Items of Importance

IOI090724

Commentary - Focus on Africa Panel

BBC newsmagazine, Focus on Africa, selected Columbus State University to host a panel discussion on African-American identity on July 21. This special event took place at the CSU Center for International Education and was coordinated by Dr. John Studstill of CSU and Alison Kingsley-Hall, managing editor of the magazine. The event was co-sponsored by One Columbus. The event hall was full to capacity with a diverse audience including staff and faculty from CSU, Columbus Technical College, CVCC, community leaders, and students, including international students.

The panelists were Nick Ericsson, editor of BBC Focus on Africa magazine and a radio producer with BBC World Service news and director of the BBC Network Africa and Focus on Africa programs. Nick is a South Africa native now living in London. Mukoma wa Ngugi, a regular columnist for BBC Focus on Africa magazine and the author of Hurling Words at Consciousness and Conversing with Africa: Politics of Change. He is a native of Kenya from a well-known literary family. Local panelists included Ben Richardson, solicitor general for Muscogee County and Georgia's 2008 Solicitor General of the Year; and Dr. John Studstill, a cultural anthropologist specializing in Africa, with experience working in several African nations. The discussion was moderated by Vivian Bishop, currently serving her fifth four-year term as Muscogee County's Municipal Court clerk.

The discussion addressed the changing nature of African-American Identity and attitudes towards Africa since the Election of President Obama. Each panelist shared from their own unique perspective based on experience and expertise. Mr. Ngugi argued how skin color does influence perceptions of identity. He shared that often in the US when African-Americans realize he is Kenyan and not American they treat him with greater respect than when they think he is American. Mr. Richardson contended that ultimately each individual is responsible to determine their own identity. Mr. Ericsson shared that he is a fourth generation South African. He totally and proudly identifies himself as an African. However, as a white skinned man he is often not accepted as a genuine African by his black countrymen. Dr. Studstill raised the question: "Is President Obama and light black man or a dark white man...and what does it matter?" He challenged the audience to move beyond defining identity genetically and to understand that human identity differences are essentially cultural rather than genetic. In addition to the remarks by the panel, there were many questions and comments from the floor. This event is exactly the kind of community based dialogue that One Columbus needs to be promoting and participating in. The partnership with CSU and involvement of faculty like Dr. Studstill and Dr. Florence Wakoko helps anchor such discussion in the context of solid scholarship and sound research. The participation of the BBC lifted the efforts of One Columbus and CSU to promote unity in a diverse community onto a worldwide stage. It is hoped that there will be more events of this nature and importance in the future.

Dr. Ian A. H. Bond, Board Member 706-649-1823

One Columbus Business Dialogue Groups available

Included in these change management workshops are sessions designed to provide, among other things, increasing participant's knowledge base of themselves with respect to their families and their communities and improving employees' satisfaction with the workplace. Now that's important.

Expert facilitators guide small groups if ten to twelve through a series of sessions to make for a better, more efficient and productive workforce. Ask for our references. Call One Columbus at 706-315-0162

Saturday, July 25, 9:00 am to Noon - School Supplies for Kids

Mission Columbus Central will be distributing School Supplies, fingerprinting, medical exam, block party and snacks on Saturday, July 25 at Frank D. Chester Recreation Center. Look for fliers (English and Spanish) and eligibility soon.

Contact: Roni Regan 706-322-7757

Wednesday, August 5, Series on Iran Part 3 date changed

Iran, Through the Eyes of Rick Steves concludes the 3-part series Wednesday, August 5 beginning at 6:30 pm

On the two previous sessions this month videos and group discussion provided a chance for participants to explore this ancient country.. Part 3 (Wed. August 5) will feature an interview with Rick Steves' Iranian minder/guide.

It will be the Library facilitated by Terry Followill and Chris Slembarski,

Rick Steves' website on Iran can be found at www.ricksteves.com/iran

Contact: Amy Nerone 706-324-4264:

CURRENT EVENTS KEEP TELLING US - AMERICANS NEED TO KEEP TALKING! NOT AT EACH OTHER BUT TO EACH OTHER

That's what our dialogue groups provide. Sign up now!

Tuesday, August 11, 6:30 pm First Presbyterian Dialogue Group begins - Pre-register recommended.

The First Presbyterian dialogue group will begin its fall sessions on Tuesday, August 11 at 6:30 pm in the Museum of the church. Details will be provided prior to the session beginning. . Send your email address and telephone number to hbzettler@charter.net.

You will get regular announcements, the schedule of special speakers and events for the group and summaries of each session.

Contact: H. Berrien Zettler 706-324-6363