By Ashley Oliver
York’s African American Studies Club is all about promoting and educating students on black culture throughout history. Thus far, they have hosted forums on police brutality and Martin Luther King Jr. The club is comprised of a cross section of different cultures that aspires to teach and promote black culture. “York is one of the only two public historic black colleges in the city,” said club president, Roberto Brutus.
Prior to the start of the African American Studies Club, some students were concerned that their peers were culturally impoverished. In the spring of 2014, with the assistance of York’s Student Activities director, Dr. Jean Phelps, and faculty advisor, Professor Johnathon Quash, students who supported the idea were able to form the club.
Queens Councilman, Leroy Comrie, said he feels that it is beneficial to promote African American culture. “As young people get further removed from the civil rights era, it is necessary to remind them of the struggle blacks went through,” said Comrie.
Many of the club members believe the African American Studies Club will help instill self-consciousness about their past and why their culture should mean so much to them.
“You can’t know where you’re going without having history of your past,” said Venosa Terreus, a junior health science major at York. Terreus believes that the younger black generation can be too materialistic at times and they often are not grateful for what they have compared to those before them.
Freshman occupational therapy major, Olu Ewola, said it is sad that some blacks are not cognizant of the struggle blacks went through to get them where they are today.
“A lot of teenagers and young adults only talk about getting money and being successful,“ Ewola said. “But they don’t embrace how they got to where they are today. History is the important thing.”
International student and psychology major Merny Pierre sees his participation in the club as a chance to connect and give context to his new surroundings.
“Learning about African American history can help me assimilate to the culture,” Pierre said. “Coming from Haiti, I think it is important to know about black people’s struggle for freedom in America in the past and even today.”
Darren Narine, a freshman, international student from Trinidad and business major at York agrees with Pierre.
“Knowing there is an ongoing fight for freedom in America makes me want to work harder,” Narine said. “On television America seems picture perfect, but it isn’t,” says Darren Narine, an international business administration freshman. He said, “Learning about how and why people fought for freedom makes me want to work harder.”
Some biracial students feel the African American Studies Club can bridge the cultural gap of their black heritage. “I am not in touch with my black side… I feel like I’m missing half of myself. I know all the aspects of my Hungarian culture but only know about basic black history like Martin Luther King,” said Zaida Cseke, a biology freshman. She said the club will be beneficial because it will teach blacks to not be complacent with subservient roles. “I think many blacks use degrading terms to refer to themselves because they don’t know the historical, derogatory meanings behind them.”
“I’m biracial and I tend to claim my white side more because I am more knowledgeable of European achievements,” says Galina Peterson, a 20-year old history major. “Even though I’m aware of black success, if I knew the history in depth, I would feel more beautiful and embrace my black side more.”
As of fall 2013, nearly 46% of the students enrolled at York are African American, making York the largest black student population of all the CUNY’s according to the CUNY Office of Institutional Research and Assessment.
The African American Studies Club will be having several events throughout the semester. For Black History Month, they will have a conference on the black family and the ancient Moore’s. There will also be a banquet at the end of the month.
Everyone regardless of race are welcome to participate in the events Brutus stresses that everyone of any creed and race participates in the events. “[The club] is open to all individuals who would like to know more about the African American culture,” said Brutus. The club’s first meeting is scheduled for February 1st in room 2A06.