I was not able to see any of the other presentations in my group. While they were busy presenting I was trying to work on my project with my group.

A thought

Zora Neale Huston’s piece, There Eyes Where Watching God is an exemplar of literary magnificence. The plot and its literary devices are so intricately intertwined that it provides a delicate taste to the palette of even the most rudimentary reader. With a voice that is bound by no barriers, Hurston takes us on an incredible journey, a wave like rollercoaster through the physical and emotional expedition of the works’ amiable protagonist.

Often wondering the use of frame narratives, one finds the unequivocal explanation buried within the depths of Janie Crawford’s life. Although her role as protagonist is one that immediately draws a reader’s attention, instead a close examination of Hurston’s writing style shows that rather than the plot it’s her own style that captures the imagination and brings forth the storyline. A casual reader might mistake this piece for a well written novel, yet its accolade doesn’t end with just a simple sentence.

Hurston buries subtle hints within her writing; the description of Janie’s journey from her own city to another is mirrored by her inner emotional disposition. Hurston’s choice of frame narrative puts into perspective and places emphasis on Janie’s transformation from a girl to a woman in a manner in which another writing style might not have exemplified. Interestingly, the hidden meanings behind Hurston’s words are ironic and debatable. As she portrays Janie’s transformation to betterment she contrasts it with her inner emotional self as a woman wanting to become a child again. Janie is always in need of the romantic high school type love which she gains but twice from amongst her three romances in the novel.

The unexpected repetition of romances coupled with the aforementioned romantic fantasy shows us as readers in what Hurston believes. She makes it clear that although we may grow old and weary and live out life as it comes through hardships and trials we are all in need of a little love and caring. When we don’t find that care we move on in life sleeplessly exploring wanting to be whole again.

But transformations do not always lead one to become a happy person. The surrounding gossip and torn friendships always come back hunting us. Janie’s life story teaches a learning lesson to pursue of happiness, disregarding the barriers around us.

Using an African Women as the protagonist brings to light the subtle message many of us readers miss on our first read. Although an emotional novel, There Eyes Where Watching God is a window that shows us the hardships of the time. From Janie’s slavery experienced grandmother to the last man, Tea Cake, she shoots the trials and tribulation, the degrees to which Africa Americas would go at that time to peruse and secure their loved ones is miraculous.

A breath taking revelation to man, an emotional appeal and the pursuit of an African woman amalgamated with exquisite prose Hurston presents to us a masterpiece with no comparison. A light read to the tongue, a raveling enigma to the mind and a beautiful romantic journey to the heart There Eyes Were Watching God is a masterpiece every student should explore, understand , learn from and take to heart.

Howard University Abdul A Mukati

My Freshman Experience viewed through the lens of Freshman Seminar has been okay I guess. The class was seemingly interesting although it is not what I thought it would be. I thought Freshman Seminar classes were supposed to prepare you for the freshman/college experience and get you more acclimated with the school. This class was more of an African American studies class I feel. The speakers were interesting, I enjoyed that each person spoke on a different topic and it was not repetitive. I did not understand the link between the presenters and the group projects. I think we should have been given more time to work on the project because many people were unsure of what was actually expected of them. I would have also liked if the classes were a little smaller, but I understand that is not possible. I think if I would have taken the class at a later hour I might have enjoyed it more. I am not very alert at 9 AM. The class was overall interesting and stimulating.

Disappointed HC

          Maybe I didn’t attend the same homecoming that a lot of other people did because I honestly didn’t find Howard Homecoming to be worth half of the prices that they wanted me to pay. I woke up bright and early and went to the football game which felt like any other football game I had been to. The game was cold and tiring as we stood up and sat down constantly. I enjoyed lively dancing and cheering for my mighty mighty  Bisons as the game played on in the Blue Crew section.  Sadly I was more excited to hear the other band play than our own when North Carolina A&T came out with so many members.  Once the game ended I hung around campus with the girls until leaving for the step show. (Another overpriced event with mediocre seats.) The good thing about the step show was the concert pictures I got of Travis Porter. It was probably the only good thing about homecoming for me.  My night consisted of failed club attempts and impatient females. So, as you can see my homecoming experience was not as fun as I had wanted it to be. Especially when compared to that of my many friends attending other colleges,  Howard’s homecoming didn’t appear to be the number one homecoming in the nation.

Free Write/Homecoming

So... I don't understand the point of having a "free write" if it's supposed to be about Homecoming. But, whatever. Actually, I was slightly upset about Homecoming. Couldn't Howard have it when it's warmer? (or at least when it's not 65 degrees outside?) Freezing weather aside, Homecoming was what I expected it to be: another Howard party. It was a BIG, LOUD, WEEK-LONG party, sure, but a party nonetheless. Thus, (as I'm not what you would call a "party person") I stayed away from most of the Homecoming "activities". However, I did attend the Homecoming parade (because it was free) and Yardfest (because it was free, and it gave out free food). Both were nice, but I didn't stay very long at either one. I believe I watched about ten minutes of the parade before I took off with some of friends to Potbelly's on Georgia Avenue to escape the biting cold. And Yardfest... yeah. As soon as I got some food, I rolled out. Sorry Howard, but I just wasn't feeling it. Ugh... it's hard to talk about Homecoming when I wasn't a part of it! Um, I believe that Howard won the game against North Carolina A&T during overtime, which is a miracle in and of itself. It would have been nice if I... you know... actually went to the game, but those tickets were just a wee bit pricey for me. All in all, Howard's Homecoming as all right, for a non-party animal like myself.

HOMECOMING

Howard Homecoming! I'm not sure how to describe it! Soooo much happened this weekend but it was all fun! Crazy, but fun! I enjoyed almost every event I attended(except the basketball game haha). I really loved yardfest it reminded me of my home town, Baltimore's Artscape and AFRAM. Finally I was able to get some good food on campus, cause that stuff in the cafe and punchout just doesn't do it for me. I love the general spirit around campus, no one is stressing about test or busy all the time. Everyone is just ready to have fun and celebrate Howard University and the prestigious university it is. I'm extra pumped we won the game, even though I didn't get to go. The step show was amazinggg!!!!! That was one of my favorite things. I love the fact that at Howard we can make anything a party. I also love that Homecoming is mostly student produced. I love the fact that our students are planning whole events that people come from all of the country to go. They are professional events and very well planned and organized. The only thing that bothered me about the homecoming was the exuberant price of the tickets. I could afford to go to the event I wanted to attend, however, many of my friends were turned off by homecoming because of the price of the tickets. I understand that in order for the events to be as amazing as they were it cost a bit of money, but the steering committee needs to consider the students.

HU HOMECOMING

Wow! I've heard so much hype about Howard University Homecoming and I have to say that for my first year, Howard really lived up to the hype!

This whole week was, to me, a success. I enjoyed every minute of it.

My week started with the biggest praise party that I've ever witnessed, the Gospel Show. It was so fun being able to worship and fellowship with my peers and their families. Each artist came out and lifted our spirits. When Shirley Ceasar and her crew got on stage, she made the crowd go wild! I left that show feeling uplifted.

On Monday, I went to the comedy show. It was a good show! The comedians were so much fun to watch and each one had me laughing so hard. Me and my friends left with so many jokes (some of which I won't mention on this blog) that we still talk about.

Tuesday, I went to the Poetry Cipher at Lincoln Theater. One word: Incredible!! The students and the celebrities had good poetry! My favorite poet was Queen God Is. She had such conviction in her poetry. Everyone in the audience was captured by her presence and her enlightening words. Then Talib Kweli came out and brought the house down! It was such a good show that I went home and wrote some poetry too (lol).

Yard Fest was Friday (I didn't go to any of the other events between Wednesday and Friday) and it was great! I didn't realize that it was going to be as big of a deal as it was. I saw so many Howard Alumni all in their HU and Greek paraphernalia. It was so exciting seeing everybody on the Yard at my school! There was so much school spirit and everyone had such a good time comming together young and old to celebrate Howard University and its legacy.

The R&B show was also that night. That concert was so much fun! It was like the biggest 90's party. Avant, Tyrise, Joe, and Monica brought the house down!

My first Homecoming was certainly an experience that I will treasure and Howard winning the game was the icing on the cake. Over All this weekend was so great!

FREEEE WRITEEEEEE

I'm not sure what to write about so I will write about what on my mind. I want to go home. I'm tired of being here, is that bad? Oh well. I'm really upset about the fact that I apparently don't have visitation for homecoming because I didn't go take some picture for my floor. The whole situation is annoying. First of all, I wasn't even here this weekend so how was I supposed to know there was a picture? Like come on. This also leads to the fact that I don't understand Howard University's visitation policy. Like first off, why wait so long to give us visitation? Are we six? Like honestly. Second, why do I need to request and overnight stay TWO WEEKS in advance? Like what college student honestly plans anything out two weeks in advance? Then I can only have one overnight visitor. I have more than one friend. I mean I understand they are trying to make things safe I guess, but like I said, we are not six. If someone makes a poor choice then that is their fault and their visitation should be taken away. Yet we have no curfew, so the school doesn't care if I get kidnapped, as long as I don't have a visitor in my room. The whole thing is crazy of you ask me. But I guess no one asked me...

I really need to write my English Paper... I've been putting it off. I'm not sure why. I just have not been in the mood to do work all week. Like I'd rather learn than do work, lazy I know. My mother just gave me a good idea for the paper so I think I will start now. Goodbye.

Free Write

Today at Chapel service, I was especially glad to have Pastor Frederic D. Haynes as the guest speaker. It was exciting to have the speaker be from my hometown of Dallas, Texas. It made me feel like I was back at home for a brief moment while I was worshiping and immersing myself in the word of God with my peers. Boy, did Pastor Haynes give a good sermon! It was such an inspiring message with multiple points made. He talked about having mountain sized dreams and not letting people or excuses stand in your way. One thing Pastor Haynes said that stuck out to me in his sermon this morning was to “use your ‘hateration’ as transportation to your destination”. This basically means whatever is meant for evil in your life, you should turn it around and use it for good. He also talked about forgiveness. The minute you stop allowing your enemies to treat you as if you are their victim is when you have truly forgiven them. Therefore, your accomplishments are not in spite of obstacles, but rather because you overcame that obstacle.

I left Crampton auditorium feeling like I could take on anything in life and it also helped my focus on my goals for this school year.

Free Write

Today when I saw we could write a free write I was somewhat excited. Then my mind drew a blank and I didn’t know what to write about. I find speaking and writing are very different. I always know how to say but sometimes, never how to write it. I thought that maybe today I’d write about how I have to write a three page essay that’s due tomorrow. It’s a compare and contrast essay and I have yet to figure out what I want to compare and contrast. I’ve been on Google looking up different topics, reading multiple essays, and viewing the various writing techniques. Now sitting in my room with the computer in my lap, I’ve come to discover that I’m easily distracted by the many recorded Law & Order episodes and Skype.  I don’t know whether it’s because I don’t feel motivated to write the paper that I can’t start, or because I know that I every time I write I get to my point in a page and a half and the other page and a half is bull crap.

Is Studying Acient Egypt in an African context Afrocentric?

When Origins are Confused with Points of View’s

When studying ideological constructions and views we must understand that they come from an amalgamation of thoughts, cultures and the enforcement of ideals of those in power. We remain unconscious to bias, although some do not, we classify ways of analyzing groups from either Eurocentric, Afrocentric, Asiacentric or similar views. To ask if a study of ancient Egypt in its African context is Afrocentric is surely missing the purpose of how an entity is studied. The question entirely answers itself. The context in which an entity is studied does not make that entity a product of the study. Similarly, studying Ancient Egypt in African context is the correct way not necessarily the Afrocentric way to get a more holistic and in depth understanding of Kemet.

To better understand the idea behind what is not Afrocentric and what should be seen as otherwise, we extend our reach to scholars like Ann Macy Roth, a visiting assistant professor of Egyptology at Howard University and S.O.Y Keita the author of an article whose title probes the very question this essay proposes to answer. Dr Roth defines what Afrocentric Egyptology is in different nations and how political Egyptology differs from the professional. Dr Keita on the other hand proposes the same view as made in this essay which is, to study Egypt in African context is more correct than it is Afrocentric. It is with the scholarly insight of these authors that we move forward to understand why the study is not Afrocentric and why it should be deemed the actual or correct method to study ancient Egypt.

The idea that the study of ancient Egypt is or should be Afrocentric seems not entirely but most certainly somewhat skewed. It’s the idea that because an entity is being studied in African context it should be seen as if it’s from an African set of views. Before we go further we ask what is Africentrism , the dictionary defines it as “Centered or focused on Africa or African peoples, especially in relation to historical or cultural influence”. If we take this definition we find that almost instantly individuals classify the study of ancient Egypt as Afrocentric. But we must look at what makes something Afrocentric. If we take an invention perhaps and use cultural and historical references from African history to provide our claims upon something is that making it Afrocentric? But if that invention is entirely African than how is that Afrocentric? When we look at things shown to us as non-African and then when we look at them with an African lens it is then that we see an Afrocentric view. As Dr. Roth mentions, “In America …Afrocentric Egyptology is less a scholarly field than a political and educational movement, aimed at increasing the self- esteem and confidence of African-Americans”. She goes on to mention that this is not Afrocentric as “This kind of [Afrocentric] Egyptology has little to do with the Egyptology that we professionals practice”. We can further assert that just because the context of the study is African doesn’t make the whole study itself as Afrocentric.

Progressing this notion further we have Dr. Keita who proposes that asking questions about Egypt itself, its geography, language, culture and even biology of inhabitants provides us with knowledge to proclaim that Egypt was African and when studied within African context is not classified as an Afrocentric study. Dr. Keita mentions that “….the emergence of ancient Egypt. Its African local is indispensible to a scientific and common- sense understanding of Egypt”. In other words the origin of Egypt is certainly African and therefore its remains true that “ Studying ancient Egypt in its African context is not ‘Afrocentric’, but simply correct”. So because something has its ancestry in a particular group when we study the entity form that groups context namely African context it does not make it Afrocentric.

It is rather correct to study something from its ancestry and heritage than to go to other societies and learn about it. When we look at Europe from and African perspective we can assert that as Afrocentric but when we look at Egypt from and African perspective we can deem that as the real method that should be used to understand Egypt.

Questions:

If what is taught in schools not Afrocentric Egyptology than what is actual Afrocentric Egyptology?

What are the differences between Scholarly Study of Afrocentric Egyptology and Educational Egyptology?

For this week's blog I'm allowed to do a "free-write"; it's been a while since I've done one. I'm beginning to go over some of the material that my group will have to discuss for the research project that starts next week in Freshmen Seminar, and I'm glad Ms. William's decided to go over some of the details in this week's lecture. It seems that I have a lot of group projects due around this time. I never had so much going all at one time last year... it's kind of overwhelming in a way. But, I know this is all just going to help me out in the long run, (even though group projects/oral presentations aren't really my thing).

The one thing I still don't seem to understand the point of doing are these blogs that we have to do each week. Now, I don't mind completing them, however, I believe that the Mbonji sheets are compensation enough for students to prove that they were taking notes/paying attention in that week's seminar. But, no matter. The semester's nearly over and I only have so many blogs to complete. (Or is this the last one I have to do?) Isn't that amazing? Didn't I just step into Dr. Carr's lecture like... a week ago? Wow... time's just blowing by, isn't it? I just hope that all this Homecoming business passes just as quickly. I don't like the prospect of having one huge party that lasts a week at an institution where random parties are the norm... (Did they really through a "We Survived an Earthquake' bash? Really, Howard??)

This week in out lecture by Ms. Worthy we talked about her career as a teacher in the United States but more importantly her career as a teacher in Africa. We also discussed topics such as apartheid in Africa, the methodology at the LEAP School of Mathematics and Science, and the historical significance of South Africa. The thing most interesting to me was the discussion about apartheid. When I think of the racialism and segregation African-Americans faced in the US it seems so far and distant. But the effects of apartheid are still heavily present in today's South African society. Another thing that makes this such an interesting topic, is that THIS WAS THEIR LAND! These black Africans are the native people of this land, yet the white foreign invaders are treating them as if they are second class citizens.
Cultural Effective Teaching can impact students learning and their lives heavily. The one major thing that was important in the students Ms. Worthy talked about is that they enjoyed coming to school every day. If students do not enjoy learning and it is not relevant to their lives they can not give a 100% effort. The idea that the teachers and faculty trust the students is also a major factor as well in impacting students learning. You can ask any student, when they feel they have some sort of relationship with their instructor, they enjoy learning from this person more.

MS EVERS BOYS

When I first saw the title Ms Evers Boys I had no idea what what the play would be about, but I love theater so i decided to go (and it was required). When I received the program and found out it was about the Tuskegee Study I was instantly intrigued. It was very ironic because I was just talking to my step mom about the study. We both were under the assumption that the men in the study did not have syphilis or "bad blood" and that they were given it. However from watching the play I learned that some of the men did intact have bad blood. I also learned that the study was initially supposed to help blacks with syphilis. I did not know these things I was under the assumption that these men were complete lab rats and they were given this drug and never told. These men were lab rats but at least it started off as a positive experiment, i guess. The play was over all very sad, and what made it more upsetting is that its all true. I think its crazy that they would use these men as test subjects not just their bodies, but their lives. Their lives were in the hands of complete strangers and they abused their power for so many years. The biggest problem I have with the whole situation is that they had the chance to right their wrong and they refused to. That is CRAZY!

The auditorium for Howard's production Ms Evers' Boys was filled with students, most of whom were upset that they had to attend the play for Freshmen Seminar. (Myself included) However, by the end of the closing scene, many of those same students were glad they had decided to come to the unveiling of a true epic, and chided themselves for ever doubting about coming. (Myself included) Miss Evers' Boys is a tale about a group of four black men who were diagnosed with a crippling disease, called syphilis. These men were treated no better than regular lab rats, and had to undergo many painful surgical experiments. The nurse, Ms. Eunice Evers, was an unwilling part of the Tuskegee Project, and had to witness the pain and discomfort of her patients, many of which were her close friends.

What was most interesting to me about the play was that the Tuskegee Syphilis Project had actually occurred once before. The project had initially been formed to help rural African Americans who had been diagnosed with syphilis to find a cure, but lead to many of the "subjects" dying from the combination of their untreated disease as well as the suffering they had succumbed to for several years, even when a possible cure had been found. Penicillin, a drug that was found to combat syphilis, was withheld from black patients, who continued to be used as experimental subjects until the project had become the attention of several government officials in the 1970s. By that time, only a small fraction of the group had survived.

Last Tuesday, our class was taught by D.C's "Teacher of the Year" for 2009, Ms. Kim Worthy. She began the class by singing a song that was based on the African concepts of friendship and camaraderie, and gave the class a bit of info on her personal background. As a young child, she was taught to respect the privileges that you have and to remember those who put their lives and well being at stake to win those privileges. She also learned that connecting with others at a certain level of understanding, rather than at a superficial level, formed deeper bonds between people that will ultimately generate good outcomes. This concept, which forms the basis of "Ubuntu", helped Ms. Worthy with her career in teaching. She found that by interacting with her students, both black and white, as a person they could trust in rather than one they would have to please in order to receive a passing grade, the children became more attentive in class, were able to communicate their feelings, and also scored off the charts for their specific racial and/or economic background.

This same occurrence can be observed from nearly half way around the world in African schools called LEAP academies. The children there are trusted by their elders, and thus are able to do various activities by themselves, orchestrated by people in their own age groups. While living in the most desolate of living conditions, these young children find solace in one another, which is why they make their trek to the academy nearly every day, not only to obtain an education, but to interconnect with others that share in their difficulties. This session helped me to realize just how important socialization is to the human psyche.

We Open Our Eyes to Culture

Each of us proclaims that we strive to make a difference in the world, yet there remain very few that actually attain their dream of making a difference. This week we heard from a great woman, a great visionary and a great teacher. Her life was dedicated to changing lives. And the manner in which she did that was based on culturally relevant teaching. She worked to liberate students form the tightened bonds that society puts upon them. She thought them where they stood in relation to their community and made them understand their value and their responsibility. Making a non-functional community into a functional one comes from changing lives of those that are in need and she did just that. It was definitely her manner in which she related to the children that won their hearts. She talked about how it’s more important to create relationships then to have the object as the main precursor for doing well. That makes sense we see many a times it’s how people relate to us that allows us to push ourselves and do better. I out society and values we are told that the object is to get an A but it’s really not. After learning from this lecture I realized the object was to learn, the focus was on making great relationships and the result would be good grades. It’s more of a cultural teaching one that lets students understand in the ways they like to be taught rather than forcing on them new ideals and new ways of doing things and making new priorities. It’s amazing how once we learn to communicate better how much more we can do to help. Once we understand the dynamics of a culture we are more ready and find it easier to help others. It’s with teaching culturally that makes progress and help other better. This lecture has by bar been one of the most enlightening lectures I have heard

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Miss Evers' Boys

On Wednesday night I went to the opening night of Miss Evers' Boys. It was an amazing performance! It was the story of four men [along with many others] who were infected with syphilis in 1932 Macon County, Alabama and their Nurse, Miss Evers, who assisted in a medical study called the “Tuskegee Study of Untreated Blacks With Syphilis”. The men were put through many vigorous forms of medication and procedures including mercurial rub, arsenic shots, painful spinal taps- which doctors called "back shots" in order to manipulate the patients to agree to going through with the procedure. They eventually quit giving them regular treatment and began using placebos, which only made things worse.

The character that I connect with the most was Willie Johnson. In my opinion, he had the most going for him before the many experiments. With his amazing dancing skills, he would have become a regular act at the Cotton Club in Harlem. Sadly, his dreams were tossed aside due to the fourteen (plus) years of painful tests and placebos in addition to the refusal of penicillin once it was discovered that it could cure his disease. This play demonstrated the struggles that face Black people in America during the days of the Great Depression. It was very frustrating and depressing for me as I watched this play. The people of Macon County were medical genie pigs who were manipulated by the government and given false hope for better and healthier lives.

The Freedom to Just Be

This past week the Ms. Kimberly Worthy discussed the principle of Ubuntu, which means “a person is a person because of other persons”. This was the first week that a woman provided us with a lecture and I was greatly pleased. She talked about the freedom to just “be”. In class she showed us a video about the LEAP Math and Science Academy in Africa. It was so amazing how these children were able to learn in an environment in which they were able to explore their culture and traditions. The fact that they were so in tune with heir African culture was so exciting for me. In my opinion, because these kids came together as a community and were so in tune with their culture they were able to exceed academic expectations. Also because these kids were given the freedom to work as they pleased, without stress and time constraints, they were able to be productive with little or no supervision in the classroom.

It was quite an inspiring experience and it really described the principles of Ubuntu

Dr. Thorton's lecture was very interesting to me. Hearing him talk about being a man around my age and seeing people like Dr. King on a daily basis was amazing. His challenge to us to choose a path and be great really affected me. Here at Howard University, I feel like success is not an option. With so many of us on different journeys, there is one common goal, success. I am not 100 percent sure of what my end goal will be but I do have my goals while I am on my way. Those include keeping a 3.5 GPA or higher, running for at least one office, starting a club or organization, and making life long friends.
Being a citizen of the world means that I understand my position in life and my value. It also means that I understand that I, as one person, can make a difference in the world. My citizenship in this nation informs me as a citizen of the world because I know the stereotypes I must breakthrough as an American.
A representative thinker of Howard who inspired me is Dr. Carr. He is strong in his beliefs, and these beliefs have guided him to his own definition of success. He has inspired me to take my own thoughts and beliefs, and make them apart of my own success.

The Howard Connections

This week’s lecture by Dr. Thornton made me sit up straight and focus on my life. His connection to Howard made me even more interested in what he was mentioning. He posed many questions one of which was what we were doing to be part of the best and brightest at Howard. I think we all are striving to be the best we can be may it be in our academic studies, social behaviors or athletic performances. We strive for excellence. We work hard , we’re diligent we learn from our mistakes and we better ourselves. Eventually we reach the realm of the brightest and best at Howard. During our pursuit of excellence we have many questions more to answer. What does it mean to be a citizen of the world? Does that mean you have some moral obligations?

questions make us reminisce on the past good things we could have done and all the people we could have helped. Becoming a good citizen of the world is achieved by doing small goods at a high volume. Good may not be just monetary, but like Ernest Everest Just it could be a contribution to society at large in the field of biological sciences or numerous others.

His teaching at Howard and his plethora of publications have fueled the enrichment of minds and have given birth to many new fields of study. He was a visionary and an inspiration to many. Today Howard’s Biology building bears his name in remembrance of a great mind, a great man and a perfection of intellect, a model citizen.

The Best and Brightest of Howard University

On Tuesday, Dr. Thornton spoke to us about being the “best and brightest of Howard”, which made me think “how can I be one of the ‘best and brightest’?”

According to Dr. Thornton, in order to become the best and brightest of Howard I must set an example for others and fulfill the Howard pledge of “Truth and Service”. Currently I am a in the process of joining a group called ULTRA Teen Choice, which is a program in which people speak to the youth of the community, promoting abstinence. Washington, DC, still has the highest rates of both new HIV infections and existing HIV infections in the nation. This program is to help youth from 6th grade to young adult make positive choices and positive friendships that will have an impact for the rest of their lives.

In order to help the community I must first set myself apart from the community. I need to know more than those in the community so that I may be able to help others. However, I must not act as if those in the community are insignificant but help them by using my education to give back to the community.

Somebody who has inspired me here at Howard would be Dr. Greg Carr. His lectures are filled with such conviction and spirit. Also he's put so much time into making the Freshman Seminar an enjoyable and enlightening experience for us. It is very inspiring because he has helped expose us to culture, and more of our African history, which causes me to wonder about my roots.

The lecture of Dr. Alvin Thorton was an encouraging one that pressured Howard students to make the best of their time at Howard in order to make the best of their lives after completing their college degree. In order to become one of the "best and brightest" that Dr. Thorton mentioned in his lecture would by fufilling Howard's pledge of "Truth and Service". In other words, I must be willing to submit my time and energy to performing at the best of my abilities while in class was well as keep in mind that there are those who are not as fortunate and are incapable of experiencing the pleasure of attending an institution such as Howard University. In this incoming week, I will be participating in Washington D.C.'s Aids Walk to help raise money for those who were diagnosed with the life-threatening STD. I am also a part of the REFRESH volunteer group that Howard students organized to provide help and support to the surrounding citizens in the DC area. Not only does volunteering make me a bigger part of Howard University, it also makes me a bigger part of the community.

By being an outstanding figure in society, (that meaning one who sets the example in his or her home, on-site work or community), one becomes what Dr. Thorton described as a "world citizen". A world citizen will influence those under, among or even above him to do what is morally good. By doing so, this act will begin to impact everyone around him. World citizenry is also deeply rooted in what one does as a national citizen. I belive Alain Locke would be a good example of a world citizen. His actions as a writer and philosopher are what motivated others to partake in the history of the Harlem Renaissance. Locke has inspired me to continue to embrace the rich history of American culture that was rudimentally developed by the actions of black citizens.

Burial Ground

I found Professor Mack’s lecture sooooooo interesting! It made me really excited for the October first trip to the African Burial Ground. I found myself captivated by all the facts and especially by his involvement in the project itself. Some of the things that he said really got my attention. He mentioned that there were over 400 bodies found but there were still tons more left undiscovered. Things like that just make you wonder about the ground that you are walking on a daily basis. When he went into great detail, through showing each photograph of skeletal remains, of how these young and old African people were buried it really opened my mind. He showed how a lot of them were buried with rituals that they brought over, which showed that, as Professor Mack stated, Africans were burying Africans. It upset me to see so many burials in which young people around my age had been buried with some kind of defect caused by the lifestyle they were forced to live. I was eager to see that there were people, like Professor Mack, who wanted to delve deeper into the lives of those bodies that were buried so long ago. 

Howard’s Convocation: An inspiring Dialogue

Howard University’s 144^th convocation proceeded as any other assembly or gathering would. From introductions to greetings to smiles, laughter and applause, Howard student body, faculty and Alumni were energized. Each year Howard brings in an orator from a respected field to speak on matters concerning the university and the student body as a whole. These annual speeches vary depending on the school climate and current obstacles. This year Howard presented Dr. Michael L. Lomax, CEO of the United College Negro Fund. His resonating speech focused on the aspect of Black youth, their educational prospects and futures.

The Convocation was presided by President Ribeau. His introduction to the assembly brought back nostalgia of last year. His new vision and insight seemed to be taken in by many new and old faces in the crowd. The purpose of this year’s speech was to bring to light our dreams and where the African American community stands in terms of education and jobs. With many Africans jobless and many more without college degrees Dr.Lomax emphasized the urgency by which we need to make higher institutions illuminated with more black youth, helping them precede forward and brighten their careers. The invocation was lead as usual by Reverend Bernard and the vice chairwomen welcomed the assembly with her greetings. The events major speaker Dr Lomax was invited onstage with an Honorary degree: Doctor of Humane Letters. Then formally he enlightened us with a few words.

Although slow at first and soft spoken yet easy to understand, Dr Lomax brought us all back to reality. He informed us of our situation as a whole and how black colleges “need to all perform at the top of their game”. This lead him to inform us of President Ribeau’s hard work in reorganizing the institution and bringing it in the forefront of the race towards excellence. He empowered the students with his words telling them that the University was built to provide them the best experience of their lives. Students once are students forever using this ideology he geared a few words towards the Alumni and urged them to give back to Howard so that future students may benefit. Dr Lomax persuaded us to have more dialogue, a more open approach. He asked us to step up and voice our concerns and that only then will we see the outcome. Some students sat opened eyed, others were glued to his words, and others just smiled. It was a moment of acceptance, realization and a step forward.

Many students found the speech inspiring fighting for students and their voices and academics. Others thought last year’s speech was better orated. Yet the majority of students in Cramton auditorium showed their views on their faces as they applauded and walked out. The chatter remained of how “what he said was so right, they need to help us get a better education” a student said as others walked by. Many walked out with clearer visions of where they stood compared to society as a whole and how much we as an institution need to improve.

Personally, the speech was well orated and profound, from awe inspiring moments to actual critical breakdowns of the community. Dr. Lomax used numbers and percentages to show where African Americans stand in relation to others. It brought reality back into our lives. It showed us the meaning, essence and value of a good college education and a degree. His speech personified what it meant to be a student and it resonated well within the minds and hearts of the student body.