Campus News

Broken Chain, Rebuilding Links Lecture Series

The History and Social Studies Club in collaboration with the School of Humanities hosted a lecture series on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 in the University Auditorium. This series was held in commemoration of United Nations Designation of 2011 as the International Year for people of African Descent, and was  held under the theme Broken Chains, Rebuilding Links.

The “Mistresses of Ceremony” were Ms. Meredith Montrichard, Chair of the English Department, and Ms. Makyba Breezie, a lecturer in the English Department.

Mr. Hayden McKenna, Chair of the History and Social Studies Department, welcomed not only the students and faculty but the specially invited guests and the keynote speaker. In his remarks he mentioned that students should be proud of the University’s acknowledgment of the United Nations’ designation of the year 2011 as the International Year for people of African Descent, and it is significant since USC functions in an aspect where it is affected by the African Diaspora. He further stated that Africans were very important in the functioning of the region.

The Keynote Presentation was delivered by Professor Glenn Phillips, a Senior Professor at Morgan State University where he lectures at both the undergraduate and post graduate levels. His courses centre on the African Diaspora, Caribbean and Latin American History, and Dissertation Writing. Professor Phillips has published widely on the African Diaspora: 19^th - Century Caribbean; Social and Migration/Immigration History, as well as the History of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Professor Phillips is native of Barbados.

A past student of CUC/USC, Professor Phillips began his presentation by saying that he never thought his trip to CUC would have allowed his life to turn out in the way that it has. He pointed out that many other civilizations have thought the Africans to be uncivilized because they were not as technologically advanced. However, Africans think differently. He highlighted that Africans believe that only lazy persons write things down to remember them and so in their culture, the oral tradition is used to pass on the heritage and history to the generations. He pointed out that through biased media, that the 54-state continent is often labeled with a negative stereotype. There are many positive and news-worthy events that are not reported, one of them being: The receiving of a Noble Peace Prize by Africa’s only female President.

His discourse led the audience from the history of the continent, to the fight from slavery, and to the contribution of Pan Africanist and other political leaders such as Nelson Mandela. His very passionate delivery sought to invite the rest of his audience to not only be aware of the significant changes and how they affect us as a part of the African Diaspora, but also to take action in ensuring that the negative stereotyping comes to an end.

Written By: Johnisa Wilson