Panelists said morning to Malcolm in the Baker Center Ballroom at last night's 4th annual Malcolm X Commemorative.
The event celebrated the life of Malcolm X, focusing on his influence in the 21st century. It began with a fugitive video of Malcolm X speaking at the Oxford Union Debate in 1964.
The commemorative, sponsored by Lindley Cultural Center, focused on six Ohio University professors' responses to Malcolm's infects
affects and effects. Each panelist took turns sharing personal accounts and life philosophies relating to Malcolm X.
Akil Houston, professor of African-American studies, said his first experience with Malcolm X was in high school. Houston said a student gave him a tape of Malcolm's speech, Message to the Grassroots. Before that all he knew of Malcolm was from black history flashcards his mother had him memorize.
Brian Wilson, president of the Caucus of Educators and Staff of African Descent, first became aware of Malcolm in his mid '20s. Wilson said when he discusses Malcolm, he gets a wave of emotions and feelings.
Janice Wright, clinical supervisor at the OU Speech, Language, Hearing and Physical Therapy Clinic, focused on the education aspect of Malcolm's teachings and the desegregation of the Cleveland area, where she grew up.
J. Webster Smith, professor of speech communication, began with the slowly spoken quote, The older I get the more I realize it doesn't take a long time to say a lot. Smith focused on three major points: Malcolm's superb communication skills, commitment to a cause and willingness to confront.
The thing that excites me is he was willing to confront his own hypocrisy and call a spade a spade Smith said.
Mary Weems, professor of educational studies, shared two poems relating to Malcolm X's effect on African-American culture.
Catherine Glascock, professor of educational studies, closed the panelist discussion saying the most important statement Malcolm ever conveyed was, I believe in treating people right but I'm not going to waste my time trying to treat somebody right who doesn't know how to return the treatment.
Senior education major Amanda Jones attended the event to get a social studies and cultural perspective of Malcolm X. All the speakers had such amazing things to say. As a white person and future educator
I needed to hear these things to prepare for teaching people who don't look like me and keep in mind everyone has a different history
she said.
17
Archives
Blake Gillespie
