," said Eugene Mackey, a CAU student. Yet, while the job fair was being held, many students were gathered in front of James P. Brawley Drive at Fair Street, some claiming that they were unaware of the career fair taking place. "The job fair was not publicized properly. I did not know anything about it until today," said Rich Wiltishire, a CAU student. Charles McCain, a Morehouse student, said he also did not attend the fair because of insufficient advertising for off-campus students. Students also claimed that they were not able to support the fair because classes were not excused. "I would have gone, but I had too many classes," said Norlaundra Jackson, a CAU student. According to Vanessa Loud, a Spelman student, the job fair would have been better if it was extended to two days or a weekend, which would not interfere with classes. George Land, the director of the Career Planning and Placement Service and the coordinator of this year's Career Day, said the career fair went well in terms of numbers including the participation of companies and students. "I am pleased all the way round, many have said that this was the best career fair they have attended and this is the best career day we have had," said Land. Several representatives said that they were very impressed with the students’ qualifications, interest and general knowledge of the companies. "I think that the students were really well qualified. This year I saw more people than ever before. Overall, I was impressed because the quality of the students was excellent," said Larry Thomas, a partner with the Edward Jones Company. "Our students do have access to Spelman’s health clinic, but it is no longer a community facility," said Dr. Earvin. In response to the petition, Dr. Hill agreed that CAU students do have access to the Women's Health Clinic, which is no longer called Planned Parenthood. "Due to insufficient funds, we can't service the community. However, the clinic does issue condoms and birth control pills to students, but cannot afford to give everyone a through examination, "she explained. To further explain their situation, she said that it costs $130,000 to operate the clinic and only $28,000 is given by the state. In regards to the tennis courts, Dr. Earvin said that they only have two courts and the Spelman tennis team is given first priority. He added that the same would be true here if we had tennis courts. "The tennis courts are open to our students, but try to put 1,800 students on two courts," Dr. Earvin stated. He added that it was virtually impossible to put all of the students on two tennis courts at CAU. Dr. Hill said that she fears that most people are intolerant. "We complain about White people being intolerant, but we as Blacks are intolerant of each other," she said. In addition, she said that if Spelman students acted negative toward CAU students she would be deeply hurt. "There is no such thing as a center. We don’t operate as a center or act as one," said Dr. Hill. She said that to make the center a reality students must appreciate each other and learn about themselves. "This is the same student body that has unity dances and marches. So you're going to tell me you don't want your sisters to stay on our campus when they have no other place io stay, said Dr. Earvin. .It just doesn't jive."