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Supreme Court decisions, state referendums, and political journalists all decree affirmative action to be a betrayal of American values. Accordingly, they argue that taking diversity into account when making admissions decisions in colleges and universities undermines equality. Perhaps most insidiously, unaware Americans believe that any minority student seeking higher education is unqualified or a recipient of undeserved race-based preferential treatment. The legacy of Fredonia’s Black Student Union alumni refutes this lie and challenges the stereotyping of African American students (and other students of color) as underachievers.
BSU alumni have achieved the highest levels of success in all sectors of the American economy. More importantly, they are contributors to the African American community and American society as a whole. Their alumni include renowned scholar Dr. Mark Anthony Neal, B.A., M.A, Ph.D., professor of African American Studies at Duke University; Monica White, B.S., M.A., assistant vice president of student affairs at SUNY Fredonia; Dr. Arthur James Goff III, B.S., Ph.D., research physicist at the United States Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID); Anika Johnson, B.S., M.A., co-host of the on-line television series, “Teen Life 2;” Latisha Barnett, B.A. M.A., director of student life at Saint Rose College; Felicia Fyfee, J.D.; Gopal Burgher, J.D.; Fabian Drain, B.A., counselor/assistant professor at Montgomery Community College; Edward Jones, B.A., structural designer, Graphic Packaging International; Kawain Lane, B.A., accounts receivable agent, Sheraton Hotels; Fatima Rodriguez, B.A. M.S., director of multicultural affairs at Geneseo College; Tyrese B. Johnson, B.A., M.A., operations research analyst, Office of Deputy Assistant Secretary if the Army for Cost and Economics; Marcus Anderson, B.A., art teacher and freelance artist; and Samarth Joseph, B.A., M.S., Ph. D. candidate in international economics and business development at the University of Buffalo.
This coming year’s (2007) People of Color Concerns Conference (POCC) weekend provides a perfect forum for us to celebrate the legacy of black achievement at SUNY Fredonia. Doubling as the BSU Alumni Reunion, the weekend begins on Friday, April 20, with an opening ceremony and dinner. From the 21st to the 22nd, some 65 active members of BSU will interact with their alumni at conference panels, the Gospel Explosion concert, and the Fashion Show—the latter which will include an alumni scene. During that weekend, the BSU alumni will unveil The Nabta Fund, an annual scholarship that will provide financial assistance to an exceptional student who is an active member of the Black Student Union.
The Nabta Fund is named after the oldest dated astronomical alignment in the world, which is fittingly located near Nabta in the Nubian Desert in Africa. Long before the people of ancient Kmet (Egypt) constructed the pyramids, Nubians built elaborate structures aligned with the sun and stars. The standing megaliths and ring of stones at Nabta were constructed some 7,000 years ago, a millennium before megaliths appeared at Stonehenge. BSU alumni believe that it is fitting that we name the scholarship after an existent symbol of the intellectual greatness of ancient Africans.
As BSU alumni, we have a chance to secure our legacy at Fredonia by providing financial assistance to those that come after us. A Yoruba proverbs sum up our responsibility beautifully. “If the elephant cannot find enough to eat, the shame belongs to the forest.” The alumni constitute the forest, and the future BSU students are the majestic elephants. If they are unable to eat (complete their education) due to lack of vegetation (financial aid), the shame is on us. Similarly, another Yoruba proverb states: “One does not see the king’s child without seeing the mark of the king about him or her.” Let us make sure our mark can be seen about our future princes and princesses. If you would like to make a donation to the Nabta Scholarship Fund, please contact BSU alumna Zoe Bogan or Karen West at the Fredonia College Foundation.
For additional information on the POCC weekend, contact Shawna Belnavis, BSU President; Lesondra Brown, Conference Chair; and Glendalys Arrendell, BSU Fashion Show Chair.
We look forward to seeing you all in April 2007!
Jeannette Eileen Jones, Ph.D.
(Former BSU Co-Advisor, 2000-2003; Alma Mater Society Inductee)
Assistant Professor of History and Ethnic Studies
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Marcel Freeman, B.A., Class of 2002
