Okay, Mississippi Governor, Haley Barbour proposed to merge Alcorn State, Mississippi Valley, and Jackson State University as one college in order to savage the state's budget for $35 million dollars. Although Governor Barbour has limited good ideas, this one is sort of brilliant. I mean, merging educational institutions together. BUT, the number one problem to his brilliant proposal is that he's in the WRONG TERRITORY. Maybe he thought since Blacks became somewhat quiet and complacent ( I don't know why) in their economical/ financial ranking in Mississippi, than much wouldn't be sad. I never knew that a Governor could have a brilliant idea but very ignorant/dumb assumptions.
New media has pushed the thoughts, the voice, the concerns, and the PETITION to a national level. Via Twitter, Facebook, and Personal Email addresses has encouraged to protest against the merger. New media also has brought light to the anticipated assumption that African Americans can not unite with one another for their rights. The petition and the shirts isn't similar to the severity of the protest and riots on the UCLA Campus when tuition there was threatening to dramatically increase by 10%. Although the HBCU's tastefully protested at the State Capital and the Rally held on Jackson State Campus, this has the potential to grow into a blown out riot.
There are nothing but HBCU graduates, mostly Alcorn Braves (booooooo), in my family. Majority of them grew up in the south and had opted to attend and graduate from a HBCU versus those of us who are still influenced to stop the merger but less effected grew up in the North but opted for the black college experience. After proclaiming that the Alcornites would no longer exist but they would be Distant Tigers (lol), their decision and perspective on the topic was slightly defensive. "It won't happen. It will never happen." my cousin said. Soon after everyone pitched in with their comments of disgust.
As the ONLY soon-to-be Jackson State graduate in the room but not in the family, that was an argument that I wasn't ready for. And I agree. As bold and bald as Haley Barbour is "It will never happen." And, it won't but some concerns where raised about how academically poor and financially crippled this universities are becoming. Is the black community at a point where they are blinded by non-acceptance of ideas that they would rather hold legacy of a school that they didn't start but is continuing on and watch other BLACK colleges struggle to stay afloat. If is documented that Mississippi Valley and Alcorn State are declining in funds, resources, and enrollment facing fatal potential to no longer exist, wouldn't everyone loose out anyway. An university's legacy and heritage would surely be wiped out.
BUT, is this the time that BLACK AMERICA should be on one accord. Would everyone rather see their fellow HBCU-ians fall off the map? OR, would they rather embrace these falling institutions under one wing and not completely end their legacy but alter it. Of course in any hand written work you have cross your T's and dot your I's. However, are black institutions that selfish that we fight against difference. Black institutions shouldn't play comrades versus constituent. We should be CONFIDANT institutions for the Black America.
New media has pushed the thoughts, the voice, the concerns, and the PETITION to a national level. Via Twitter, Facebook, and Personal Email addresses has encouraged to protest against the merger. New media also has brought light to the anticipated assumption that African Americans can not unite with one another for their rights. The petition and the shirts isn't similar to the severity of the protest and riots on the UCLA Campus when tuition there was threatening to dramatically increase by 10%. Although the HBCU's tastefully protested at the State Capital and the Rally held on Jackson State Campus, this has the potential to grow into a blown out riot.
There are nothing but HBCU graduates, mostly Alcorn Braves (booooooo), in my family. Majority of them grew up in the south and had opted to attend and graduate from a HBCU versus those of us who are still influenced to stop the merger but less effected grew up in the North but opted for the black college experience. After proclaiming that the Alcornites would no longer exist but they would be Distant Tigers (lol), their decision and perspective on the topic was slightly defensive. "It won't happen. It will never happen." my cousin said. Soon after everyone pitched in with their comments of disgust.
As the ONLY soon-to-be Jackson State graduate in the room but not in the family, that was an argument that I wasn't ready for. And I agree. As bold and bald as Haley Barbour is "It will never happen." And, it won't but some concerns where raised about how academically poor and financially crippled this universities are becoming. Is the black community at a point where they are blinded by non-acceptance of ideas that they would rather hold legacy of a school that they didn't start but is continuing on and watch other BLACK colleges struggle to stay afloat. If is documented that Mississippi Valley and Alcorn State are declining in funds, resources, and enrollment facing fatal potential to no longer exist, wouldn't everyone loose out anyway. An university's legacy and heritage would surely be wiped out.
BUT, is this the time that BLACK AMERICA should be on one accord. Would everyone rather see their fellow HBCU-ians fall off the map? OR, would they rather embrace these falling institutions under one wing and not completely end their legacy but alter it. Of course in any hand written work you have cross your T's and dot your I's. However, are black institutions that selfish that we fight against difference. Black institutions shouldn't play comrades versus constituent. We should be CONFIDANT institutions for the Black America.
STOPtheMERGER
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