BSU event coordinators introduce the panelists at the Black Table Talk.
CATHERINE DIAKOU / THE QUADRANGLE
By Barbara Vasquez, Asst. Production Editor & Catherine Diakou, Staff Writer
Manhattan College’s Black Student Union (BSU) hosted a Black Table Talk event on March 5, focusing particularly on black women, as an homage to the end of Black History Month in February and the beginning of Women’s History Month in March.
“Originally, we had expected to do it during Black History Month (BHM) but due to scheduling conflicts, it was not working,” BSU member and attendee of the event, Cornelia Eboh, wrote in an email to The Quadrangle. “Then, we had the idea of doing it during Women’s History Month and making it an opportunity to highlight black women. I feel like this was such a great move because it gave us the opportunity to create an event where influential black women were being spotlighted and could discuss deep and thought-provoking issues.”
Laurah Perrin, co-president of the BSU, also spoke on the reasons for hosting the Black Table Talk.
“This event, the Black Table Talk, is one of our firsts…this semester we really wanted to do things that incentivize the voices of students, specifically the black female voices, and the black male voices,” Perrin said.
Hosting the event was vice president of Student Life Ronald Gray, Ph.D., whom Perrin shared played a big role in the BSU.
“We’re very thankful for Dr. Gray because even as he moderated the event today, he’s definitely pushed as far as he can, to promote and allow us to have that space and be able to push out events and get it going as best as we can,” Perrin said.
Panelists included Courtney Bryant, Ph.D., Kendall Clark, Tyla Rae Boone and Hyllary Jean-Baptiste who led the discussion covering topics regarding the struggles black women face in today’s society.
Many impressive conversations were had throughout the length of the event, with the panelists offering insight, discussion points and the audience asking thought-provoking questions.
Courtney Bryant, Ph.D., brought many insightful points to the table. She contributed to the conversation about the reality of existing as a black woman in society.
“The part of the dignity of being a human being is getting to determine what you do, what happens to your body, who has access to it, how you make your living– the various things that we can do throughout life,” Bryant said. “And for some of us those decisions are compromised by who we are and the freedoms that people believe we should have.”
Kendall Clark furthered the conversation, bringing into question how black women fit into capitalist culture.
“When you get to that success point, you are still a black woman,” Clark said. “How are you going to exist in the capitalist space when they never intended for you to be there at all?”
Cleanna Cardoza, one of the event coordinators for BSU, spoke highly of each of the panelists and their contributions and shared her thoughts on the outcome of the event as a whole.
“I thought it [the table talk] did an awesome job at highlighting black women’s voices due to the panelists we selected,” Cardoza said. “They had a lot of real things to say, a lot of facts and wisdom to bring to the table. As for the event being successful overall, the numbers could have been higher, but everyone who attended participated in different ways, whether it was by engaging in conversation, asking the panelists questions, or even sharing their own opinions. It was good, but of course, we’re always looking for better.”
Chidinma Dike, the other event coordinator for BSU, shared some of her feelings on the panelists and their insights.
“I didn’t expect them to really go in-depth with some of the answers,” Dike said. “When I first heard some of their responses, I was like ‘Wow, I didn’t even think about that.’ I just did not expect them to answer so well.”
Cardoza, on the other hand, told The Quadrangle about her confidence in the panelists, knowing their backgrounds.
“I was expecting a powerful discussion, whether we had a huge turnout or not,” Cardoza said. “Just knowing the way that Dr. Bryant teaches and from knowing Kendall [Clark] personally, I just know that they have a lot to share. They know a lot and they’re willing to give that advice or share their experiences, or provide any information that needs to be shared.”
Eboh agreed with Cardoza, attesting to the panelists’ wisdom and accrediting Gray for his hosting and the opportunities he offered the audience to connect with the panelists.
“All of our panelists are so knowledgeable and highly qualified that I couldn’t help but eagerly nod to every single one of their responses,” Eboh wrote. “Dr. Gray gave an opportunity for people in the audience to add their own input as well. This allowed for a more interactive talk and made it more like a conversation rather than a lecture.”
The Black Table Talk brought to light issues both among and against the black community, especially black women.
Bryant ended the talk by speaking about intersectionality, leaving the audience with much to think about.
“Start harnessing that privilege for those who may not have it,” Bryant said. “That requires really honest conversations where we’re not just talking about the differences between us, but how our oppressions intersect and how we can begin to work together- not to exploit one another, but to work together and to see us all be free.”