Hey Occupy, Where are the African American Students?
|
Posted By: Darrell Garrett on November 26, 2011 I was at Occupy Cal last week and of the 2,500 students protesting on campus I saw less than 2 dozen young African American males. At the Howard University March for Jobs and Justice last week almost no Howard University students were in attendance. Certainly there have been some strong pockets of African American support for the movement that basically encapsulates our 400 year struggle, but the question still remains – in this time of marching for jobs, rights and equality where are the young black men? According to the Howard University Student Association President, Brandon Harris, Howard students had other “priorities” that had to be addressed. Quoted in The Hilltop, the Howard University student newspaper, Harris stated "It's not that we don't support the cause," Harris said. "We really had to focus our attention on something else at the time." All over the country the Occupy protests have struck a chord with workers, union members, the unemployed, housewives and even corporate executives. In recent weeks the movement has gained considerable traction among students and has been buoyed by police misconduct on campuses to include UC Berkeley and UC Davis (the pepper spray shot seen around the world). What is disturbing is that these college protests are largely absent of African Americans. I am all for anyone holding a picket sign that says “End Racism”, “We Need Affirmative Action”, “Lower College Tuition” or “We Need Jobs”, but why aren’t more brothers and sisters holding those signs? The revolution is always in the hands of the young and I fear that too many of the African American youth have decided not to fight. In stark contrast to the Civil Rights movement young black men are not on the front lines in 2011 and in many cases not even on the battlefield. If we want change we must participate, whether it is politically or through protest. I hope that my eyes have deceived me at Occupy Cal and in the media images I see of other campuses. I know that there are some African American students who are participating, and I would like nothing better than to have a million African American students comment on this article and say I am way out of touch. If I am not wrong however then please share this article, tell a friend, or tell a stranger – "the revolution is here and we need you". If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Darrell Garrett
Writer/Editor, AfroDaddy.com UC, Berkeley class of 1989 Member Since March 2011 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
Behind the Wheel of the Hot 2026 Kia Sportage ReviewCompact SUVs remain competitive, and Kia’s best-selling model for 2026, the Sportage, gets a major mid-cycle update to stay ahead. During a week with the new Sportage Hybrid SX-Prestige AWD, I tested ...more
Randi Payton • 108 Views • March 5th, 2026 |
 |
Season OpenerOpen door looks inviting; You see noone near the vehicle yet the door has been wide open for an unusual amount of time!
🤔💭“maybe I should help them out or should I just stick to th ...more
How May I Help You NC • 119 Views • March 4th, 2026 |
 |
Motivational Artist MARCUS PARKER Creates Rize Mode A AI Powered Artist@MARCUSPARKER #MARCUSPARKER
@RIZEMODE #RIZEMODE
@WISEDIVAS #WISEDIVAS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Underground Motivator MARCUS PARKER Launches AI Artists and New Guide to Help Others Build Their Own ...more
LaMarr Blackmon • 166 Views • March 2nd, 2026 |
 |
The Greatest Gift You Can Give Yourself This Holiday is PerspectiveChris Kelly
Stackpoint Ventures
To help set a clear direction for the year ahead, the fundamental question that I ask myself each year is, "How do I get from where I am today to where I want to ...more
How May I Help You NC • 138 Views • March 2nd, 2026 |
 |
New FREE Birthday E-Cards at Pinterest.com/ShykeriaLifleur💌 5,000 FREE eCards
👀 31 MILLION Views
What started as a small idea—sharing thoughtful ecards—has grown into something truly special. Thank You!
🌷 5K eCards shared world ...more
Shykeria Lifleur • 183 Views • March 2nd, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,848,649 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,489 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 75,843 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,739 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
