Panel discussion kicks off Black History Month

By Katy Blair

Friday, February 2, 2007

There was no wrong question at Thursday night’s panel discussion, “You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers,” which kicked off Black History Month at KU.

Two panel groups addressed questions and comments about race and gender from students in the Burge Union. DBR & THE MISSION, a string quartet from New York City, spoke as a guest panelist, and Black Student Union executive board members sat on the last panel for the evening. Each panel focused on its experiences and thoughts about racial tension in America, and what needs to be done to improve the issue.

We focus so much on our differences, we don’t see the similarities - Ryan Rowan

“Invitation,” said Jon Weber of DBR & THE MISSION. “There needs to be a lot more inviting in to learn about cultures, and to encourage people to let go of their fear.”

DBR & THE MISSION supports learning and personal responsibility to break up harmful stereotypes. It isn’t just about black people, said Daniel Bernard Roumain, founder of the band. Roumain said the conversation about America’s racial issues is not simple, and should be more easily talked about within society.

The Black Student Union panel members commented on problems at a more local level.

“We focus so much on our differences, we don’t see the similarities,” said Ryan Rowan, BSU board member.

Another board member shared Rowan’s views about celebrating Black History Month as a way to inform and educate people about America’s diverse population.

“It’s something that I treasure. It’s a significant time,” Ebony Howard, Ft. Worth senior, said. “I feel like I’m obligated to recognize and honor what was done before me.”

The BSU panel continued by offering suggestions on how to get more people involved in breaking down racial tension within and outside of the University. Open discussion that discourages racial issues as being taboo was one outlet that BSU felt would foster better relationships. The BSU encourages people to get to know one another and ignore preconceptions or stereotypes.

“If we really did black history right, we wouldn’t need Black History Month, because it would be incorporated into what we learn,” Rowan said.

Kansan staff writer Katy Blair can be contacted at kblair@kansan.com.

— Edited by Kelly Lanigan

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