Legendary Actor Danny Glover Expresses Need
for Black Studies in the U.S., Gutsy and Transparent President-Elect

On Nov. 4, 2008, the world commemorated, like never before, the decisive and extraordinary selection of the next president of the United States.

The confirmation of Barack Obama as the first African-American, U.S. president-elect invoked a wave of deep emotions from sea to sea. Many supporters of Obama wept, some danced and for others, the shock of his historic win only allowed them to remain still — all sensing a real opportunity for peace, prosperity and the ushering in of a new era of American politics.

Legendary actor Danny Glover, best known for his work in movies such as "The Color Purple" and "Lethal Weapon," is among those who invested hope in an Obama administration. The civil rights activist shared with chinika.com his enthusiasm about the nomination of the first female republican vice-presidential candidate, Gov. Sarah Palin, along with his readiness for “Change.” Danny was the keynote speaker at a private reception celebrating the University of Southern Mississippi’s Center for Black Studies, located in Hattiesburg.

“We’re at a critical moment in our nation’s history, our world’s history … it is a very scary moment, a challenging moment, an exciting moment,” Danny told chinika.com. “Because we are here (on Earth), we have a moral integrity to adhere to, so the question becomes what do we do with it? It doesn’t serve us well just to have a black president if we’re not going to have real substantive change. Will this election just become about making a symbolic statement or electing a president who can usher in a new history, one that includes enhanced foreign policies, an end to global warming and poverty,” he said. “We have some of the most appalling type of poverty in the world,” he noted. “How do we systemically resolve that … not just put a bandage on it?”

Danny knows first-hand the nerve it takes to revolutionize a nation in the midst of perilous times. In 1968, he was among a group of students who fought to establish the first U.S. department of black studies at San Francisco State University. Their efforts paved the way for the Center for Black Studies at Southern Miss and other ethnic studies programs on college campuses across the country. 

The group’s September visit to Hattiesburg coincided with nationwide events marking the 40th anniversary of their transformational campaign. While in Hattiesburg, Danny challenged both the youth and senior members of the community to become leaders. He also championed the Southern Miss Center for Black Studies’ efforts to highlight the plight of African-Americans via a multidisciplinary academic approach.

In one year’s time, the Center has made remarkable strides. It has spawned a black studies minor, a weekly radio show, “Talk of the Town,” which airs on two local radio stations and podcast via the Internet; hosted guest lecturers; inspired the Black Studies Student Alliance (BSSA), a multicultural student organization engaged in service-learning projects; enlisted mentors for at-risk youth; encouraged accountability among community members; and promoted minority entrepreneurship.

“It was a pleasure to have Mr. Glover in town to help us commemorate the end of our first year of service,” said Southern Miss history professor Dr. Curtis Austin, the director of the center. “His kindness and concern for our community was very clear and we are indebted to him for helping us to raise the visibility of our operations. His ability to articulate the Center’s importance was a testament to his love for people and to his understanding of the importance of passing on knowledge to our youth.”

Dr. Austin credits the historic presidential election for affording another opportunity to further inspire and educate the community.

“The presidential race has encouraged young people to become more interested in the black experience and its importance to the future growth of the United States. The Center is a great guide to understanding the significance of electing the nation's first black president and its impact on all people of color,” he said.

The former community organizer’s victory might also “aid the Center in securing more grant funding from federal sources since he has on several occasions voiced his commitment to community service, a central tenet of the Center,” added Dr. Austin.

As Obama, the 44th U.S. president-elect, prepares to make good on some of his campaign promises, Dr. Austin and fellow leaders of the Center are moving forward with their agenda. Future goals include a black studies major, a technology center, and a feature length film on the lives of Clyde Kennard and Vernon Dahmer — two NAACP members who died as martyrs in the civil rights movement.

To learn more about the Southern Miss’ Center for Black Studies or how you can play a key role in its success, please contact Dr. Curtis Austin at 601.266.6973.

This interview obtained by chinika.com may not be published,broadcast,rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of Chinika, LLC.

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (2)

Subscribe to this comment's feed