Segregation

Summary:

In Thursday's lecture, segregation was a big topic. Dr. Wright discussed his experience with segregation along with his early experience at Howard University in 1961. As a child, Wright was brought up in a home with a background of commitment and confidence. Dr. Wright introduced us to what Howard as like in 60's. Howard was considered a 'boogie' institution, very conservative middle class that was not engaged in Political life like it was supposed to be. He also described that shortly after segregation; there was a lack in education in the young black community. Washington D.C has one of the highest rates of uneducated young African Americans in the country. Dr. Wright made us think about how we, as Howard Students, could help these young people out so that the rate can increase the education of Washington young black locals. In class, the word ‘purge’ was also discussed. The word 'PURGE' means to 'rid you of something undesirable or unclean'. The university uses this word to describe dismissing invalidated students, which I wouldn't say is an appropriate word for this activity.

Reflection:

I thought the lecture was beneficial in different ways, but there were ways that could have been a little different to better my learning experience. There was not a power point or visual aid offered, therefore it was more of just a listening experience. This benefitted learners who better learn while listening, but was less beneficial to visual learners as myself. Other than this minor setback, Dr. Wright had many amazing points that were addressed in class. One included his theory of the entire upcoming 'Purging' of students. Wright was on the student's side, trying to get students in this situation to stand out and let their voices be heard, and also demand an emergency meeting with the President. The lecture was powerful and instilled three quotes in me, "Nobody can restrict your life without your permission", "Nobody can abuse you without your cooperation", and his motto and my favorite, “if it is to be, it is up to be”. These quotes stayed with me.

- Alexis Jackson