Author breaks racial barriers with DuBois House lecture

With his low, melodious voice and swaying gestures, author David Lamb made his book Do Platanos Go Wit' Collard Greens? come alive to more than 30 students Wednesday night at the W.E.B DuBois College House. The program -- part of DuBois' open house and "academic village" lecture series -- focused on the conflicting relationship between African Americans and Latinos, which is the subject of his book. He noted that the two ethnicities have long had differing cultures and opinions, leading to tensions between the two groups. In hopes of giving a talk on campus, Lamb approached ACELA -- which joined forces with DuBois, the Black Student League, Connaissance and MEChA to sponsor the event. BSL Programming Chairperson Curtis Redding said Lamb's speech had the potential to increase cultural awareness. The Wharton sophomore added that the lecture afforded a way to "deal with the misconstrued stereotypes and build an understanding." Lamb explained that he used humor in his book to address racial tensions. His fictitious story, which is set in New York City's Hunter College, revolves around the problems facing Freeman, an African American student, and his Dominican girlfriend, Angelita. "Lamb was able to reach out to the audience and bring down serious issues through his palatable form -- through his prose," College sophomore Melissa Vanouse said. Lamb's excerpts addressed issues of African Americans "trying to pass" for other ethnicities and of Latinos trying to advance their status by marrying whites. Following Lamb's reading, students shared their own experiences and observations. One Latina student, for example, spoke of her efforts to become friends with her African American peers. Lamb said this unwillingness to support other ethnicities is often exhibited in politics as well. He noted that the media serves as an instigator, often portraying African Americans and Latinos "more in conflict than we necessarily are." Many students said they should come together and work harder to narrow the gap between different races. Education Professor Howard Stevenson, the faculty master of DuBois, called the house an academic village that can help to start this "cultural revolution." He added that the house fosters a community atmosphere that integrates who one is and what one learns in an attempt to open individuals to other ethnicities. Stevenson noted that Lamb's presentation "tied together culture, knowledge and identity coping." Saying that the University community is more divided than it should be, Doug Chavez, a College junior and co-chairperson of Festival Latino, called for more events like Wednesday night's to increase awareness on campus.

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