Alexis Anderson
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
“Has Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Dream Been Fulfilled?” was the question analyed at the Jackson State University Political Science Club Black History Forum held on Feb. 19 in the College of Liberal Arts Building.
Although only a handful of students participated in the discussion on the complexities of racial identity, violence, family values, and self-hatred among the African-American community. The forum discussed cultural imperialism and progression and regression of the black community from 1963 to 2013.
The panel members consisted of Kiyadh Burt, a sophomore political science major, Bonnie Gardner, historian; Johnnie Griffin, author and sociologist and JSU professor; C. Leigh McInnis, author and Bryon Orey, a political science major. The moderators of the forum were Political Science Club members Giahanna Bridges, Natasha King, and Anthony Woodberry.
Griffin, spoke to students about the importance of leadership and accountability of parenthood in the African-American community.
“One of the struggles facing the black community is the lack of role models in the family, especially male figures. If men can grow up knowing the value of being the adult and the caretaker in the family, their sons won’t make the same mistakes,” said Griffin.
Orey felt that the forum was an excellent way to express the progress and reform in the African-American community but there should have been a larger audience for the presentation.
“I wish all of the organizations would do a better job of student outreach when it comes to important forums like these,” said Orey.
Many of the students believe that the forum gave them a chance to interact with their peers and mentors to talk about the significant process that has been made in the African-American community and some of the issues that remain.
Anteigra Coleman, a senior political science major from Brandon, Miss, said, “I feel that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s dreams have been semi-fulfilled, but not all of the issue have been addressed in the African-American community.”
Jasmine Marshall, a senior political science major from Los Angeles, Calif, said. “I believe that Dr. King would be proud of our progress into the future. Although it has taken awhile, it is a great way to start equality for all.”