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Western Carolina University (20) View all

Neo-Blackness 1978

items 5 of 36 items
  • wcu_memories-1416.jp2
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  • In 1973 a major change came about. The name of the organization was changed from the Black Students United for Liberation (BSUL) to the Organization of Ebony Students (OES). Edwin Holland became the first president of OES. From 1973-74, Holland believed that we as black students at WCU no longer feel the strong thrust of Carcasions pushing us back. We are a unified, educated group. We can no longer be kept down. In the spring of 1975, Gerald Barnes was elected OES President. Barnes perceived that Blackness will continue. Black people are overdue in the land of opportunity. Society sees only surface poverty that exists and not the inner struggles. We place pride in the awareness of our blackness. To see the movement die would be nothing short of suicide. Janice Townsend, OES President from 1976-77 asked three favors of the administration and students. The requests were "never let OES die, build the organization into a stronger, serviceable function, and respect the Ebony students for their efforts to hold fast to their identity." We are proud of our heritage, therefore we are strong, and we will survive. In 1977, Charla Rivers was elected OES President. Due to uncontrollable factors, Rivers withdrew from WCU. In effect, Debra Williams became president of the OES. Today the OES remains to be the political backbone for the WCU's black student majority. OES put on various projects to express their role as a much needed organization. Such projects include Black Awareness Week, a Neo-Blackness publication, a gospel choir, the crowning of an organization queen, participation on the "Hike for Hope" and contributions to several fund raising activities. Countless questions have been asked pertaining to whether OES has a purpose for remaining on WCU's campus, and the answer is "yes." The purpose of OES is unity, in order to promote dignity, respect, and awareness of the Blacks, their culture and heritage to the community and campus. To promote this unity, the above projects are conducted in order to maintain a healthy state of mind among the blacks so that their temporary stay at WCU will be pleasant and not painful. In order for OES to exist in its present purpose we as black people must be willing to devote ourselves to a needed, worthwhile organization. Together, we should stand, fight, and yes even cry. Mistakes have been made, but are viewed as learning experiences and it is from these experiences that has taught us that the power of blacks lies in wisdom and unity. Debra "Safisha" Williams OES President
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Object’s are ‘parent’ level descriptions to ‘children’ items, (e.g. a book with pages).