Alpha Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. spoke to Florida A&M university’s black men on “Achievement” to encourage self improvement.
The seminar consisted of three topics: conflict resolution, leadership training and black male role model development.
Pernell Mitchell, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, introduced the seminar with a profound quote from Frederick Douglass.
“Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell expressed that the chapter felt it was imperative to educate young men about their values and help them tackle issues at hand.
The panel discussed topics that were prevalent in society when it comes to black men. Also, participants had the option of tweeting questions for the panel to discuss.
Panelist Dr. Altria Charles, posed the question of what does it mean to be a black man in America?
Joel Gamble, a social studies teacher at Florida State University, said being a black man in America means taking initiative and seizing the moment.
“A black man means to me putting my best foot forward working for whatever you need and whatever you are wanting,” Gamble said.
Due to the recent cases of black males being killed, such as Mike Brown and Eric Garner, it was necessary that the topic of law enforcement be brought up in the discussion.
Major Lewis K. Johnson, retired police major of the Tallahassee Police Department, discussed the recent cases and how it affects him.
“As a black man I am pissed. There is a problem in our society. There is a problem on both sides. It’s all about conflict and resolution. We need an act of solution,” Johnson said.
To close the seminar, all participants were asked to write down their email address so that a message board could be created to finish the discussion and provide solutions for our black males to gain “Achievement.”