Mr. Prairie View A&M University Michael Love, hosted a seminar titled “Brotha, What are we Doin?” in the new science building on Nov. 10.
The seminar was held to focus on the issues regarding not only males here on campus, but African-American males in general. African-Americans are often the topic of controversies and this seminar was focused on discussing them.
The topics in the seminar ranged from broken households, views on women, education, relationships and the media. The panel consisted of students Terri Mason, Teri Wilkerson, Paul Chaney, Harrell Washington along with psychology professor Dr. Derek Wilson. Each of the panelists gave their opinions and views on each issue as well as answered questions from the audience.
Media and the image they project of African-Americans was the first topic discussed.
Wilson said, “The media have had an impact on our behavior. The problem I see with the media is that they think you can turn it on and off.”
Washington added, “The things that I see portrayed in the media about black people are violence or someone going to jail.”
The debate on whether education in the black community is a priority was asked of the panelists.
Considering the fact that th HBCUs are outnumbered by predominantly white institutions, many of the panelists seemed to agree that HBCUs are needed and helpful.
Love said, “The relevance of an HBCU is important. You won’t see as many African-Americans at a predominantly white university as you would at an HBCU.
The seminar ended with Michael Love saying a few words to the audience, thanking those who showed up as well as the panelists. Students seemed to enjoy the seminar and the topics discussed.