For decades upon decades blacks have been successfully silenced inside every institution, allowing ignorance to manifest and breed rapidly across this nation. We have allowed our creditability to be questioned, inventions stolen, thoughts belittled and culture plagiarized.

These facts should not alarm you; it is an every day occurence in today’s culture. It seems the shades of our beautiful coat of armor have been laid to rest while the battle of disparities surges on.

As a University senior and proud General College alumni I have witnessed the overt politics and subtle inconveniences credited to blacks on this campus. During my first year, resources and much needed companionship could be found next door in the Science Classroom Building. The African American Learning Resource Center, strategically neighboring Applebee Hall, housed scholarship programs, counseling, forums and organizations – a home for minorities run by minorities.

The proximity created a synergy that can not be found in its current location. As the renovations continuously arrived on our campus the center was uprooted to an almost undisclosed location. The center is now located across from McDonald’s, on the other side of Starbucks, behind some fraternity house. I am sure the University thought this location more convenient for blacks.

More uprooting seems to be in the plans for the University, along with downsizing General College and TRiO Programs. These programs seek to provide academic support, financial aid counseling and leadership development. With the skills provided by the aforementioned arenas, blacks have become equipped to place their armor on and fight.

This game of hide and seek with our resources has to end, and this month with this knowledge we can make an impact. There has been talk of change, and meetings of change, but the University has been relentless in illustrating the phrase, “talk is cheap.” With less than 500 hours left in Black History Month, I challenge us all to stay aware of the issues on campus; stay aware of resources; stay aware of your voice’s value; and stay aware of the power of being black.

Charles Helm is a University student and member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Please send comments to [email protected].