In honor of black history month, psychology professor Dr. Derek Wilson spoke at the second brown bag history luncheon. The event was held Monday, Feb. 12, in the library at noon.
The program opened with Wilson asking students in attendance what they expected from the discussion and debate. He then gave a perplexing statement for the students to think about.
The statement was a quote from psychologist Bobby Wright, “The only contradiction about Africans in America, is that there are no contradictions.” The students and Wilson engaged in an enlightening conversation about what the quote meant.
Wilson emphasized that this was a very important discussion and crucial to his job as a professor at Prairie View. He said, “We need to elevate the consciousness of students here at Prairie View.”
When asked what inspired Dr. James Jones to hold these debates he said, “It is a traditional thing that most universities do. And if we, as a people and as faculty and students, can’t break bread together and talk about issues, how are we going to be able to handle business outside of this campus?”
Many students who attended the discussion found it informative and important.
Tiffany Worsham, a political science major, said, “Dr. Wilson’s discussion is one that every student here needed to hear. We struggle all the time between what we feel is right and what this Eurocentric society tells us is right, and Dr. Wilson really shed some light on the issue.”
Sophomore political science major Joshua Colby said, “Dr. Wilson is a great teacher and his discussions are always insightful and leave you thinking. This one was no exception.”
The next brown bag history debate will be held Monday, Feb. 18, at noon in room 108 on the first floor of the library.