Guest speaker was Kevin Powell, an author and activist in the hip-hop generation and former MTV Real World castmate, spoke on the topic of black male and female relationships during The Office of Special Programs and Cultural Series’ forum on relationships Oct. 7 in the MSC Opal Johnson-Smith Auditorium.
“Our relationships are a part of the national conversation,” said Powell. Today on TV, you see relationships being displayed through the use of reality shows.”
Powell began his speech by asking the question, “How and where did we learn about relationships?”
He said, “I learned mine from my mother and father.”
Powell recalled the story of his grandmother who experienced abuse by his grandfather and how that affected him. Powell talked about the struggles of growing up without a father and almost being abandoned after birth.
“There are some happy relationships out there, but unfortunately most fail to make it because of lying and cheating,” said Powell. “How are we going to have happy relationships if we think lying and cheating is OK?”
Although Powell made great points, his most important one came during the topic of being a man in today’s society.
“A lot of men have no idea of what it means to be a man.” Powell expressed, “A real man is honest, transparent, and monogamous.” He then ended his lecture by telling the audience to say to themselves, “I love me and nobody but me.” After hearing him speak, many students felt an impacted and seemed very attentive of his words.
Ashlee Adeniran, a senior psychology major, said, “Overall I thought it was great. He gave substantial information that will be useful to me and others in the future.”
Others such as mass communication major Ryan Versey felt Powell was motivational in his message. Versey said, “He was the most inspirational speaker I’ve heard in my 20 years. I have a better understanding of how I want to live now.” The night was capped off with a Q and A session from the audience and Powell was presented with an award.