GUEST COLUMNIST: Steps to community begin within

The leaders of the black undergraduate organizations of the University, collectively decided not to participate in a meeting called by University President Judith Rodin between the administration and other student leaders on campus. The two primary reasons for not participating in the meeting were: 1) We believed we would only continue a cycle of meetings without making substantial progress. 2) We believe the University has not seriously considered the particular needs and concerns of black students, which stand independent of other groups. Let us take a moment to critique ourselves and pose the question, "What can I do to make my life the best possible while I am here?" Let us, for that moment, forget about the attacks on W.E.B. Dubois College House or the bad journalism of some Daily Pennsylvanian reporters and columnists because this abundance of ignorance has no bearing on our lives. Let us, for that moment, forget the broken promises made throughout the years by this and other institutions to black students with the understanding of how the false ideology of white supremacy is maintained. Let us remove ourselves from the question of race, which we know is conjured up from the ubiquitous presence of white guilt. Let us not, for that moment, worry about, focus on or entertain the thoughts of anyone other than ourselves. Now ask yourself the question, "Am I happy here?" When you isolate your position as a student from all external factors, are you happy? As a black student, you know God, family and the ancestors are deeply involved in your success. But for this moment, if possible, try not to consider the importance of these entities and solely focus on yourself. Are you happy at Penn? If you think you are, attempt to address the questions surrounding grades, jobs, stress, apathy and community involvement. Consider your role in each: Are you doing the best you can academically? Will you have a good paying job after graduation? Are you stress free? Does apathy really exist? Are you active in the community, here and abroad? Step back briefly, refocusing on yourself, and ask are you happy at Penn. If not, then why? Forget about institutionalizing programs. Forget about The Daily Pennsylvanian and The Red and Blue. Forget about the president, the provost and your professors. And for this solitary moment ask yourself why you are not happy. What can you do to improve your position? Look at yourself and commit to changing this condition. Take control of your own destiny and commit to yourself that no one nor thing will deter your happiness and growth as a human being at Penn -- not the administration, nor The Daily Pennsylvanian, nor the attacks on Dubois, nor the prejudice attitudes of some student and faculty. Nothing. As you reaffirm this position in your heart, believe in the power of community. Believe you can strengthen this power. Solidify your position in the collective success and happiness of the black community. Allow people to be themselves. If someone is confident, do not mistake his or her confidence for conceit. If some one is misled, do not look down on them; help him or her seek the truth. Do not feel threatened by another individual's personality. Focus on how you can strengthen your own personality. Ultimately, we as black students must determine the level of success we are to enjoy during our tenures. This decision can not be made by anyone other than ourselves. I am because we are.