Tonights event was sooo much fun. We talked about a lot of things, but what touched me most was the discussion of how the numbers of black students have dwindled at Poly, and how there is virtually no support system there to aid in their success. When I attended (87-92), we had the AASU, NSBE, fraternities and sororities, as well as key faculty and staff that helped get us there, keep us there and get us out of there. Now, todays students have no sense of culture or community on that campus. Its a great academic opportunity, but it will be difficult for them to find success if they cannot see past the fact that there is no support system. Who is there to help them navigate the campus? Well, we (Black Alumni) are now their most tangible asset and example of what it takes to be successful at Cal Poly SLO. Yes, there are our famous alumni. We have professors and other administrators there that they can turn to, but in the end - what tangible example of success do they see that reflects their reality? That is what people like Robert Bonds, Dr. Don Cheek Cheek, Dr. Quintard Taylor, Dr. Willie Coleman, Locksley G., Walter Harris and Carl Wallace and Dr. Hazel Scott represented. They are a few of the warriors that helped to blaze a trail for us at Poly... and now the wind has swept away virtually all traces of their path... of our path. So, now we have to go back and forge a new trail for the next generation to follow. I hope you all are down for the ride........ David DeLuz (JOUR 92)
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 05:44:53 +0000
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