Spring Break
Interaction encouraged at panel discussing first African-American president
Heather Holm / Activities Editor
Issue date: 2/10/09 Section: News
The "President Barack Obama: A Black Man in the White House" panel will feature students and teachers who will discuss Obama's new position as the first African-American president.
"We will discuss things such as the implications and consequences of Obama being president," said Michael Loudon, English professor and panelist. "The panelists will give their viewpoints and there will be a question-and-answer session and discussion."
Loudon says he hopes people engage in discussion and interact with each other and the panelists during the discussion.
"I think most we were asked to (be panelists) because of our involvement in black studies on campus," Loudon said. "We're just offering early remarks to revoke discussion and participation from the audience."
Loudon is going to say in his opening statement that Obama winning the presidency was the most important day of his life and how it represents a change in the challenges of overcoming race.
Loudon said it is important to remember that African-Americans came a long way to do so and that some people, both white and black, have an ignorance of this and that it is something that should be remembered.
"African-Americans were segregated before the Civil Rights Act, and Obama becoming president affects everyone," Loudon said. "It affects how my marriage and the growth of my children unfolds."
Loudon believes in the principle that all men are created equal.
"You will understand an African-American destiny is inextricable from your own destiny," Loudon said. "I think it is important to everyone, and anyone who doesn't believe this, to know they are not as smart as they think they are."
Jantelle Horton, a sophomore sociology and African-American studies major and Director of Service for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said she thinks it is important to remember where African-Americans came from and where they are today
"That is what makes African-American Heritage Month significant," she said. "We have gone from not being able to go to same schools as whites to having a black president. We are not only remembering our past, but celebrating our future."
Martin Hardeman, a history professor, volunteered to be a part of the panel.
"I will discuss my knowledge of Barack Obama's ideas and the direction his office will take," he said. "I have some opinions and have done some reading on him and have a few criticisms of those who disagree with him. I am no more knowledgeable than the audience members, though."
Josh Boykin, a junior English major, is in charge of the panel. He said the panel is more of a guided discussion with questions from the audience.
"The audience will have a chance to respond as well as the panel," he said. "It's just as much about the panel members conveying the information, as well as discussing such a critical topic in our nation's history."
Boykin wants everyone to walk away feeling enriched while gaining some knowledge and opening some people's eyes.
"It's a great way to open up discussion on campus," Boykin said.
The panel will take place at 7 p.m. today in the Effingham room of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.
Heather Holm can be reached at 581-7942 or haholm@eiu.edu".
More African-American Heritage Month events:
"We will discuss things such as the implications and consequences of Obama being president," said Michael Loudon, English professor and panelist. "The panelists will give their viewpoints and there will be a question-and-answer session and discussion."
Loudon says he hopes people engage in discussion and interact with each other and the panelists during the discussion.
"I think most we were asked to (be panelists) because of our involvement in black studies on campus," Loudon said. "We're just offering early remarks to revoke discussion and participation from the audience."
Loudon is going to say in his opening statement that Obama winning the presidency was the most important day of his life and how it represents a change in the challenges of overcoming race.
Loudon said it is important to remember that African-Americans came a long way to do so and that some people, both white and black, have an ignorance of this and that it is something that should be remembered.
"African-Americans were segregated before the Civil Rights Act, and Obama becoming president affects everyone," Loudon said. "It affects how my marriage and the growth of my children unfolds."
Loudon believes in the principle that all men are created equal.
"You will understand an African-American destiny is inextricable from your own destiny," Loudon said. "I think it is important to everyone, and anyone who doesn't believe this, to know they are not as smart as they think they are."
Jantelle Horton, a sophomore sociology and African-American studies major and Director of Service for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said she thinks it is important to remember where African-Americans came from and where they are today
"That is what makes African-American Heritage Month significant," she said. "We have gone from not being able to go to same schools as whites to having a black president. We are not only remembering our past, but celebrating our future."
Martin Hardeman, a history professor, volunteered to be a part of the panel.
"I will discuss my knowledge of Barack Obama's ideas and the direction his office will take," he said. "I have some opinions and have done some reading on him and have a few criticisms of those who disagree with him. I am no more knowledgeable than the audience members, though."
Josh Boykin, a junior English major, is in charge of the panel. He said the panel is more of a guided discussion with questions from the audience.
"The audience will have a chance to respond as well as the panel," he said. "It's just as much about the panel members conveying the information, as well as discussing such a critical topic in our nation's history."
Boykin wants everyone to walk away feeling enriched while gaining some knowledge and opening some people's eyes.
"It's a great way to open up discussion on campus," Boykin said.
The panel will take place at 7 p.m. today in the Effingham room of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.
Heather Holm can be reached at 581-7942 or haholm@eiu.edu".
More African-American Heritage Month events:
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