Sociology instructor talks about the future of black history
February 16, 2010 by Jacob Zinn · Leave a Comment
Juliane Bitek reads several of her poems at Kwantlen's Black History Month Confab. (Jacob Zinn photo)
On Feb. 8, Kwantlen’s sociology department held its annual Black History Month Confab in the conference centre of the Surrey campus.
This year, the department collected donations for Haiti earthquake relief and raised $220, bringing the classes total to over $3,000.
The well-attended event featured four film screenings on African history and performances by spoken word poets Juliane Bitek, Scruffmouth and John Akpata.
Dr. Charles Quist-Adade, a sociology instructor, has led the discussion since he moved to Kwantlen four years ago. This year’s theme, “The Danger of One Story or the Power of Multiple Stories,” is a combination of two ideas in black history.
“The first part of the theme, ‘The Danger of One Story,’ is actually the title of a talk that was given by the Nigerian author named Chimamanda Adichie,” said Quist-Adade. Adichie’s talk notes that the western media gives only a one-sided rendition of the story of African history.
Quist-Adade added the second part of the theme and explained that multiple stories provide knowledge and empowerment.
The purpose of the discussion was to celebrate and reflect on black achievements, challenges and shortcomings. This year’s confab had a good turnout, but Quist-Adade doesn’t feel the current generation has a strong grasp on black history, which makes it all the more important for youth to attend.
Beyond the recognition of Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr., he feels many aren’t aware of lesser-known, historical black figures.
“The contribution of people of African descent to the global stock of knowledge, to world civilization, has been over the years marginalized, at best,” said Quist-Adade, citing advancements in science, social sciences and engineering. “And ignored at worst.”
He feels the biggest issue within black communities is having a media outlet to broadcast their message of African heritage.
“We don’t have the power, we don’t have the voice. [...] When you have the voice, then you can push your identity.”
With the U.S. presidency of Barack Obama, Quist-Adade considers his election to be “the second American Revolution.” But at the same time, he’s realistic about the changes Obama can make.
“While we’re happy he’s elected, our hopes should not be too high,” he said. “We should temper our optimism with pragmatism and realize that he cannot solve the problems of the people of African descent alone and quickly.”
Spoken Word Poetry
Scruffmouth, whose name is derived from his facial hair, has done spoken word poetry since 2004. (Jacob Zinn photo)
[audio:http://www.kwantlenchronicle.ca/audio/Scruffmouth2.mp3]
“Pan-Africanism is Dead” by Scruffmouth
John Akpata is pictured with his spoken word CD titled "Breadcrumbs." He is doing shows in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island throughout Black History Month. (Jacob Zinn photo)
[audio:http://www.kwantlenchronicle.ca/audio/John_Akpata2.mp3]
“To Be or Not to Be” by John Akpata
Kwantlen students pull together for Haiti
February 3, 2010 by Abby Wiseman · 2 Comments
Kevan Cameron was the entertainment at the Haiti fundraiser on Jan. 22. The event was hosted by Charles Quist-Adade's sociology 1125 class. (Abby Wiseman photo)
Kwantlen students are still doing their part to raise money for Haiti.
On Jan. 22, Charles Quist-Adade, his Sociology 1125 class and the Ghanian-Canadian Association of B.C. threw a fundraiser, which raised $2,565 for Doctors Without Borders and the Canadian Red Cross.
(Update: Fund-raising continued after the event and the amount raised has grown to $2,800.)
Quist-Adade was thrilled with the amount of money donated, and said he was expecting to only raise about $500.
“It’s really upsetting to see what’s going on. It’s just scary to see that something can happen out of nowhere,” said Jasman Virdi, a sociology student. “It’s good that everyone is pulling together to help out all around the world.”
The highlight of the event was local poet Kevan Cameron.
Cameron recited three poems about African-American culture, modern society and playing scrabble with his mother.
KSA campus councils have also been raising money after the Richmond KSA challenged Surrey and Langley to a fundraising competition for World Vision.
Altogether the KSA raised $1,132 from students, and will matching $1,077 of it, said Reena Bali, the Richmond campus director
Richmond students donated $928; Surrey students donated $148; and Langley students $55.
Bali said she will be taking the competition further, by challenging the university to match the donation.
Kwantlen’s president David Atkinson sent out a letter encouraging students to do what they can for Haiti, but has yet to announce any donation from the university.
(Note: This article has been edited since publication to include the corrections noted in the accompanying comment.)
