BBSA "Meeting of the Minds"

Before the Winter Break, BBSA first and second year students joined together to talk about the state of the African American community at the second run of what is an annual club event called "The Meeting of the Minds". Absolutely nothing was left off the table - club members discussed the definition of success, giving back to the community, relationships, and class and racism in America.

Above are a few pictures from the event. The Media & Comm chair had to use photoshop to brighten the pictures up so apologies for the hard to view shots...she also couldn't help but use a couple of photoshop effect features on a couple of the pictures...Anyway, below are paraprhased thoughts of just a sampling from opinions at the brain meeting.

"I want to move back to the hood. I feel a sense of responsibility to help the community that I come from. Maybe I can help children in my neighborhood make better decisions."

"Perhaps the reason black people aren't united on a single front anymore is because there isn't one issue that concerns everyone. Socioeconomic status within the black community has created distinct classes that don't relate..."

"My problem with people like Bill Cosby is that they attempt to separate black people into 'us' and 'them'."

"No one can argue that Bill Cosby has not given back to the black community."

"I think many black women are without love because they are intelligent and have wonderful careers...but this doesn't mean that they are loving, caring individuals..."

"I do not need a partner in order to feel successful. If I don't meet the person who can contribute/compliment my lifestyle, I am okay being alone."

"I influence the perception that I want people to have about me. I make sure that people remember me as the most articulate black man they've ever met."

"Success to me is mentoring and having an affect in the lives of children."

"Success means being true to my own personal code. Simply, that means treating others as I want them to treat me."

"As women get over 25, I think many of them find their choices limited in terms of potential compatible partners. Women should be a little more assertive about going after what they want instead of waiting for their knight in shining armour."