Daily Times Reports: Black students gather at MC to discuss unity, social change

By Matthew Stewart
of The Daily Times Staff

A simple concept resonated through Maryville College's Center for Campus Ministry Saturday.

The spirit of Ubuntu — an African humanist philosophy — states that we are human only through the humanity of other human beings. "So, it's only when you see me that I come alive," explained Paula McGhee, Maryville College's diversity programming director.

"I think we forgot that we're all just humans. I'm putting my education into use, because what I've learned at Maryville College is to challenge the status quo, fight for justice and rise when there is inequality," said Colber Prosper addressing the instances of racism on college campuses and in the greater community. Prosper helped organize Maryville College's black student leadership conference, and he also led a work session.

More than 40 black students from Maryville College, Pellissippi State Technical Community College, Tennessee Wesleyan College, Lincoln Memorial University and Berry College participated in the three-day conference. Students gathered to discuss what it means to be a black student leader on predominately white college campuses.

During Saturday's sessions, students eagerly and candidly shared their histories with each other. A prevailing sense of kinship, collective consciousness and purpose seemingly develop as students interacted with each other during the conference.

"We're hear to voice concerns, triumphs, joys and victories in a safe place, which recognizes their leadership potential," explained Dr. Frances Henderson, an associate professor of political science at Maryville College. "These students are bright and already have the analytical skills to not only survive, but thrive."

"My hope is they go back renewed and fortified (in their position). If a situation, incident or concern (involving racism) does occur, I hope they'll be able to put it in the larger structural framework and act."

Students enjoyed the conference. "I think it should have been done a long time ago. We need somewhere to talk about this," said Sean Moore, a Maryville College sophomore. "These are the people who are going to make a difference. We're not alone, and we've got some ideas how to deal with -- and handle -- racism on campus."

"We need to put our heads together. We need to unite, and we have to stay together even though we may have different ideas on how to get there. The No. 1 rule is we never break-up," Prosper said. "We do it for the people behind us, because that's what our parents did."

In addition to this spirit of change, students also enjoyed the conference's fellowship component. "I've enjoyed meeting people, networking and being able to voice my opinion," said Jarvis Moore, a Tennessee Wesleyan College junior.

"It's a real uplifting thing to know other colleges are going through the same thing," said Amber Times, a Berry College sophomore.

Many students think this process of grassroots social change, which started with their dialogue and will ultimately expand to a larger campus community, is the true key to overcoming racial divisiveness. "As we talk about (these issues), the solutions will come. If we just talk about finding solutions, we will never address what's really going on," Times said.

School officials were also pleased with the conference. "This is something that's needed. It puts the African American student experience into perspective. These students can achieve things and make a difference even on a predominately white campus," said Frank Smith, dean of students for Lincoln Memorial University. "Maryville College has always taken a lead (in the community). I hope they try to make the conference even bigger next year," he added.

Maryville College is ideally situated in Maryville, Tenn., between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Knoxville, the state's third largest city. Founded in 1819, it is the 12th oldest institution of higher learning in the South and maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Known for its academic rigor and its focus on the liberal arts, Maryville is where students come to stretch their minds, stretch themselves and learn how to make a difference in the world. Total enrollment for the fall 2009 semester is 1,103.