To the Editor:
This is written in response to a letter entitled "University plays a key role in campus self-segregation" printed on September 10, 2003.
On behalf of the Black Student Movement, we would like to highlight the fact that we are not a "black-only" organization. The BSM aims to keep the black community and other minorities in touch with our respective cultures, as they exist as indispensable subgroups of the dominant culture at Carolina. Furthermore, we invite all people, regardless of their race, to our meetings. We do not seek to segregate ourselves from the white community. However, we believe that it is to the benefit of all parties involved for members of our organization to be able to express their thoughts and ideas to the black community before carrying them out to the university.
Furthermore, we feel that it would be in the interest of those harboring negative preconceptions about groups such as the BSM to make an effort at acquainting themselves with the goals of the organization before accusing it of self-segregation. Our general body meetings take place on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30, and they are a great way to learn about our purpose and aspirations.
Carolina is a diverse campus, but we must be careful about the way in which we choose to "desegregate" in order to be certain that students are sincere about wanting to work with one another. Conservation of culture should not be subordinated in the interest of promoting a facade based on superficial interaction between the races. To the contrary, human beings truly interested in bridging social gaps should strive for a deep understanding of other cultures in order to better identify with them. The Black Student Movement not only welcomes, but in fact exists on this premise, contrary to the negative perceptions that may exist about what we strive for.
Christina Lee, sophomore
914-1272
Brandon Hodges, sophomore
914-9498
Political Action Co-Chairs
Black Student Movement
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