The eruption of civil unrest on university campuses across the country in the 1960s is representative of the awakening of a consciousness. University populations are fertile soil for those coming into understanding of the political pandering and corruption, which is rampant in America, to stand in stark opposition to the status quo with the force of the mind, body and soul.

An active and productive college student is not one focusing on assignment completion, but one honing in on enriching experiences, critical analysis of current situations and projections of future outcomes. Just as occurred in the ’60s, students in quest of enlightenment and justice will become the forerunners for society’s future. The DE and prominent campus leaders have stigmatized the current SIUC student body as apathetic, lazy and careless. The fact that these charges could even give rise to serious debate about our level of commitment to the issues of the day is an insignificant indictment of our character. It is a demoralizing commentary for our futures as business owners, parents, civil servants and leaders.

The first step to responsibly accepting and preparing for our futures is to utilize the college experience for what it is a training ground for success in future endeavors. It is NOT somewhere to go to get a good job. This attitude is representative of a gross misuse and neglect of the resources at hand. The opportunity for individual growth, skill development and enhancement and the utilization of resources which serve as a solid foundation for empowering ourselves are abundant but too often go untapped. We must begin to take advantage of our student organizations and the opportunities they present us with.

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Our struggles against oppression, greed, hunger and fascism are as present as they ever were. The agents have just changed their strategies. When the recorders of history have recorded our deeds, don’t let them portray us as the ones who dropped the torch.

Coordinator, Black Affairs Council