[Bgs-list] Students arrested
Dexter F Stowers
dexter at g.clemson.edu
Fri Apr 15 19:56:20 EDT 2016
I did not think that I would make a statement on this situation. But, we live in different times now from what Dr. King fought for years ago. Young black men and women are facing a different type of racism, institutional. The conviction to do what the five did, the actions of the Faculty Senate vote to remove the name of Pitchfork-Tillman off of the Tillman Hall building...there was nothing else the young black men and women could do. The powers-to-be were not listening. Now, I believe we can now have a true dialogue. They are planning on doing this very thing on April 22nd. So, these young people have move this to the point where something might be done!
This issue is to address the lack of representation of the African brothers and sisters that worked on this plantation to give wealth to make this institution named Clemson University. Something had to be done and I fully support these young brothers and sisters. Now, that is my two cents on this issue.
Regards,
Dexter
Sent from my iPhone Plus
> On Apr 15, 2016, at 6:08 PM, Bobby Clark <carlc at clemson.edu> wrote:
>
> Abel,
>
> I think you mistakenly replied to me, instead of Dr. Gilmore who wrote the message, that I commented on. I thought long and hard on whether I should reply directly to you, Brian, or the whole list. In the end, I am deciding to comment to the list because I want to support Jordon and others asking similar questions.
>
> This will be my last comment on the matter in an email.
>
> Since you got me going, let me explain my take to this week’s events. I can (and do) whole-heartedly support the commitment and sacrifice of the five people who were arrested for their beliefs. No one denies their efforts took sacrifice. Nor am I questioning their integrity, intellect, or responsibility (sincerely, Brian). However, please don’t question others who choose to commemorate a person or an idea through "monuments and plaques" of any type. They deserved our respect as well.
>
> I am still very troubled by what, I see, is a lack of understanding about Kings’ Philosophy toward non-violent change.
>
> I am a firm believer in that philosophy and its potential to change minds and hearts. I have had numerous conversations with faculty, alumni and staff around this issue. I believe, despite the good intentions of those involved, the movement is not following King's approach to the detriment of our (African American) community's opportunity to address the issues at Clemson. Our goal should be to resolve the issues in best way possible and bring people together. The preparation necessary for this kind of action has been missing, in my opinion.
>
> To make a long story short, there are six steps to King’s philosophy (http://www.thekingcenter.org/king-philosophy) and I believe steps 1 thru4 were skipped and the protest has gone straight to direct action (#5) without enough thought to reconciliation (#6) (Indeed, Justin asks "What is next?"). In fact, the direct action seems to be the only step we are focusing on, all in the name of “this new kind of movement” and mentality that “the old ways don’t work anymore". That conclusion is a mistake that should be - must be pointed out to those leading the “protest”. I believe Jordon made a case for that very well – thus my praise.
>
> In case he didn’t, let me point out the dichotomy of the two student protests happening this week. Students who are enraged about the student pricing for football games, could have staged a sit-in the same manner as our students. But their move was to engage their community by doing a petition which gathered 7,000 supporters. Now I don’t equate the issues of diversity with football tickets, but I can’t help but wonder which tactics is more effective. What if our student protesters had done this instead, of a sit-in? How about before they did a sit-in? How would a petition of 20,000 students have been received?
>
> Jordon is not the only one to see that lack of preparation in the protest. Perhaps, you and others need to really listen to him and others as they make similar points.
>
> Given that, I admire you all, in your advocacy, and I will see you all at the next BG lunch.
>
> Bobby
> Bobby Clark
> Manager, Strategic Licensing Planning
> CCIT- Internal Operations | Clemson University
> (864) 656-0950 | carlc at clemson.edu
>
> From: Abel Bartley <abartly at clemson.edu>
> Date: Friday, April 15, 2016 at 11:26 AM
> To: Bobby Clark <carlc at clemson.edu>
> Subject: Re: [Bgs-list] Students arrested
>
> I think you are missing the point. We had Juan Gilbert whose work was next to none and he had to leave. If we don’t improve the climate we will not be able to do the groundbreaking work that you think is lacking. We need to have some say in asset distribution. That means we have to be at the table. The great work that students faculty and staff are doing is not rewarded presently, why would it change without some pressure?
>
> From: Bobby Clark <carlc at clemson.edu>
> Date: Friday, April 15, 2016 at 11:16 AM
> To: Jordon Gilmore <jagilmo at g.clemson.edu>
> Cc: Abel Bartley <abartly at clemson.edu>, "bgs-list at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu" <bgs-list at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu>
> Subject: Re: [Bgs-list] Students arrested
>
> Well said.
> Bobby
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Apr 15, 2016, at 11:06 AM, Jordon Gilmore <jagilmo at g.clemson.edu> wrote:
>
>> I may have a different opinion than most, but I think our primary objective should be to increase the capital of the black population at Clemson. The capital at a university is essentially academic in nature. So that means we need to be making good grades and contributing from a research standpoint. Are there injustices that need to be addressed? Certainly, and we should address them. But we make ourselves too easily dismissed when African Americans are the lowest performing demographic academically at the university (fact, from an undergrad perspective). Why can't we march to a study hall? How well attended were the MLK week events? How many students protesting even knew about the work of Dr. Thomas? The fact is, we can't only be a community and show solidarity when someone puts fruit on a sign. What should piss us off more? Fruit on a sign, or the fact that more than half of black males at Clemson have less than a 2.5 GPA after their first semester at Clemson. I mean, we live in South Carolina and we attend a university with a plantation house at the center of campus. Are we shocked by these bananas? We shouldn't be. We must develop our own strong community with a culture of excellence and accountability AS WELL AS stand up to injustice. Let the news cameras come to campus to see the excellent work we are doing. Not just to see if someone will get arrested.
>>
>> I don't know, just my two cents.
>>
>>> On Apr 15, 2016 10:49 AM, "Abel Bartley" <abartly at clemson.edu> wrote:
>>> I concur! We need more than monuments, and plaques. We need hard quotas.
>>> Abel Bartley
>>>
>>> From: <bgs-list-bounces at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu> on behalf of "Carter, Justin" <jcarter at swu.edu>
>>> Date: Friday, April 15, 2016 at 9:40 AM
>>> To: Bryant Smith <smithcan at mac.com>, "Curtis D White Sr." <CDWHITE at clemson.edu>
>>> Cc: "bgs-list at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu" <bgs-list at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu>
>>> Subject: Re: [Bgs-list] Students arrested
>>>
>>> I am very proud of the Clemson 5 and sticking to their beliefs. The question though is where do students and faculty at Clemson go from here?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> In your grace,
>>>
>>> -JC-
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Justin C. Carter, Ph.D.
>>> Associate Vice-President, Student Life
>>> Southern Wesleyan University
>>> 907 Wesleyan Drive | Central, SC 29630
>>>
>>> 864-644-5144 | 864-644-5901 (fax)
>>> www.swu.edu
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> <image001.jpg> <image002.jpg> <image003.jpg> <image004.jpg>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> From: bgs-list-bounces at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu [mailto:bgs-list-bounces at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu] On Behalf Of Bryant Smith
>>> Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2016 6:26 PM
>>> To: Curtis D White Sr.
>>> Cc: bgs-list at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu; omega
>>> Subject: Re: [Bgs-list] Students arrested
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> The university has just arrested the 5 student protestors for not leaving Sikes Hall including A.D. And my youngest son.
>>>
>>> Bryant K. Smith
>>>
>>> "Human Potential Specialist"
>>>
>>>
>>> On Apr 14, 2016, at 5:12 PM, Curtis D White Sr. <CDWHITE at clemson.edu> wrote:
>>>
>>> Stu have been told they will be arrested if they do not lv Sikes Hall by 5:30. They need your presence & prayers
>>>
>>> C. D. White, Sr.
>>>
>>> Faculty Development & Diversity Coordinator
>>>
>>> Chief Diversity Office
>>>
>>> 218 Long Hall
>>>
>>> 864-656-2182😀
>>>
>>>
>>> On Apr 14, 2016, at 11:59 AM, Curtis D White Sr. <CDWHITE at clemson.edu> wrote:
>>>
>>> FYI
>>>
>>> From: Altheia Richardson
>>> Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2016 11:27 AM
>>> To: Jerry Knighton; Curtis D White Sr.
>>> Subject: Benardo's Brother
>>>
>>> Hey,
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I learned a few minutes ago that Benardo’s brother passed away suddenly and he’s on his way to be with his family. Just FYI in case you didn’t already know. Please pass this along to the BG’s group.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Altheia
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Altheia Lesley Richardson
>>>
>>> The Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center
>>>
>>> Clemson University
>>> 602 University Union
>>> Box 344058
>>> Clemson, SC 29634-4058
>>> Phone: 864-656-7625
>>> Fax: 864-656-1200
>>> email: lalthei at clemson.edu
>>>
>>>
>>>
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