2008 Woodie Awards
The Obama phenomenon
Scott Waldyn
Issue date: 3/5/08 Section: News
| |
|
The Department of African-American Studies hosted a panel, titled "The Obama Phenomenon" at Morgan Hall. Lead discussants included department chair Abdul-Rasheed Na'Allah, Dr. Nancy Kwang Johnson of the same department, Dr. Pearlie Strother-Adams of the English and journalism department, Dr. Keith Boeckelman of the political science department and McDonough County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People President Gregg Huston.
"We just felt that what was happening to the nation with this new reality in America that it was our duty as colors, of race and of politics to examine what was going on," Na'Allah said. "We thought this was a very important issue to engage students on and answer any questions."
Discussants presented speeches on what they felt the appeal was of the presidential candidate, commenting frequently on his great speaking skills and ability to connect with the common people. One of the key points was what it meant to America as a whole that Obama is black.
"It's really important to keep an eye on Barack Obama's racial depiction," Kwang Johnson said in her presentation.
Part of Kwang Johnson's speech dove into comparisons of Obama and the Rev. Jesse Jackson, noting how Jackson arose from a protest-style of politics and from a Civil Rights field, as opposed to Obama, who rose to power without that background.
"It's definitely the end of a chapter in American politics," she said in regard to Obama's success and achievement without the need for protest.
Huston complemented Kwang Johnson's viewpoint. Huston's presentation focused on how the Illinois senator's campaign conveys a message to people that America is ready for a black president.
Boeckelman, author of "Barack Obama: The New Face of American Politics," geared his speech toward predicting what type of commander in chief Obama would make. He noted how Obama, if he were elected, would have to deal with a big mess in Washington. He also connected the senator to Jimmy Carter in that Obama constantly discusses change much like Carter did, and the presidential candidate may not be able to make the grand impact he promises to supporters.
In terms of turnout, a handful of students showed up. Matt Mason, freshman recreation, park and tourism administration major, was among those who attended to receive extra credit for a class.
"I would have been here regardless, out of personal interest, but I am getting extra credit for it," he said, noting he enjoyed the panel.
Overall, the panel discussants viewed the 90-minute program as successful and said they hope to continue talking about issues like these in light of current events.
"Both Dr. Na'Allah and I have just been working together, putting panels together, because we just want to see more done around the campus," Strother-Adams said. "We'd like to see a more active campus - to see students out and just basically talking about things, talking about the issues that are involved. I just don't see enough of that around campus, and this is a very exciting political year. I just love the interaction from the students because they are important."
Be the first to comment on this story