In celebration of Black History Month, Dr. Wade W. Nobles spoke to students as part of a lecture series, Thursday, Feb. 8, in the Memorial Student Center auditorium.
Nobles, a Stanford University graduate, is a prominent theoretical scientist in the fields of African psychology, cross-cultural and ethno-human functioning. He is the founder and executive director of the Institute for the Advanced Study of Black Family, Life and Culture Inc., and a full-time tenured professor in the Department of Black Studies in the School of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University.
He is also an expert presenter-trainer in the fields of African psychology, black family dynamics, youth development, African centered education and behavioral change, and traditional African spirituality and healing.
Jonie Jones III began the program with a powerful invocation, and Oba Tsare introduced the speaker. Nobles motivated students about the importance of education and how the choices they make today would impact their future.
“What contribution are you going to make? We are our brother’s keeper, whatever history you create will affect all of us,”said Nobles.
He spoke about issues affecting the current generation including society, family, culture, and race. During a question and answer period, Nobles continued to give the listeners hope and reassurance that African Americans can rise up and take care of one another.
Nobles stated “We must strive to celebrate, continue, and critique our culture.”
Junior Stacie Scott said, “I learned that we still have hope, and we must not be lazy if we want to change the world.”
Sophomore Lajerald Augustine said, “Not only have I been enlightened, but I know that I as an African American male, I can change the world, and help our race come together as one.