Black shares ideas on despair, dismay

Black shares ideas on despair, dismay

Letter to the Editor, Black Student Lives on WCU Campus.

The letter to the editor captures the perspective of being a black student at West Chester. Discusses the low number of African-American students and faculty on campus and treatment they receive from the institution.

Wesley W. Anderson Jr.

Quad Angles

West Chester University

February 6, 1979

Jacquelynne Conyers-Jordan

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https://digital.klnpa.org/digital/collection/wcnp01/id/16598

Dear Editor: On the occasion of the national Black History Week, I wish to express certain thoughts to my fellow Black students. "I am because we are; we are because I am" is an African adage which illustrates the platonic and fraternalistic bond that I share with every Black student on this campus. What affects one of us, affects all of us. Therefore, the problems which some of us encounter, we all share. The problems are: 1. The feeling of polarization because of the small number of Blacks in a class. 2. The need for more Black faculty members as role models for Black students in attendance. 3. The insensitivity of some teachers or administrators to the needs of Black students. The ultimate goal is to earn a degree from this institution. However, confusion, despair and dis- may tend to deter one from this paramount priority. In the words of Martin Luther King, "You must early discover what you are made for, and you must work indefatigably to achieve excellence. . . . Set yourself earnestly to discover what you are made to do, and then give yourself passionately to the doing of it. This clear onward drive toward fulfillment is the length of a man's life." Therefore, carefully examine and utilize the above statement and remember: There was a Black student at West Chester Who had it hard for several semesters.He read Martin's advice And improved his life. For now he is an alumni of West Chester. Respectfully submitted, Wesley W. Anderson, Jr.