Mary Frances Early lecture at UGA
Former Black Panther gives lecture
Student activism encouraged
CAROLYN CRIST
Issue date: 4/19/07 Section: News
The laughing and clapping coming from the Chapel Wednesday evening probably caught the attention of a few passersby.
For those in the auditorium listening to Elaine Brown, it was something to cheer about.
"Something has happened to the spirit of black people in terms of commitment," said Brown, a former leading member of the Black Panther Party.
Brown expressed the need for social activism in the black community as the speaker for the seventh annual Mary Frances Early lecture sponsored by the Graduate and Professional Scholars.
"What I'm talking about may not be a reality here at UGA, but we're not that far removed from the 'hood," she joked. "Some of us are just a loan payment away."
Brown, who has announced her candidacy for president under the Green party, gave her own social commentary on recent controversial issues, including the scandal involving the Duke University lacrosse players.
"We've got a sister at Duke who's seen as crazy because two white boys could buy their innocence."
In addition to the controversy, Brown spoke on health problems, poverty and the need for more student activism.
"I never saw change in the status of black people while I was in the Black Panther Party," she said. "The question is not where do we go from here, but where do you go from here?"
Brown said she encourages those who earn college degrees to help others.
"Those who want to become lawyers, give five hours a week to your brothers and sisters," she said.
It's also about connecting with the other struggling people of the world, she said.
"Commit your life to social activism so people -all people - can finally say, 'We are free at last,'" Brown said.
Mary Frances Early was the first black student to graduate from the University. In 1999, the Graduate and Profession Scholars proposed that she speak at the annual spring lecture. The next year, the group officially renamed its lecture in her honor.
"Every year I'm just amazed these students have the energy, not only to do their classes and theses, but also to take time and energy to put this together," Early said Wednesday evening.
"I am humbled and honored by our guest speaker," she said. "She gave us much to think about and has challenged us."
