By Stephanie Brossard
Contributing Writer
Motivational speakers, a Hall of Fame football player, community involvement, appetizing food and the question about the crisis of the social status of black men were all present in the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Liberal Arts Building on central campus on March 27.
Broward College (BC) students and faculty members and even students from local high schools such as Taravella and Dillard were present to take note of the convention on the status of black men and boys.
The Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys is on a mission to constantly strive to alleviate and correct the underlying conditions that affect black males throughout the state of Florida and to bring about an environment that promotes the value of learning, family, prosperity, unity and self-worth among black gentlemen.
BC President J. David Armstrong, Jr. opened the event by addressing the importance of seeing each student graduate and how he looks forward to it.
Several other people attended the conference such as psychologist, former Miami dolphin players, founders of the organization, state attorneys and much more. Of the attendees that were there Dr. Na’im Akbar author of “Visions for Black Men” was the first guest speaker at the affair. To many he was the most influential lecturer. Akbar, more or less a black activist as he was quoted making remarks like “we were the first to roam the universe… everyone came from Africa.”
He furthermore explained all the negative aspects which blacks obtain. As he went over the various realistic fact of black culture such as how blacks have the highest rate of failure, and how they had the largest number of convicted felons, several students had an awakening moment. One of which was BC student Wes Bradford. “It really teaches you a lot, to think of where you came from, now having an outlook on life,” said Bradford.
Nevertheless it wasn’t all discouraging. Akbar enlightened the crowd on how one can resolve the contradictions which society has placed upon black men by using three Cs: competence, courage and consciousness. Explaining that blacks demonstrated competence because they have mastered every field they go into, how blacks demonstrate courage because, despite the malicious experiences which they went through they over came the obstacles. For instance, how in the olden day blacks were beaten and tortured for reading yet today we have black lawyers, doctors and even presidents.
Dr. Akbar concluded his speech with a moving quote form Maya Angelou “we still rise.”
The conference continued with additional guest speakers such as hall of fame Miami Dolphins football player, Dwight Stephenson who spoke of the importance of developing healthy relationships. Stephenson even used other NFL players as examples such as Terrell Owens. Stating that the professional football player was a selfish individual, however, if he were to develop a better relationship he could excel more, even becoming as good as Jerry Rice, another NFL player.
It was an active discussion, students asked many questions, however none of them pertained to the topic which Stephenson spoke; instead the students were interested in knowing why he chose football rather then basketball, being that was his most beloved sport.
Kionne McGhee, the ex-convict who graduated high school whit a dreadful 1.9 GPA yet still overcame the obstructions which life threw his way and later became an assistant state attorney. He spoke about strategies for the black male to achieve success. His speech sounded somewhat similar to Akbar, however less significant then the renowned psychologist was still incredibly moving.
Many students found his words to be quite poignant. “It made me realize that self accomplishment is significant, one should get their priorities straight, start thinking about the future I know I am” said BC student Bertin Semelfort.
As the conference came to a close, various audience members left the laughter-filled auditorium with autographed books, gift bag bags and with the knowledge of success for black male students.
Contributing Writer
Motivational speakers, a Hall of Fame football player, community involvement, appetizing food and the question about the crisis of the social status of black men were all present in the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Liberal Arts Building on central campus on March 27.
Broward College (BC) students and faculty members and even students from local high schools such as Taravella and Dillard were present to take note of the convention on the status of black men and boys.
The Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys is on a mission to constantly strive to alleviate and correct the underlying conditions that affect black males throughout the state of Florida and to bring about an environment that promotes the value of learning, family, prosperity, unity and self-worth among black gentlemen.
BC President J. David Armstrong, Jr. opened the event by addressing the importance of seeing each student graduate and how he looks forward to it.
Several other people attended the conference such as psychologist, former Miami dolphin players, founders of the organization, state attorneys and much more. Of the attendees that were there Dr. Na’im Akbar author of “Visions for Black Men” was the first guest speaker at the affair. To many he was the most influential lecturer. Akbar, more or less a black activist as he was quoted making remarks like “we were the first to roam the universe… everyone came from Africa.”
He furthermore explained all the negative aspects which blacks obtain. As he went over the various realistic fact of black culture such as how blacks have the highest rate of failure, and how they had the largest number of convicted felons, several students had an awakening moment. One of which was BC student Wes Bradford. “It really teaches you a lot, to think of where you came from, now having an outlook on life,” said Bradford.
Nevertheless it wasn’t all discouraging. Akbar enlightened the crowd on how one can resolve the contradictions which society has placed upon black men by using three Cs: competence, courage and consciousness. Explaining that blacks demonstrated competence because they have mastered every field they go into, how blacks demonstrate courage because, despite the malicious experiences which they went through they over came the obstacles. For instance, how in the olden day blacks were beaten and tortured for reading yet today we have black lawyers, doctors and even presidents.
Dr. Akbar concluded his speech with a moving quote form Maya Angelou “we still rise.”
The conference continued with additional guest speakers such as hall of fame Miami Dolphins football player, Dwight Stephenson who spoke of the importance of developing healthy relationships. Stephenson even used other NFL players as examples such as Terrell Owens. Stating that the professional football player was a selfish individual, however, if he were to develop a better relationship he could excel more, even becoming as good as Jerry Rice, another NFL player.
It was an active discussion, students asked many questions, however none of them pertained to the topic which Stephenson spoke; instead the students were interested in knowing why he chose football rather then basketball, being that was his most beloved sport.
Kionne McGhee, the ex-convict who graduated high school whit a dreadful 1.9 GPA yet still overcame the obstructions which life threw his way and later became an assistant state attorney. He spoke about strategies for the black male to achieve success. His speech sounded somewhat similar to Akbar, however less significant then the renowned psychologist was still incredibly moving.
Many students found his words to be quite poignant. “It made me realize that self accomplishment is significant, one should get their priorities straight, start thinking about the future I know I am” said BC student Bertin Semelfort.
As the conference came to a close, various audience members left the laughter-filled auditorium with autographed books, gift bag bags and with the knowledge of success for black male students.
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