Keeping It Real for October 31, 2009
 |
| Advocate Columnists |
 |
Print
Email
Save
Reprints
Twitter
Share
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
LSU will be celebrating another homecoming in two weeks. Within the university’s homecoming is another, very special homecoming, “Generations of Family, Black Alumni Reunion 2009,” spearheaded by the university’s Office of Multicultural Affairs.
“For many alumni, especially those who graduated in the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, their memories are imbued with negative memories. There weren’t many black students on campus to begin with, and they were the pioneers who blazed the trail for later-generation graduates to enjoy the fruits of their labor, said Perry J. Franklin, of Franklin Industries.
“I would tell earlier graduates to come and see the progress that has been made, and to celebrate all of the small victories that have laid the foundations for current students. I would tell the current students to come and meet those who have come before them, so they can experience the rich history of LSU life … .” Franklin said.
Franklin, Rachel Emanuel, director of publications and electronic media at the Southern University Law Center, and Chaunda Allen, director of the LSU Office of Multicultural Affairs, also are trying to increase membership in the A.P. Tureaud Sr. Black Alumni Chapter of the LSU Alumni Association. Tureaud was a civil rights leader and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People attorney.
“… Interviewing civil rights leaders for the ‘Journey for Justice: The A.P. Tureaud Story’ (1996), such as Judge Constance Baker Motley, Judge Robert Carter, Jack Greenberg, and numerous others, was facilitated because of their respect and admiration for Tureaud. We knew this project had merit when lawyers, judges, religious leaders, politicians, educators, journalists, businessmen, and students — both black and white — spoke with admiration for the man and pride in his achievements,” said Emanuel, documentary project director.
The chapter is sponsoring a forum, “In My Lifetime: From Jim Crow, to Rodney King, to Barack Obama: Reflections of History, Progress, and Possibilities by LSU Generations,” on Nov. 14. It will feature a black student from each decade of their enrollment at LSU from the first black undergraduate, A.P. Tureaud Jr., 1953. Others include Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Bernette Johnson and acclaimed author Olympia Vernon.
Franklin, Emanuel and Allen also spoke about the importance of alumni and students networking, giving back to LSU and the community, and reaching out to the next generation of students, especially amid rising admission standards and tuition.
“For any African-American student who is considering attending LSU, I would tell them that LSU offers a variety of experiences, programs and services that will prepare them to be successful in the real world,” Allen said.
“Not only are there outstanding academic programs, but there are offices, such as the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Women’s Center, and Equity, Diversity and Community Outreach, that are invested in all students being successful. Understanding that the college selection process is a major decision, LSU is a place where African-American students can be supported and encouraged. I am sure that they will find that LSU is a fun, exciting, educational place that can be their home for the duration of their college experience,” she said.
I must agree with Franklin, Emanuel and Allen that times have changed at LSU.
Johnny Brooks is an assistant metro editor for The Advocate. His e-mail address is jbrooks@theadvocate.com.
 | ||||
| Most Popular | Most Emailed | Hot Topics | ||
