If Blacks are trying so hard for equality...

[NOWorNEVER]

Today in one of my communication class, we watched Dr. Martin Luther King's "I have a Dream" speech and split off into discussion groups afterward. I was talking about some pro-equality groups and other things I am involved in when this guy (white) from my group asked:

If Blacks are trying so hard for equality, then why do you continue to separate yourselfs by groups like the Black Students Union, Neo-Black Society (on campus org.), or Black Colleges? After fighting so hard for integration, why segrate yourselves again?

I told him that people of all races, ethnicities, and creeds are allowed in these organizations and institutions. BSU and NBS include the word "Black" because it's based on Black heritage, culture, and customs. If you enjoy singing gospel music, or want to learn African dance, by all means...JOIN! As far as black colleges, they are HISTORICALLY Black because not that many African Americans were admitted to other educational institutions in the late 1800s/early to mid 1900s. What do you want us to do?...Shut down all HBCUs now since they are no longer "necessary" ??? Further more, anyone can be admitted but I don't see white people flocking to black schools.

Anyway, it just made me realize how many white actually still think like that and how Black orgs and colleges are misunderstood. I have decided to present my persuasive speech on this subject.

What are you guys opinions on this question? How would you have approached this issue or answered this question?

[Steeltrap]

Did you also tell this individual that there is a difference between legal segregation and free association? Remember, sororities, fraternities and such are voluntary associations. One's not compelled to pursue membership.

[Blackwatch]

Intergration was not about sitting next to white people in a college classroom. It was about power. Dr. King advocated for power intergration when he wanted the black school to have the same resources the white institutions did. When this was not feasible, the movement then was for blacks to be in the white institutions so as to take advantages of the resources in white institutions. Can we as black people have the same opportunities as white in American society? If we cannot, then institutions like HBCU's and BSU's are still important and necessary. The argument about self-segregation is pretty important as well. Self-segregation is about freedom of association. When whites object to it, what they are really objecting to is the notion that blacks do not need or want to be around them in order to be happy. Integration, in liberal whites' eyes, was appealling because in a strange sense, they thought that it was about blacks sitting with whites, and feeling better because of it. But this doesn't really change the racial social order. That's black empowerment, which no one white really wants in this country.
Blackwatch!!!!!!