Page 106 - Phoenix1999-2000

Thursday, February 24, 2000 - Page 2 NEWS Nvcor,e TYSON One might also conclude that the birth of SlajJWriler the Black Panther Party was like a revolu- lion all in itself. An advocate for social and mind change, This party was founded to assure the Bobby Seale, who is best known for co- rights of self-defense for the black commu- founding the Black Panther Party, spoke nity. about the Party's focus along with his recent Some of the things this political organi- work, to an audience of about 100 on Tues- zation wanted and fought for included: hav- day, February 8 in Baker Memorial Chapel. ing influence in political issues, better edu- Together with his friend Huey Newton, cation, the fight for free and improved health Seale starred clubs and organizations that care, and the right to a fair trial (including a dealt with issues of racism and empowering multiracial jury). the black community. The first Black Panthers were more WOf- Seale said they were so serious, and de- ried about the content of the organization termined to "capture the imagination of the than the name. people." that they thoroughly researched and Many audience members held miscon- were keen on every law and restriction that ceptions of the Black Panthers before Seale they might have been accused of once the came to speak. Black Panther Party hit the streets. "I thought they were a militant group," "If you are going to cherish anything said sophomore April Epps. "I associated about this democratic society, you must cher- them with black power but I was not clear Co-founder of the Black Panther Party, Bobby Seale spoke with conviction and emotion ish every black, white, Chinese, that contrib- on their main cause." during his February 8 speech. uted to what we have now." said Seale. Seale's candid approach was well re- Freshman Paula Castro commented on Seale speak by writing and sending propos- During Seale's speech, his strategy of ceived with bursts of laughter and applause. her reaction to the speech, "He really sparked als to various departments on campus. relaying stories was effective. And, acting out the personality of Huey New- an interest within me. I think he is a phe- "I never knew so many faculty members This is because he allowed the audience ton was most effective in capturing the nomenal speaker." Castro added, "Hearing until we started raising money for him to to envision the time period Seale lived, and imagination of the audience. him speak really made me proud of my cul- come," commented Smith. painted images of what the time was like. Giving a lot of credit to his friend New- ture." "I felt happy and proud that Bobby Seale He brought us to the past and made it feel ton, Seale's facial expressions, hand move- Asked when the BSU started planning for came," added Smith. like the present. ments, and voice interpretations made the the visit of Bobby Seale, president Richard "Many people learned what the Black From his stories, the audience may con- audience roar with delight and temporarily Smith said, "we starred planning [he sum- Panthers were really all about, which I think clude that this "Party" was not something to enabled them to feel what the I960s move- mer before school started." broke stereotypes, a goal of the Black Stu- be reckoned with. ment was like. The BSU was able to raise $4,500 to have dent Union" New grading system debated Fighting the winter blues TAMMI SLATER effects on their GPA. "House of Bernarda Alba" opens Friday night SlaffWriler-