By: Kanoa Ikeda-Flynn
On Thursday, January 23rd, Dominican University’s Black Student Union held a open “round table conversation” facing many societal problems revolving around race, gender, microaggressions, slurs, and other similar topics.
The event which also coincided within the same week as Martin Luther King Jr. Day encouraged students to discuss such topics with a underlying theme of equity and the Dominican statement of love and truth. I both observed and participated in this event noticing its significance in representing the legacy of Dr. King.
The event was split up into small groups consisting of around 4-7 people. Each were assigned moderators who were rotated to a new table following each 20 minute discussion.
The event was set up so that moderators were present to help guide specific discussions. From my observation, their role was critical in allowing for a layer of mediation so that it could help encourage open expression without fears of insensitivity regardless of various backgrounds and beliefs.
The open forum had also allowed for very relaxed and casual conversation. The splinter groups provided a welcoming atmosphere to anyone.
Elise Ndoe-Gouag, a participant and member of the BSU felt the importance of speaking in a face-to-face environment.
“Social media can be very confusing and can cause a lot of issues whether the intent was malicious or not.”
According to Ndoe-Gouag, many problems we come across, such as cultural appropriation and gender, begin with a person’s education and intentions with that knowledge. Similarly, many others at the event had felt the same. According to the organization’s description:
“The Black Student Union will serve as an organization that fosters student development through diversity, academics, and social services.”
Many of the events are tailored around the ideas of community and representation. This is especially true as the organization draws many of their goals from both Dr. King and the concept of Black History Month. The BSU, which offers a celebration of African American culture and offers the opportunity for other minority groups to create organizations, states on their MyDU page:
“To show past generations that we will take charge of our future, dismantle the negative stereotypes, build and secure our sense of community, and influence the world.”
Maya Banks, another member of the BSU hopes to make the teachings of Dr. King a focal inspiration in all of the organization’s events.
“We plan to continue the legacy of MLK by providing inclusive and educational opportunities for the Dominican community. From sponsoring and hosting events to holding meetings and talks.”
Despite majority of the MLK day celebration events concluding, this is the organizations goals for future events
