SUNY Oswego celebrated its diversity at the 23rd annual African, Latino, Asian and Native American Student Leadership Conference the week of Sept 13. Students from Oswego and several other schools participated in events that included music, dance, food, film, workshops and discussion.

The 2008 presidential election inspired “Are We There Yet?”, the title of a talk by Michael Eric Dyson in the Campus Center Sept. 17. The American Book Award winner explored whether or not we are living in a racism-free or “post-racial” society now that the country’s first black president is in the White House.

Dyson argued that just because we as a country elected a black president does not mean that racism no longer exists. For instance, if Hillary Clinton were elected instead that would not put an end to sexism against women, he said.

“Post-racial may be jumping the gun,” said Dyson, adding, “We can not pretend racism doesn’t exist.”

Diversity is what defines this country, he said. In order to keep moving forward we need to reach to a point where we understand each other and come together.

Students and guest speakers debated the impact of Obama’s presidency and hip-hop culture during another event co-sponsored by ALANA and the School of Communication, Media and the Arts.

“These topics were more timely for today and are the perfect introduction to Constitution Week,” Professor Nola Heidlebaugh said. Constitution Week coincided with the ALANA conference. The goal was to get people to understand that even though America is growing as a country, these issues should still be up for discussion, she said.

-- Jessica Pascal ’11

PHOTO CAPTION:
Guest speaker Michael Eric Dyson signed books following his ALANA Conference talk, "Are We There Yet?"



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