History lesson

Students should take advantage of 'U' events

At a time when affirmative action and race relations occupy much of the University's attention, Black History Month and Chicano History Week offer many ways to improve students' understanding of the contributions African and Mexican Americans have made to culture and society. Advocates of marking the coming weeks with these designations hope it will emphasize the important impact these cultures have had on the United States. The activities and programs scheduled on campus and around Ann Arbor will provide an excellent opportunity for the community to better understand the rich, diverse cultures that comprise the United States. Participating in the various discussions and listening to the speakers is valuable because a greater knowledge of the black and chicano communities in the history of the United States will work against bigotry and discrimination.

One of the most important goals of the upcoming events is to change the misconceptions one might take from a traditional education. Students have the opportunity to explore black culture by taking courses offered by the University's Center for African American Studies. The center provides a variety of classes in departments such as history, music and English. These courses may illuminate the misunderstandings regarding African Americans that often arise from a more narrow education.

But the special focus on black history will undoubtedly allow students that do not take a course from the center to learn more about cultures the mainstream classrooms or commercial mediums often misrepresent. Attending the discussions and educational forums sponsored by the various African and Mexican American student groups will significantly enhance students' learning experiences. The activities scheduled this month are undoubtedly among the best opportunities to improve one's understanding of black and chicano history. LaRonda Brown, the African American coordinator in the Office of Multiethnic Student Affairs, and Steven Hernandez, a member of the student group Movimiento Estudiantiantes Chicano/a De Aztlan, emphasized the necessity for students from all cultural backgrounds to participate. Although the events certainly will enable African and Mexican American students to learn more about their own heritage, the programs are meant to enlighten all, regardless of ethnicity.

Student organizations also have planned to discuss less conventional aspects of their cultures' history. For example, the Queer Unity Project will more critically analyze the issues surrounding gay racial relations and how this more narrow category of black history fits into the larger concept of African American heritage. Additionally, forums will explore the role jazz, rock 'n' roll and other forms of popular music have played in shaping the experiences and images of American culture.

Regardless of specific interests, students ought to take advantage of the planned events. By promoting a better understanding of diversity in American society, the scheduled Black History Month and Chicano History Week events could help the University community achieve greater equality.

02-03-98