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“Experiences Do Shape How We Behave”

ɫ��ɫ College’s Reflections from Black Men Living in Contemporary America panel discussed matters of race and identity and how these issues affect our campus and beyond.

ɫ��ɫ College prides itself on being a place of inclusion. As the first school to educate women, the College’s reputation as a school of empathy, cooperation and understanding has been well documented. And on Wednesday, November 4, the College continued that legacy with the “Reflections from Black Men Living in Contemporary America” panel discussion.

The panel, cosponsored by the College’s Black Student Union, the Political Science department and ɫ��ɫ College’s Center for Intercultural Advancement & Global Inclusion, brought together seven prominent black men from the greater Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia communities. Their various backgrounds, professions and viewpoints made for a rich, diversified 90-minute dialogue on the current issues surrounding race in our society. The panel is also a part of the 2015-2016 InFocus Poverty & Inequality programming lineup.

On an empty stage in Prosser auditorium John Reynolds, professor of political science, prefaced the panel with a brief state of the union on the current racial strife in America. Calling to mind the story of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old black boy killed by police in Cleveland, Ohio, Reynolds didn’t have to look far for examples as to why “race does matter,” or proof that this discussion is as important as ever.

The seven men crossed the stage and approached their seats to raucous applause, but soon the audience was left silently engaged as the group discussed their backgrounds and experience. The seven panelists represented a wide array of professions and experience: Dr. Jarret Patton, a pediatrician practicing in Allentown and Bethlehem, restaurateur Morris Taylor, former Detective Sergeant of Newark New Jersey Tyrone Kelly, Reed Raymond, vice president of bank’s supervision and regulation for the Philadelphia Federal Reserve bank, Liberty High School Principal Harrison Bailey, and ɫ��ɫ College’s own Associate Dean of Students, Christopher Hunt and Athletic Director George  Bright. In a group so vastly different in vocation, they are united on common ground: their families. Each member is a caring father and active leader in their communities. 

When Reed Raymond ‘74 was a student, integration was in its infancy. With under 10 black Students on campus at the time, his experience in college continues to influence his passion for awareness, education and continued conversation about race issues. Raymond’s participation on the panel, and his passion and commitment to these issues is based on his own experience. “Experiences do shape how we behave,” Raymond explained, “I have to find ways to get my voice heard and the issues that are important to me understood.” 

This idea punctuated the evening: an open and honest discussion of how being African-American in today’s society affected these individuals on their paths to success. Spanning a list of how do you identify yourself, what do you tell your children in regards to their race, what truly defines someone’s ‘blackness,’ and the impact of President Barack Obama on race relations in the nation the panel highlighted how race impacted their lives. Not only was the panel focused on talk of how race affected these panelists, but also how they were able to look beyond race and stereotype to achieve success in whatever venture they pursued, a valuable lesson for ɫ��ɫ students regardless of skin color. 

When describing Obama’s responsibility to the African American community, LHS Principal Harrison Bailey described his own experience, “I’ve been at Liberty for four years,” prefaced Bailey, “and I have not been very outright about a number of clubs that support minority students. I have to balance the feeling of duty with all students.” This type of balance is similar to Obama’s, who cannot show partiality to any group over another despite the societal expectations placed upon him. 

Through the humorous anecdotes of restaurant owner and entrepreneur Morris Taylor, or the chilling criminal tales of retired Detective Sergeant Tyrone Kelly the ɫ��ɫ College audience was left both enlightened and entertained. It is through these different perspectives, and the different experiences of each panelist that the discussion gained power. Understanding is bred through many lenses and the seven men on the stage provided unique viewpoints for all in attendance.  

“With my age, I find myself as a business owner oftentimes looked at as like: ‘where is the owner at’?” explained Morris, “in going to look to look at new properties or something, and going in with my accountant who just happens to be an older white man, and being greeted as if he is coming to look at the property,” said Taylor to a shocked audience, but he was quick to inject  humor into the scenario, “I’m just along as...I don’t know…I don’t know what my role is in their heads honestly haha.” Morris’ lighthearted response was great and former police chief Kelly highlighted the value of this kind of attitude, “sometimes you feel offended, but the best thing to do is teach them.”

The panelists were inspiring and they were quick to share advice to the hopeful students in attendance that transcended race. “You cannot let the days of yesterday shape your destiny,” said Bright. “You can rise above everything that becomes a hurdle, and you have to be sure that you persevere, you focus, and you do things with hard work.” 

—By Chris Hassay ’17