Watson Urges Black Unity As a Means to Black Equality

In a speech kicking off the Black Student Association's celebration of Black History Month, a national leader for Black youths yesterday urged students of color to seize educational opportunities.

Dennis Rahim Watson, who said the Black community could gain an equal voice in society through unity, is executive director of the National Black Youth Leadership Council. The group works in communities to reach out to youth.

"You've got the responsibility for your own success," Watson said to the audience of 30 in Ticknor Lounge.

Watson--whose topic was the "100 Challenges Facing Students of Color in the 1990's"--said the main problem for the Black community was disorganization.

He provided tips for students to improve themselves and their community.

"In order for us to develop corporations in the Black community, we must first cooperate...We need more than knowledge...We must know how to do," Watson said.

Saying his goal is to wake "the people upon the plantation," Watson said students should build upon the sacrifices and achievements of their parents and ancestors.

He urged students to make use of their education and return to their communities with the skills.

Using each letter of the alphabet, Watson listed what he considered were the keys to success for the Black community.

"It's about having an agenda...being bold...being confident...being daring..." he said.

According to Treasurer Tymothi O. Tombar '94, the speech was the first of several BSA-sponsored events to "to bring about a discussion of issues" for Black History Month.