Author: Anahid Yahjian
The usual lunch rush of students had to take a detour on September 28, in order to avoid interrupting the Panel on White Allies in the quad. Sponsored by the newly created White Students for Racial Equity group, the event entailed five-minute speeches by faculty members and students, followed by a question-and-answer session with an audience of approximately 70 students.
The discussion was initiated by Assistant Professor of Sociology Linda Wade, who aimed to introduce the concept of a white ally-a person of the white race who is supportive of minorities’ fight against racism. She referenced history and said “race was invented . . . specifically to preserve class difference in the United States,” alluding that racism is a fabricated concept and is invalid as a means of societal classification.
She emphasized that people other than those afflicted by racial inequality do in fact care and urged students to live lives of compassion, awareness and involvement.
“Our bodies matter, our histories matter, but ultimately what we care about matters most,” she said.
Wade’s introduction was followed by a presentation by Assistant Professor of Politics Caroline Heldman and Sociology Instructor Richard Mora of key moments in the Civil Rights Movement. Heldman talked about white Americans who had worked alongside the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Black Panthers, while Mora spoke of the importance of unity and sacrifice for the cause.
“Those for whom the issue matters most . . . should be the ones to take the meat of it,” Mora said. “Maybe history won’t remember you, but the fact is, things need to get done.”Following input from faculty members, ASOC President Ryan Bowen (senior) shared his thoughts on Oxy’s gradual move towards liberalism and stressed his desire for radicalism. “Speaking truth to power happens a lot better when you have a little power yourself,” he said.
Next, Michael Adams (senior) addressed the purpose of the group White Students for Racial Equity. “Being an ally is a continued process,” he said. “I don’t want white students to sit with guilt . . . I want something to be done about it.”
Black Student Alliance President Janelle Porter closed the panel portion of the event with an emotional urge to the student body to partake in the BSA’s move to eliminate racism.
“Fear holds us back,” Porter said. “Please, . . . for a second, depart from fear; come have these conversations, because they’re necessary.”
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